A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! We were read "Between the Shades of Gray" in class last year and I adored it(although sadly can't say the same for my non-reader classmates)! The story is so beautiful and I am very excited to read "Salt to the Sea" and "Out of the Easy". I was wondering what made you want to write books about these different parts of history? Also, what makes you so into World War ll? It's one of my favorite things to study!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Sarah!
Thanks for your very kind words!
World War II allows us to study themes of hope, courage, love, and loss. I think that is part of the attraction. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes. Sometimes history can be perceived as boring. But through characters and story, historical statistics become human and suddenly we care for people we've never met, we can find their country on a map, and then - the history matters. Through historical fiction we can give voice those who will never have a chance to tell their story. That inspires me!
Thanks for your very kind words!
World War II allows us to study themes of hope, courage, love, and loss. I think that is part of the attraction. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes. Sometimes history can be perceived as boring. But through characters and story, historical statistics become human and suddenly we care for people we've never met, we can find their country on a map, and then - the history matters. Through historical fiction we can give voice those who will never have a chance to tell their story. That inspires me!
More Answered Questions
McKenna
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta Sepetys! I am loving your new book Salt to the Sea! My English class assignment right now is to read a historical fiction book so I heard of your new book and decided to read it. I was so excited to start reading it because I had read Between Shades of Grey and I was in love with it! I was so happy to hear that you had written another historical fiction book. One question I have is who is Alfred?
Kirsty Mcdougall
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta Between shades of grey is one of a few books that have had a strong emotional impact upon me. I was alarmed by the lack of awareness there is about the suffering of people who were put in Soviet camps. I thought you reflected this greatly at the end where people buried time capsules. Do you think a lack of awareness remains an issue and in writing between shades of grey were you hoping to raise awareness?
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