Between Shades of Gray

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death and emotional abuse

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The title Between Shades of Gray operates on multiple levels throughout the novel—what resonated most with you about Sepetys’s metaphor and its connection to the story?

2. In what ways did Sepetys balance the brutal realities of the Soviet labor camps with moments of human compassion and resilience? Many readers compare this balance to that found in Elie Wiesel’s Night, though in different historical contexts—if you’ve read both, what similarities or differences stood out to you?

3. What aspect of Lina’s journey affected you most deeply?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Elena Vilkas demonstrates extraordinary compassion even to those who seem least deserving of it. When have you witnessed similar acts of kindness in difficult circumstances?

2. Lina uses her art both as documentation and as a way to process her experiences. What creative outlets have helped you navigate challenging periods in your life?

3. The stone with quartz becomes a powerful symbol of connection between Lina, Jonas, and Andrius.