Salt To The Sea Reflection

Although Salt to the Sea is a story about things that have been lost and people enduring extreme hardships, it is also a story about hope, family, and love. In the novel Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, a band of refugees find unlikely friends and family within a group they formed to help each other get through the horrors of the war taking place in 1945 in Germany. The characters board a ship to bring them to safety in western Germany, however it tragically sinks and only 1/10 survive. The love and bonds that were created amongst strangers eventually gave them will and hope to carry on and to survive. Florian and Joana find unlikely love and companionship with each other on and after the Gustloff. In the chaos of the sinking, Florian and Joana stay together. Florian is needed in another boat, but Joana won 't let him go, “’Stay’ I begged him.’Please, Florian. Stay withe me’”(348). Joana knows that she,

Halinka also helps Emilia find peace while she dies, and is there for Emilia in heaven. “She giggled. She was a beautiful whisper. If only I imagined her, my little bird could always be with me….and for the first time in a long time, I was not afraid”(372). Halinka helps Emilia through her death, bringing her peace, love, and joy when she needs it the most. On the boat, after the traumatizing childbirth, Emilia is disturbed by past memories at the farm and Halinka soothes her, “Her little head bobbed, almost nodding at me. And then our eyes fastened. Her sweet yet steady stare calmed me. My shoulders released and the fear dissipated”(275). Emilia finds comfort and hope when she looks at Halinka, because she reminds her of home, of Poland, and that one day it will all be over and she can go home and live a happier life with Halinka. This helps Emilia to get through her struggles and gives her the strength to continue on through the tough