A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I really enjoyed your book "Between Shades of Gray". I really enjoyed it. I want to ask you about the inspiration about that book, besides basing it on the real event. I also want to know if there were any secrets in it that I may have missed. Do you have any recommendations for any other historical fiction books? Thanks!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Caitleen,
During a trip to Lithuania I visited my father’s cousin and learned that after my father fled from Lithuania, some of our extended family members were deported to Siberia. I was shocked, but learned that my family’s history was not unique. There are millions of people whose lives were taken or affected during the Soviet occupation. Yet very few people know the story. I wanted to write a novel to honor the people of the Baltics and also to illustrate the power of love and patriotism.
If you enjoyed "Between Shades of Grey" I think you would like "Salt to the Sea" as well :)
Thanks for asking!
During a trip to Lithuania I visited my father’s cousin and learned that after my father fled from Lithuania, some of our extended family members were deported to Siberia. I was shocked, but learned that my family’s history was not unique. There are millions of people whose lives were taken or affected during the Soviet occupation. Yet very few people know the story. I wanted to write a novel to honor the people of the Baltics and also to illustrate the power of love and patriotism.
If you enjoyed "Between Shades of Grey" I think you would like "Salt to the Sea" as well :)
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Anita
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I love your books & have recommended them to several friends. They move me to tears as they are so beautifully written. I write too, have had short stories and poetry published, & would love to know how you managed to get your first book published. Did you have to submit to many publishers? Did you get initial rejections? I am aware how difficult it is to get published & hope to have my first novel published soon.
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