Olivia
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I read "Salt to the Sea" as part of tumblr's Reblog Book Club. As you might have seen, there was a lot of discussion about the character of Alfred. What are your personal thoughts/feelings about him? I for one found him interesting--and deeply unsettling--and could clearly see why someone like him would be drawn to the Nazi party.
Ruta Sepetys
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[Hi Olivia!
Thanks so much for taking part in Tumblr's Reblog Book Club! I'm happy to hear that there was a discussion about Alfred.
In order to create the character of Alfred, I studied Adolf Hitler as a youth. Hitler wrote lengthy letters to a girl but never mailed them, he had a difficult relationship with his father. Hitler also had a fascination with hands so I included that via a manifestation on Alfred's hands. The number on Alfred's identification tag? It's Hitler's birthday.
For me, Alfred was also a study of visibility. He was rejected and invisible for much of his youth, but when Alfred put on a uniform he suddenly became/felt visible (even if only in his own mind) 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.
Thanks for asking. (hide spoiler)]
Thanks so much for taking part in Tumblr's Reblog Book Club! I'm happy to hear that there was a discussion about Alfred.
In order to create the character of Alfred, I studied Adolf Hitler as a youth. Hitler wrote lengthy letters to a girl but never mailed them, he had a difficult relationship with his father. Hitler also had a fascination with hands so I included that via a manifestation on Alfred's hands. The number on Alfred's identification tag? It's Hitler's birthday.
For me, Alfred was also a study of visibility. He was rejected and invisible for much of his youth, but when Alfred put on a uniform he suddenly became/felt visible (even if only in his own mind) 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.
Thanks for asking. (hide spoiler)]
More Answered Questions
Elena Smith
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Another question, out of the four main characters in Salt to the Sea, which was your favorite and which was most relatable? I'd like to add that Out of the Easy and Salt to the Sea made me realize my love for historical fiction dive well, and I love how you include such amazing romances that really get to me. Between Shades of Grey is on my to-read list still!
Agnes
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I really enjoyed reading Out of the Easy, like OMG! I was going to ask something, and then I happened to see you had already replied to a similar comment, and that you were positive about writing a sequel to it. I'm so glad you are considering it!(!!) (excuse my excitement, haha) Thank you, I would really like to read your other book as well. (I'm sorry this is not really a question?)
Ruta Sepetys
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