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asked
Ruta Sepetys:
For our school reader, we had to read between shades of gray. I finished it because it was so intriguing. The vivid imagery was amazing! May I ask, why did you include a first-love romantic element in it? What inspired you to write it in? Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Ruta Sepetys
Thank you! I'm so happy you found the book intriguing.
The reason I included a romantic element:
During my research I met and interviewed many survivors—people who had been deported to Siberia and against all odds, survived. Many told me that it was love that kept them alive or sustained their will to live. Also, my father's cousin was deported to Siberia and fell in love with her husband there. I found that very powerful and moving and I wanted to weave that in the storyline.
Plus, I'm a hopeless romantic! :-)
Thanks again!
The reason I included a romantic element:
During my research I met and interviewed many survivors—people who had been deported to Siberia and against all odds, survived. Many told me that it was love that kept them alive or sustained their will to live. Also, my father's cousin was deported to Siberia and fell in love with her husband there. I found that very powerful and moving and I wanted to weave that in the storyline.
Plus, I'm a hopeless romantic! :-)
Thanks again!
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