Astra asked Ruta Sepetys:

My daughter requested to read 'Between Shades of Gray' for Gr8 English. Given the subject matter, I read it too. THEN told my mother she better read it too - brought back many memories for her (as a refugee from Latvia). She talked a bit more about that time period after reading it. Congratulations, looking forward to reading Salt to the Sea! Were you able to use family testimony at all?

Ruta Sepetys Hello Astra!

Wow, knowing that "Between Shades of Gray" was read by your daughter, you, and also your mother (a Latvian refugee!) is incredible. Thank you!

For "Salt to the Sea" I didn't use my own family testimony. My father's cousin had passage on the ship but wasn't able to board and the Gustloff sailed without her. But I did use testimony from families who had relatives on the ship. The testimonies were so emotional. Many people had a sense of ambiguous loss. They were left searching for answers and information and weren't able to enter or complete a process of grieving.

Thank you for asking. Please give my best to your daughter and mother! :)

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