Reviews

Between Shades of Gray: The Graphic Novel by Andrew Donkin, Ruta Sepetys

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listless_librarian's review

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dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

mbm7pink's review

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dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This was a very hard, but good read. A sorrowful, but important story. The pictures really brought it to life and were very graphic. I enjoyed following Lina’s journey and the added romance.

Content Warnings

maryshervin's review

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challenging dark emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Just because it is a graphic novel does not make it any less of a story. Lina, a sixteen year old girl is forced from her home in Lithuania by the NKVD. In illustrations which set the tone and emotional prose we become viewers into her life in a forced labor camp. She will remain there for ten years. Based research and interviews conducted by Ruta Sepetys this is a powerful novel which doesn't hide the sorrow and horror Lina encounters. In the end it is a testament to Lina's will to survive which draws the reader in. Recommended for young and older readers who are looking for stories of hope amidst a dark time.

venkaulshae's review

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4.0

What a dense book

mae_is_my_cat's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

moilady's review

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book is wonderful. Its hurt my heart but I can feel hopes from the book.

theobromo's review

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5.0

A sorrowful but important graphic novel, Between Shades of Gray tells the stop Lithuanian prisoners forced in the 1940s by Russian NKVD to be slaves in Siberia and Arctic. Many died, and all survivors had to do horrible things to survive. Graphic novels are a great way to introduce topics and interest people in new things.