This was my second Ruta Sepetys book. I read this shortly after her newest release, I Must Betray You. Between Shades of Gray focuses on Soviet work camps at the beginning of WWII. I was almost unaware of this portion of history, and this book brought the atrocities to life. I highly recommend this book for its educational value, but I must mention that it is very dark. Be prepared for an emotional experience, and don’t skip the incredible afterword from the author.