Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea

by

Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea: 166. Joana Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Because he is afraid he is going to die, Florian begins to tell Joana the secrets of his life. Joana thinks of her own mother, and wonders how she will find out about her daughter’s death.
Florian has remained closed-off to protect himself and his mission, but now that he has lost the swan and embraced the possibility of death, he can finally be open and honest. Joana continues to find strength in memories of her family, as she has always done.
Themes
Memory and Survival  Theme Icon
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon
Quotes
Joana considers Emilia, how she pushed Klaus into the boat, sacrificing herself, and begins to cry.
Selflessly, Emilia saved her child and Klaus instead of herself.
Themes
Memory and Survival  Theme Icon
Joana wonders if her mother, who loved Lithuania, will be able to return and reunite with Joana’s father and brother, who might be hiding in a bunker in the woods. As she thinks this Florian kisses her and points out that a boat is coming.
In this moment, people Joana has loved in her past and present come together. She and Florian might actually be rescued, and they might reunite with her family.
Themes
Memory and Survival  Theme Icon
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon