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
Alvina
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I read all your books and Salt to The Sea is my favorite. I wonder why you make the main character related with Lina in Between Shades of Gray? Is there any spesific reason? Would you make the character in your next book related with character in your other book again?
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