Jill Forrest

Jill Forrest asked Ruta Sepetys:

This question contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

Ruta Sepetys Hi Jill,

Wow, I'm so grateful that you felt Lina was a role model. The idea for the character of Lina came from a woman I interviewed in Lithuania. She was a teenager in Siberia and her story was so powerful, her hope so strong. The Soviets had taken her family, her country, but she wouldn't let them take her spirit. She found a way to speak, even though her voice had been extinguished. She became a role model for me so I used her to create Lina. It makes me indescribably happy that you say she inspires you. Thank you!

More Answered Questions

zoe b.

zoe b. asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! My name is Zoe, and i'm from Spain. My question is: what inspires you to start writing? And what is your favourite book and film? I can't wait to read your new book, you are my favourite author! Thanks you for everything.

Olya Coffin

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

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

You write such beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction, what was your favorite part of doing research for both Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea? Who was your favorite character to write? When you write a particularly sad or brutal scene, do you have to step back and take a break afterwards? Are you excited about the upcoming film based on Between Shades of Gray?

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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