Sydney Robertson

Sydney Robertson asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello Ruta! I am incredibly fond of your novels and own all of them so I may read your beautiful words whenever I choose. When I am done reading one of your spectacular novels I ask myself questions about the world's current state, so thank you for helping me gain new perspectives. I am wondering what questions about this current state drive you to write historical fiction that explores the ways we have gotten here?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Sydney -

Thank you for this beautiful and thought-provoking question!
Questions that propel me are:

- What determines how history is preserved and recalled? Why are some parts of history part of our collective consciousness, while others remain hidden?

- To create a more just future, how can we learn from the past?

- Who is the child standing behind the fence? What if that child that we are trying to keep out of our country is the exact intellectual capital we need to make our world a safer place?

Thanks again!

More Answered Questions

Alzada

Alzada asked Ruta Sepetys:

Between Shades of Gray is one of the greatest books I have ever read as it sheds light on a topic many people aren't aware of. Have you ever considered writing a story based in Chile during the rule of Augusto Pinochet?

Hannah

Hannah asked Ruta Sepetys:

I'm reading Out of the Easy now, and I've already read Between Shades of Gray. I'm a huge fan of both! This question is about Between Shades of Gray: What really compelled you to write such a haunting and memorable piece of literature? Also, how much research did it take to make sure the book was historically accurate? Thanks!

Laila

Laila asked Ruta Sepetys:

I Loved the Out of the easy and Between shades of grey very much and gave them high ratings, i own lots of books and they are my favorites out of all of them , and i wanted to ask, is there a second part to Out of the easy, because i felt that there were many maybes at the end of the book and would like to know what will happen when Josie returns , so will there be a second book?

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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