At the end of Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, we witness a heartbreaking culmination of the characters’ journeys. The story, set during World War II, revolves around four young people—a Lithuanian girl named Emilia, a Polish boy named Florian, a German girl named Joana, and an injured soldier named Alfred—who are seeking refuge from the horrors of war.
As they make their way to the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety, the tension of their harrowing experiences reaches its peak. Tragically, the ship is torpedoed, leading to a devastating loss of life. The climax emphasizes the historical reality of the tragedy, where more people perished than the Titanic disaster. Ultimately, the fates of the main characters unfold in a way that highlights themes of sacrifice, courage, and the harsh realities of war.
In the end, we reflect on how the choices made in moments of desperation drive home the story’s poignant message about the consequences of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable loss.