Emily asked Ruta Sepetys:

I just recently read Salt to the Sea and was extremely shocked as to how this tragedy has gone unspoken of in classes. What made you choose the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff as your topic of Salt to the Sea? And what inspired your characters? Loved your book!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Emily!

Thanks for reading "Salt to the Sea." My father's cousin was supposed to be on the ship and when she shared the story with me I knew that I had to write about it. While researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."

Thanks again!

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