I had no idea that the Soviet Union was clearing out Lithuania like Germany was clearing out the Jewish people during World War II. In this amazing story, we meet Lina (a teenager), her younger brother Jonas, and their mother Elena when they are deported from their home all the way to Siberia by train. Atrocities happen, but those trapped together form a community of sorts and share what little food they have and the small joys (and heartbreak) they experience. One of my favorite peripheral characters was the "bald man" (Mr. Stalas), a funny curmudgeon who says what everyone is thinking and has a long-buried heart. 

I really enjoyed this story. And, yes, not everyone might be in the mood for this type of story, but - when you are - it will be there for you.