Grace Clendening

Grace Clendening asked Ruta Sepetys:

I believe that some of your inspiration for the story came from a relative, besides the path of his journey, were there any other pieces of "Between Shades of Grey" that mirrored their life during the Holocaust? Also, Have you ever thought about Lina's, Andrius's, and the other character's future after the story ends? I'm not asking for a sequel, but what're your thoughts on what happens following the epilogue?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Grace,

I've always imagined that Lina and Andrius reunite and live a happy life together, despite the Soviet occupation. Their love transcends the difficulties.
My father's history inspired the character of the cousin, Joana, in the book. The idea for the character of Lina came from a woman I interviewed in Lithuania. She was a teenager in Siberia and her story was so powerful, her hope so strong. The Soviets had taken her family, her country, but she wouldn't let them take her spirit. She found a way to speak, even though her voice had been extinguished. She became a role model for me so I used her to create Lina.

Thanks so much!

More Answered Questions

Hala

Hala asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Mrs. Sepetys, my name is Hala and I'm in 6th grade. I read Between Shades of Gray this year and loved it. It was a cry worthy book. I'm looking forward to reading book two soon. I was wondering what inspired you to make a book about WWll? Sincerely, Hala

Alen

Alen asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello Ruta. I had to read your book "Between Shades Of Gray" in high school for my English class and I still remember it. It kind of reminds me of the movie, "The Way Back" (2000). Just a quick question. Do you ever get writer's block and if so, what do you do to overcome it? Thanks.

Rye Cobb (pages in perspective)

Rye Cobb (pages in perspective) asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I'm a book blogger online and I love your books. My favorite book of yours is, "Between the Shades of Gray." Will there be a sequel following Lina and Andrius picking up where the epilogue left off? I would love to see how Lina and Andrius meet again, and get a description of their married life. Lina and Andrius have the best love story and I would love to see more of them in the future!

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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