Kylie Flynn
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! After reading "Out of the Easy", "Between Shades of Gray", and "Salt to the Sea", I've concluded that Emilia is by far my favorite historical fiction character EVER (though all your characters are spectacular). Her story is so powerful and heartwrenching to me. What inspired you to make her particular story/perspective one of the main focuses of "Salt to the Sea"? -Kylie
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Kylie!
Thank you so much for reading all of my books and specifically commenting on Emilia! She means so much to me. I created the character of Emilia to give voice to those who were never able to tell their story—young women who experienced hardship and horror yet still put others before themselves. Emilia also represents the quiet sacrifice of Poland. Some of the women I interviewed and researched had not spoken of their experience for over fifty years. The shame and sadness they felt had stolen so much, including their voice. I decided the way to support these women was to create a character— a brave, selfless, loving girl—who might inspire discussion, reflection, and hopefully, progress. So to hear that Emilia is your favorite historical fiction character ever makes me cry! :) Thanks again!!
Thank you so much for reading all of my books and specifically commenting on Emilia! She means so much to me. I created the character of Emilia to give voice to those who were never able to tell their story—young women who experienced hardship and horror yet still put others before themselves. Emilia also represents the quiet sacrifice of Poland. Some of the women I interviewed and researched had not spoken of their experience for over fifty years. The shame and sadness they felt had stolen so much, including their voice. I decided the way to support these women was to create a character— a brave, selfless, loving girl—who might inspire discussion, reflection, and hopefully, progress. So to hear that Emilia is your favorite historical fiction character ever makes me cry! :) Thanks again!!
More Answered Questions
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
Suraj
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! Apart from reading "Between Shades of Gray", I have also noticed that your other books too have a plot surrounding the 20th century and the World War. Everytime I've read the plot of one of your books, you have brought a story which revolves around a bunch of hapless people caught in the middle of a war. What is it that you're trying to tell through their lives? FYI, I loved your book.
A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I've read Out of the Easy and Between Shades of Grey, and I loved them both! Here's my question: What's your favourite genre to read? Since you write historical fiction, is that your favourite? Or is it something totally different? Thank you for your amazing books!
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