Heather
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Thank you for sharing the story of Salt to the Sea: both the historical parts and the characters' stories. In what ways do you support survivors of sexual assault-- the Amelias of our world-- and in what ways would you encourage us to do so? And are you familiar with the horrors of the "comfort women" of World War II?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Heather!
Thank you so much for your important question and thinking of the young women like Emilia. I created the character of Emilia to give voice to those who never were able to tell their story. Some of the women I interviewed and researched had not spoken of their experience for over fifty years. The shame and sadness they felt had stolen so much, including their voice. I decided the way to support these women was to create a character - a brave, selfless, loving girl - who might inspire discussion, reflection, and hopefully, progress.
I expected that upon publication the dialogue about the topic would be among women. I have been surprised - and very grateful - to also hear from men. Whether it was their sister, their mother, or themselves, they identified with the character of Emilia and her experience.
In terms of the tragedy of Comfort Women, I read a few months ago that Japan and Korea have agreed to compensation and apologies. Sadly, for most victims this is much too late. I believe it's estimated that over 200,000 women were abused. Many are no longer alive. The Comfort Women definitely deserve a novel of their own. Through characters and story, statistics become human and suddenly readers care. Thank YOU for being one who obviously has cared from the start.
Thank you so much for your important question and thinking of the young women like Emilia. I created the character of Emilia to give voice to those who never were able to tell their story. Some of the women I interviewed and researched had not spoken of their experience for over fifty years. The shame and sadness they felt had stolen so much, including their voice. I decided the way to support these women was to create a character - a brave, selfless, loving girl - who might inspire discussion, reflection, and hopefully, progress.
I expected that upon publication the dialogue about the topic would be among women. I have been surprised - and very grateful - to also hear from men. Whether it was their sister, their mother, or themselves, they identified with the character of Emilia and her experience.
In terms of the tragedy of Comfort Women, I read a few months ago that Japan and Korea have agreed to compensation and apologies. Sadly, for most victims this is much too late. I believe it's estimated that over 200,000 women were abused. Many are no longer alive. The Comfort Women definitely deserve a novel of their own. Through characters and story, statistics become human and suddenly readers care. Thank YOU for being one who obviously has cared from the start.
More Answered Questions
Mary
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I've read and love all your books and Salt to the Sea is my favorite. One of the reasons I liked it so much was because I loved all the characters. I also loved the way it grasped you because you knew people were eventually going to die but didn't want it to happen. Who's death was the hardest to write and was there anyone you thought, "no I love them too much to kill them?"
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