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
Paloma Renteria
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ms. Sepetys! My name is Paloma, I'm sixteen years old from Dallas, Texas. Between the Shades of Gray is one of my favorite books!! I was curious, do you find it difficult to get into character for a time you didn't experience first hand? How does that creative process work for you? Thanks a lot!! :)
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more