This book has earned much acclaim by reviewers for it is a masterfully written historical novel about a little-known facet in world history. Ruta Sepetys follows six characters through their exodus from Germany in WWII to the sea and though we know what happens, we somehow cannot put this book down until we find a very satisfying ending. Ms Sepetys has earned a respected name in youth historical fiction and that title is rightly given. Though this book is listed as youth fiction and is geared for students twelve to seventeen, anyone who is interested in history and the lives of wonderful characters will enjoy this novel. It has a little bit of everything: adventure, romance, history, and art theft.