Noreen
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
All of the women in this book are very strong in their own ways. Bad circumstances often make people stronger, but some survive because of their inner strength. How important was it for you to show strong female characters?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Noreen! I'm so grateful that you'd ask about this. There is a reason for every character, but the female protagonists in my books are everyday heroes. The world is populated by women just like them, and I love writing about real people who learn to overcome difficult circumstances. In a way, strong female characters are also a tribute to my own dear mother who overcame much in her lifetime through the vehicles of love and hope.
More Answered Questions
Natalie
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
A friend of mine recommended Salt to the Sea, and it has been my favorite read of the year thus far. My question is, how much time and what sort of research process goes into writing a book like Salt to the Sea? As a descendant of Eastern European Jews, who mostly perished during WWII, I find it difficult to find accurate information about that region and time period. Thank you for an exquisitely crafted novel!
Lisa Hobson
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi there, I adored 'Between Shades of Grey' as someone with Latvian ancestry. I wondered how easy it was for you to research the lives of ordinary people in this time period ( I had a nana who always wanted me to write her story but I wouldn't have known where to begin)? Thanks, Lisa Farrell
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