Olivia asked Ruta Sepetys:

I read "Salt to the Sea" as part of tumblr's Reblog Book Club. As you might have seen, there was a lot of discussion about the character of Alfred. What are your personal thoughts/feelings about him? I for one found him interesting--and deeply unsettling--and could clearly see why someone like him would be drawn to the Nazi party.

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One of my favorite lines from Salt to the Sea is when Alfred thinks that there is so much ugliness in the world, and we should not be forced to face it. The novel itself forces the reader to face the ugliness of the world, but to embrace the love and beauty that exists despite--or in spite--of it. How does this theme reflect your view of the function of art, especially YA literature, if at all?

manon asked Ruta Sepetys:

Elizabeth Hoffe asked Ruta Sepetys:

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