I don't even know where to start with this book. Every character has a story and although we don't know every character's story to its completion, Ruta has created a full story that connects the reader to all the major players. We know that Joana is full of compassion and competence. Her medical skills has made her essential to the group that is traveling their way to board the boat Wilhelm Gustlaff. The elder Shoe Poet has given the reader a sympathy towards the importance of hope. Florian, or the Knight as 14 year old Amelia calls him, struggles between what is right and what is patriotic, but eventually learns to accept his new found "family" he has traveled with. And Amelia, sweet Amelia. She has lived a life of security and love, only for it to be ripped out from her due to the trials of the war.
I am not usually a fan of World War II books, but again, this one is amazing in that I have learned something new, such as the history of the ship Wilhelm Gustlaff. I'm not sure how Ruta Sepetys finds these gems of history and turns them into an amazing story, but it is always so much "fun" to read. Not sure about the word "fun", but memorable, life changing, and fascinating might sound like I'm overdoing it (although I'm not).