World War II is always thought of as Axis Powers vs Allies. The Allies are the "good guys," who are the Americans, the British, and the Soviet Union as the main people there. And that the German are the "bad guys" who are murdering Jews. But this story shows the dark side of the Soviet Union, who are annexing the Baltic states and deporting people from there into a prison camp. This story is so sad and shows the shades of gray in people and the world. It is a very unique book.