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
Christina
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta! I'm a YA librarian & a fan of your books- my teens really love them! I remember when Between Shades of Gray and Fifty Shades of Grey came out and were being confused with each other- it was funny! Anyways, I could really picture your books as movies; if you could cast the four narrators in Salt to the Sea who would you choose? (If this ever happened, I hope they bring you in for scripting!)
Daisy
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, I recently finished an ARC of Salt to the Sea and it was absolutely stunning. I wasn't aware of what it was about until I finished it, and I was wondering; do you hope to educate people who think they're reading fiction on these 'unheard-of' events, or do you hope to attract people who already know these things - or do you just write for the love of it? I'm looking forward to reading your other books soon x
Luisa Garzón Ortega
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello I'm Luisa from colombia. as you know Colombia is a country where the violence is everywhere. I read "entre tonos de gris" or "Between shades of gray" last January and this book showed me the other side of the coin in other realities. My question is: What is the key for survive to the adversity?. Also I would like that you recommend me one book and one song of your preference. Thank you very much for read me. Reg
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Apr 05, 2016 10:44AM · flag