Dodie Brunton
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I thoroughly enjoyed "Between Shades of Gray" so when I heard about "Salt to the Sea" I read it right away. I love historical fiction and you have a wonderful way of enlightening readers about lesser known events during the WWII/Holocaust time period. What I particularly like about "Salt to the Sea" is that the story is told from 4 different points of view. What made you decide to use this vehicle to tell the story?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Dodie!
Thank you so much for your kind words about my novels and writing.
When I was researching "Salt to the Sea," 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 four characters who could give voice to a particular regional experience. I wanted the reader to look through the "lens" of Joana (Lithuania), Florian (Easst Prussia), Emilia (Poland) and Alfred (Germany).
Thank you for asking!!
Thank you so much for your kind words about my novels and writing.
When I was researching "Salt to the Sea," 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 four characters who could give voice to a particular regional experience. I wanted the reader to look through the "lens" of Joana (Lithuania), Florian (Easst Prussia), Emilia (Poland) and Alfred (Germany).
Thank you for asking!!
More Answered Questions
Ali
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello, Ms. Sepetys. I think your Salt to The Sea was THE first historical fiction novel I've ever read. And trust me, I cried at the end. Anyways, I was wondering, will you ever set a book in Iran? I'm from there and I actually never seen a YA novel or even any book (fictional) than is set in Iran. Is it possible for you to do that? And CAN YOU COME TO DUBAI PLEASE???? I live there and literally NO authors come. Thx!
Mandy Chilcote
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
As a middle school English teacher, Between Shades of Gray is one of my top recommendations for students who think they know WWII books. When I saw Salt to the Sea in the library, I snatched it immediately and am finding it hard to put down. I was surprised, though, to see another World War II book from you. Did the research for one lead to the idea for the other?
Sam Dauphinee
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!! I have always gravitated towards historical fiction stories for a good read, and I got to say, Between Shades of Gray is without a doubt one of the best I've read so far. My question is, was the story and the characters inspired or related to your personal life or bloodline? The profound emotion and heartbreak in the piece is heart wrenching. Thanks for the great story.
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