Lex asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! My name is Alexa and your book has become such a major part in my life! It has sparked my interest in historical fiction and I even got both my parents to read it! My question is, where did you find your beginning inspiration for hidden history? Did you enjoy history back in school or was it mainly just your father's past that gained your interest? Thank you for your amazing novel!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Lex!

Wow, so grateful that you not only read the book, that you had your parents read the book. Thank you!

I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes - and writing historical fiction is like being a detective. To be honest, I didn't love history in school. Sometimes history can be perceived as boring. But through characters and story, historical statistics become human and suddenly we care for people we've never met, we can find their country on a map, and then - the history matters. Through historical fiction we can give voice those who will never have a chance to tell their story. That inspires me! And yes, initially it was discovering my own family's history that kickstarted my writing. :)

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