Salt to the Sea

As World War II draws to a close in East Prussia, thousands of refugees flee toward freedom, many carrying secrets. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge as they travel toward the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship offering the promise of safety. Forced together by circumstance, the three must rely on each other as their strength, courage, and trust are tested with each step. When tragedy strikes just as freedom seems within reach, all ten thousand people aboard—adults and children—must fight for survival regardless of nationality, culture, or status. Told through alternating points of view, this historical fiction novel is inspired by the real-life sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, described as the greatest maritime disaster in history. The book explores a little-known casualty of World War II and examines how humanity and love can endure even in the darkest circumstances.