Ife
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta! I LOVED Between Shades of Gray and I was just wondering what inspired you to write about the time period that Salt of the Sea and Between Shades of Gray take place in? I'm very excited to read your new novel! I've heard great things :)
Ruta Sepetys
Hello!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. The time periods of "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit. That's what drew me to them. Thanks again!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. The time periods of "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit. That's what drew me to them. Thanks again!
More Answered Questions
Grace Clendening
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I believe that some of your inspiration for the story came from a relative, besides the path of his journey, were there any other pieces of "Between Shades of Grey" that mirrored their life during the Holocaust? Also, Have you ever thought about Lina's, Andrius's, and the other character's future after the story ends? I'm not asking for a sequel, but what're your thoughts on what happens following the epilogue?
Lisbeth
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I read "Between the Shades of Grey" for a book club at my school. It is now one of my favorites. I love how you captured events in history and made it a beautiful story. What were some of the challenges when writing the a novel based on historial events? What inspired you to develop Lina as a beautiful, artistic, intelligent, and strong character? If, you could change anything about the novel, would you? Thanks!
Dodie Brunton
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I thoroughly enjoyed "Between Shades of Gray" so when I heard about "Salt to the Sea" I read it right away. I love historical fiction and you have a wonderful way of enlightening readers about lesser known events during the WWII/Holocaust time period. What I particularly like about "Salt to the Sea" is that the story is told from 4 different points of view. What made you decide to use this vehicle to tell the story?
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