Suraj
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! Apart from reading "Between Shades of Gray", I have also noticed that your other books too have a plot surrounding the 20th century and the World War. Everytime I've read the plot of one of your books, you have brought a story which revolves around a bunch of hapless people caught in the middle of a war. What is it that you're trying to tell through their lives? FYI, I loved your book.
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Suraj,
What a great question! I am drawn to stories of strength through struggle and stories about everyday heroes - normal people who, when thrown into impossible circumstances, choose hope and love. 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.
Thank you for asking!
What a great question! I am drawn to stories of strength through struggle and stories about everyday heroes - normal people who, when thrown into impossible circumstances, choose hope and love. 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.
Thank you for asking!
More Answered Questions
Amy Albert-Marshall
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
As a lover of young adult and historical fiction, you are one of my 'must-read-everything-they-write' authors. In a couple of months you are coming to my school to participate in our big read and I couldn't be happier about it. My question is: Do decide on your historical timeframe first and then look for the narrative or do you envision the character and decide where is history they best fit?
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