Raving Redcoat

Raving Redcoat asked Ruta Sepetys:

Why do you think the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff is so relatively unknown? Certainly, other ocean liners that sunk during wartime have received a great deal of recognition (ex: RMS Lusitania), so why is this story only known to a relatively small group of people interested in World War II?

Ruta Sepetys Hello Raving Redcoat!

Thanks for your question about why the tragedy of the Gustloff is relatively unknown. I think there are a few contributing factors:

When the ship sank, the Nazis tried to conceal the story (and the fact that they were losing the war.) The Soviet submarine commander who torpedoed the Gustloff was dishonorably discharged shortly after so perhaps the Russians weren’t drawing attention to the story. And after the war, Germans didn’t publicize the sinking as they felt it was inappropriate to speak of their losses during the war considering the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

Thanks again!

More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello! I absolutely love the novels you published and I cannot wait to read more of your work! I have a few questions: 1. How much time did you spend researching for your novels? Was it more or less than the time spent writing the actual book? 2. What is your favorite historical period? 3. Finally, how do you pronounce your last name? This would settle a debate between my friend and me.

Christen

Christen asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! My name is Christen and I'm a high school student from Portland, Oregon. When I read "Between Shades of Gray," it lit a flame of inspiration to begin writing. I was wondering who/what inspired you to start writing? I was also curious about any advice you have on creating a character with depth and conflicting emotions and thoughts, but still making it clear and precise. Thank you.

Mia ♡

Mia ♡ asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! Since your novels are based on real events I know you have researched a lot in order to write them. Has anything you ever read or learned while researching -like a testimony from a survivor- changed you personally or changed the way you did something in your life? Also, I read "Between Shades of Gray" and I loved it, I even cried while reading it. One of my favorite books ever!

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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