logo

76 pages 2 hours read

Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea

Ruta SepetysFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“Guilt is a hunter. My conscience mocked me, picking fights like a petulant child.”


(Page 1)

These are the first lines of the book and Joana’s opening narrative. Joana’s guilt plagues her throughout the novel, and it also motivates her to help others. The idea that the mind hunts those with secrets is a theme that plays out throughout the novel.

Quotation Mark Icon

“Fate is a hunter.”


(Page 3)

These words open Florian’s first section and assert the idea that destiny stalks us. The hunter motif is seen throughout the novel—and “the hunt,” as a metaphor for war, provides an explanation for the loss of humanity in both the hunters and hunted.

Quotation Mark Icon

“Shame is a hunter.”


(Page 5)

Shame plagues Emilia and also drives her forward. When she finally releases it, she is free to become a truly loving mother and die in peace.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 76 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,500+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools