Title: Burying the Sun
Author: Gloria Whelan
Series: The Russian Saga, book 3
Major Themes: Russia, Soviet Union, War, World War II
Synopsis: Georgi is not old enough to join the army when the Germans besiege Leningrad during World War II, but he does all he can to help the people of his city.
A few years ago, I found Burying the Sun for half price in a clearance sale, and since I know I have liked every book I have read by Gloria Whelan, I bought it. Then, it turned out to be one of the books scheduled in a Language Arts course I decided to have my children do, and one of my sons read it. Now, another boy is nearly to that point in the course, so I decided I should probably read it so I know what types of questions to ask!
Publisher’s description:
In the glorious springtime of 1941, Leningrad seems as though it will always be bright. And then, on June 22nd, Germany turns its forces against its old friend, and all at once Russia is at war. As the enemy army draws closer, winter approaches, and with it will come a darkness and hunger that will stalk the once-luminous city.
At fourteen, Georgi is too young to join the army. Still, he is determined to do something—anything—to help his family, and his city, through this terrifying time.
In this companion novel to her breathtaking Russian epics Angel On the Square and The Impossible Journey, National Book Award-winning author Gloria Whelan transports readers to a gripping and treacherous time in Russian history and illuminates the power of one brave young man who, by taking action, will bring light to a city under siege.
My thoughts:
I have heard of the siege of Leningrad before. I have seen it mentioned in history books about World War II. However, I had never read any stories of people who were living there at the time. Burying the Sun makes that siege come to life. It shows the horror of the war—and the goodness of common people. As always, some people were greedy and thought only of themselves and getting what they needed, but others did all they could for others, even to the point of losing their own lives. This is a beautiful story of love—love between family members, and love between friends. I really liked the way Georgi’s family and the family next to them in their apartment building cared for each other and did all they could to share and help. Though war is horrible and ugly, it can allow the beauty of love to shine through; that is what this book focuses on.
WARNING: Chapter 5: Man describes being on a ship that was blown up. Chapter 8: Man starves to death. Chapter 9: Truck sinks under the ice with men on board. Many more places in the book describe people being hurt, sick, or dying because of the war.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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