Between Shades of Gray

by

Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades of Gray: Chapter 83 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Lina is confused as to why she comforted Kretszky despite her deep hatred of the NKVD. The next day, Kretszky is gone. February arrives, and Janina comes down with scurvy. Jonas realizes that he, too, is developing it again. Lina tries to convince him they will be going home soon, to give him some hope for the future. She gives Jonas the stone Andrius gave her as a source of strength. As the storm rages, Lina goes begging from jurta to jurta for some food to give Janina and Jonas, but there is none to be had. Lina does her best to make Janina comfortable as they wait out the storm. Janina’s mother has been taken to the typhus hut. Lina tells Jonas she loves him.
Despite Lina’s determination to live, she simply cannot locate the resources she needs to help Janina and Jonas fight off the scurvy—they need fruit, vegetables, and sunlight, and there is none to be had for the deportees, particularly in the midst of a snowstorm. As with Elena before her death, all Lina can do is make the two children comfortable and pray for a miracle.
Themes
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon