Cailin
Cailin asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I'm a huge fan of your books and can't wait to read SALT TO THE SEA (I plan on reading all your novels). BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY is my favorite. When you are researching for a book, does anything you discover surprise you or change you? I guess I mean does researching for fictional characters impact you? I would assume traveling abroad and meeting people with different pasts would be eye-opening. Thank you!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Cailin!

Yes, there are always surprises! But one of the most common surprises is the miraculous nature of the human spirit. I write stories about people who face insurmountable odds and challenges. I am constantly surprised that people survived these tragedies. And yes, that does change me. It reinforces my understanding of spirit - that part of us that clings to hope!

Thanks for asking!
Ruta Sepetys
24,717 followers

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