Between Shades of Gray is a brilliant heartfelt, inspiring, and moving novel. The characters, the plot, and the emotions portrayed were so clear and vivd; the descriptions anchored me to the events like the murders, forced my stomach to twist with hunger during the times of starvation, and wrenched my heart when some characters died. I just couldn't set this book down and constantly asked myself "what happens next?" The constant suspense had me reading from around 9 at night until 2 in the morning. I was addicted like a smoker addicted to nicotine.
When I finally closed the book and rested my eyes, I silently sat, splayed across my bed as thoughts started to seep into my mind. "Why?" I asked myself. "Why would anyone be so cruel as to bury someone alive, while laughing at their cries for mercy and surrender? How can anyone have enough hatred to do so?" This perplexed me. "Can one's mind really bear enough hatred to treat fellow humans like swines or 'sveenya'? To murder babies born only minutes ago, children, and the elderly?" This question haunted my mind. Had humanity stooped as low as this?
After much thought, I decided: No. Strange as it may sound, humanity has instead strengthened through harder times. When there is evil, there is surely kindness. Between Shades of Gray supports my thesis, telling stories of the brave and compassionate.
One character, Lina's mother, Elena had constantly showed love to those who seemingly did not deserve it. A snarky and nasty man, who is constantly referred to has the "bald man" or Mr. Stalas, had constantly hurt the other occupants on the train, trying to pacify his suicidal thoughts and relieve himself of guilt. Despite his crude behavior, Elena had cared for his wounds, kept him alive with sharing her rations, and welcomed him with opened arms when some of the others tried to shun him. She thanked the cranky old woman who demanded tax and payment for everything Lina's family had used. Elena spoke to the very people who buried her alive with civility and even kindness. She sympathized with a Soviet guard, knowing that inside the man was still a young and confused child. She even refused to spy for the Russians even though they offered much needed privileges. Elena Vilkas was a woman of high morality. She always treated everyone with kindness despite her own disposition. She believed in humanity until the very end.
Elena may be a fictional character, but she still taught me and probably all the other readers that life is precious-- no matter how low we fall, no matter how painful it may be, no matter how much we want to run away, love will find its way.
When I finally closed the book and rested my eyes, I silently sat, splayed across my bed as thoughts started to seep into my mind. "Why?" I asked myself. "Why would anyone be so cruel as to bury someone alive, while laughing at their cries for mercy and surrender? How can anyone have enough hatred to do so?" This perplexed me. "Can one's mind really bear enough hatred to treat fellow humans like swines or 'sveenya'? To murder babies born only minutes ago, children, and the elderly?" This question haunted my mind. Had humanity stooped as low as this?
After much thought, I decided: No. Strange as it may sound, humanity has instead strengthened through harder times. When there is evil, there is surely kindness. Between Shades of Gray supports my thesis, telling stories of the brave and compassionate.
One character, Lina's mother, Elena had constantly showed love to those who seemingly did not deserve it. A snarky and nasty man, who is constantly referred to has the "bald man" or Mr. Stalas, had constantly hurt the other occupants on the train, trying to pacify his suicidal thoughts and relieve himself of guilt. Despite his crude behavior, Elena had cared for his wounds, kept him alive with sharing her rations, and welcomed him with opened arms when some of the others tried to shun him. She thanked the cranky old woman who demanded tax and payment for everything Lina's family had used. Elena spoke to the very people who buried her alive with civility and even kindness. She sympathized with a Soviet guard, knowing that inside the man was still a young and confused child. She even refused to spy for the Russians even though they offered much needed privileges. Elena Vilkas was a woman of high morality. She always treated everyone with kindness despite her own disposition. She believed in humanity until the very end.
Elena may be a fictional character, but she still taught me and probably all the other readers that life is precious-- no matter how low we fall, no matter how painful it may be, no matter how much we want to run away, love will find its way.