Praj C.’s Reviews > Between Shades of Gray > Status Update

315-344 One theme of this book might be doing the right thing is better than doing what is told. For example, Kretzky did the right thing and rather than following the NKVD's orders to stay, he told the inspector about the working conditions that they faced and he released the surviving people back to their home. Also, the right thing for Lina to do was to feed others her ration, instead of eating all of her own.

296-315 20 min I feel really sad that Mother had given it all to help others as much as she could, but her result was a slow and painful death. I think she decided to give up on her life because she heard from Kostas that her husband died, and there is no hope left.

191-233

191-233 60 min I think the theme for this book is what makes you happy isn't your wealth or belongings, but your family and friends. This is because even though everyone was starving, they still celebrated Lina's birthday and still made her happy even without the fancy gifts and parties. Also, even with just the meager food and shelter, they still stayed together and tried to be as happy as possible.

35 min 170-191 I think the letter that Mrs. Rimias received symbolizes hope since before they received any letters, everyone felt hopeless since they had been tortured by the NKVD at the labor camps. However, when the letter came, everyone felt hopeful and happy that their relatives are still alive. This gives them a bit of hope that they will see their loved ones again.

120-170 80 min. I have a book to book connection and that is that in the book Once, Felix saw holes in the ground that is for burying the Jews that the Jews made. This is kind of like this book since Lina and her family has to dig holes in the ground, and lie in there while the NKVDs tried to bury them alive. I think the contract symbolizes the loss of hope because they are giving up their life if agreed to sign it.

67-88 I think the flashbacks Lina has shows her past memories with what is occurring right now to her. For example, the flashback she had about how nobody could read her signature except her dad is similar to how she is making drawings on the way so her dad will know it's her.

I think the art school that Lina would've gone to if not for the Soviets taking her away symbolizes hopeless because she was so thrilled and happiness when her teacher recommended her to go there, but because of the Soviets taking her away to Russia, there is no hope for her to attend that school.

1-27 I think the NKVD soldiers don't know the meaning of life for Lina and others since he is ruthless to them and doesn't show any respect to her family. Also, the reason why the author wrote 'my brother's [life] was worth a pocket watch' shows us how human life can sometimes be so worthless