Ruta Sepetys
Hi Christine!
Thank you so much for asking about Hannelore. Like you, I have continued to wonder about her and I would love to write her side of the story. Yes, it's probably awful and tragic. With Hannelore, I wanted to show that when Alfred put on a uniform he suddenly became/felt visible and that visibility then mutated into a sense of power. Alfred felt that he was superior and entitled to possess beautiful, innocent things - like the butterflies pinned to his closet wall - and Hannelore.
And wow, it's absolutely amazing that you thought Hannelore may have been Alfred's mother! I say that because in the original draft of "Salt to the Sea," all of Alfred's letters were to his mother, not Hannelore. I always felt that there was something unsettling between Alfred and his mother, but I thought I was the only one who felt that way. You're the first person to mention it. Thank you!!! Very validating for me. :)
Thank you so much for asking about Hannelore. Like you, I have continued to wonder about her and I would love to write her side of the story. Yes, it's probably awful and tragic. With Hannelore, I wanted to show that when Alfred put on a uniform he suddenly became/felt visible and that visibility then mutated into a sense of power. Alfred felt that he was superior and entitled to possess beautiful, innocent things - like the butterflies pinned to his closet wall - and Hannelore.
And wow, it's absolutely amazing that you thought Hannelore may have been Alfred's mother! I say that because in the original draft of "Salt to the Sea," all of Alfred's letters were to his mother, not Hannelore. I always felt that there was something unsettling between Alfred and his mother, but I thought I was the only one who felt that way. You're the first person to mention it. Thank you!!! Very validating for me. :)
More Answered Questions
Karyn Buchanan
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, As an English Teacher, I can tell you that my kids love your book Between Shades of Gray. I loved your latest book Salt to the Sea! How do you make history come alive? How do you research your novels? Thank you for the beautiful books. I cherish them. Karyn
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