Meet the winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal whose dramatic story, set in 1945, tells of thousands of East Prussian refugees desperate to be saved by the ship the Wilhelm Gustloff. Among them are three children who, forced by circumstances to come together, find their strength, courage and trust in each other tested with each step nearer to safety. Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. American-Lithuanian Ruta Sepetys discusses her heritage, her experience of writing the novel and her delight at winning the Carnegie Medal with Jonathan Douglas, Director, National Literacy Trust.
