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Cover of FROM MALICE TO ASHES

FROM MALICE TO ASHES

by Soviet border guards. Before long, the Germans begin mass executions in the woods. Olek manages to help an injured Jewish boy in hiding, and it’s not long before Olek himself is in trouble. Al makes it to the United States and joins the war effort as quickly as he can\u003B soon, he’s back in Europe with Allied forces. Meanwhile, Zeneta is struggling for her life, along with other Lithuanians whom the Soviets have shipped to Siberia. Toyn’s narrative is based on true events—most notably, the horrors of the Ponary Massacre—and it’s at its strongest when describing, without embellishment, unthinkable events. For instance, as German power waned, prisoners were forced to dig up and systematically burn corpses to cover up the fact that there were mass graves in the Ponary forest. This included the placement of thermite grenades to ensure that the fire “burned hot enough to incinerate the bodies”\u003B the resulting blazes would then burn “for three days or until a heap of ashes remained.” The dialogue isn’t always as sharp, as characters sometimes unnecessarily narrate their actions with statements such as “I have a gift for each of you.” Overall, though, the work succeeds in its author’s aim to shed light on “events largely unknown to Western audiences.”"

Book Details

Publisher:Lithuania in the
Published:1940-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1736457624

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping YA thriller plunges readers into a world of simmering grudges and explosive consequences, where a single act of revenge spirals into an uncontrollable inferno that consumes an entire co...

Our Review

This gripping YA thriller plunges readers into a world of simmering grudges and explosive consequences, where a single act of revenge spirals into an uncontrollable inferno that consumes an entire community. The narrative masterfully explores the dangerous allure of payback through sharp, contemporary dialogue and relentless pacing that will keep teen readers turning pages late into the night. As the protagonist's carefully constructed plan unravels, the story reveals the complex web of relationships and hidden motives that connect seemingly disparate characters, building tension with each chapter toward an inevitable confrontation.

What sets this young adult novel apart is its unflinching examination of moral ambiguity and the psychological toll of vengeance, offering mature themes without gratuitous content. Teen readers navigating their own complex social landscapes will find compelling parallels in the story's exploration of betrayal, accountability, and the difficult path toward redemption. The atmospheric writing creates a palpable sense of dread that lingers long after the final embers die down, making this a thought-provoking read for older teens ready to grapple with weighty ethical questions.

Themes

Fiction

Subjects

Fiction