Olya Coffin
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I loved Out of the Easy but it was hard for me to read Between Shades of Grey and especially Salt to the Sea because... I am Russian. As much as I hate the committed atrocities, I remain patriotic and wish you depicted the great sufferings the Russian nation had to endure during the war. No one likes to be a bad guy. Is this something you might consider for a book in the future? Thank you, Olya Coffin
Ruta Sepetys
Dear Olya,
Thank you so much for reaching out! My research always reminds me that all stories have two sides, and that war has no real victor. One of my favorite characters to write in "Between Shades of Gray" was the character of Kretzsky, the Soviet guard. Kretzsky was conflicted and forced into a difficult situation. But amidst all of that, he displayed true courage— showing kindness in an atmosphere of cruelty.
Thank you for your suggestion!
Thank you so much for reaching out! My research always reminds me that all stories have two sides, and that war has no real victor. One of my favorite characters to write in "Between Shades of Gray" was the character of Kretzsky, the Soviet guard. Kretzsky was conflicted and forced into a difficult situation. But amidst all of that, he displayed true courage— showing kindness in an atmosphere of cruelty.
Thank you for your suggestion!
More Answered Questions
Delaney
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I have read all three of your books and absolutely love them! I am currently in high school and am interested in possibly writing plays and musicals when I'm older. Out of curiosity, what do you think about a stage adaptation of any of your books? I can't wait for Ashes in the Snow to come out! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me!
Alex
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!! So exciting to see you are accepting questions. Mine is that I am interested in writing a book (or my part of the book) using the same multi-person narrative that you did. I enjoyed Salt to the Sea so much, and wondered if you had any advice on the best way to go about doing that? since your character narratives flowed so wonderfully well with each other, which made it so nice to read. Thank you!!
Jillian
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ms. Sepetys, First off, I thourougly enjoyed both Between Shades of Grey and Salt to the Sea...the latter one being read by my book club who all loved it. (except Alfred...he's kinda a wack-job) Would you consider writing a book with another member of the Vilkas family now that Lina and Joana are written for? Who are your favorite authors? How do you get out of writer's block? Thanks, Jillian :)
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