A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta- I read Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy a while ago and loved them both. My question to you is- What made you choose your topics and settings for each of your books?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Maddie!

I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I choose topics and settings that contain those elements. "Between Shades of Gray" and "Out of the Easy" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit.

Thanks for asking!

More Answered Questions

Emi's Bookcases

Emi's Bookcases asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta ! I'm fan of your books ! I discovered your books thanks to one of my friend and I really loved "Between Shades of Grey". I look forward to reading "Salt to the Sea". What is your favorite historical period and why ? Greetings from France

yari

yari asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi. I love "Between shades of gray", and I was wondering why you like to base your books on different parts of history? Any war themed book you'd like to recommend?

Karlie

Karlie asked Ruta Sepetys:

I'd just like to thank you for writing Between Shades of Gray. I read it when I was in 6th grade and it had a big impact on my life. This book made me want read more World War II stories. Because of this, I discovered many more World War II stories that also greatly impacted my life. I also loved Salt to the Sea. Thank you for writing such life-changing stories. What will you write next?

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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