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?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Grace,
I've always imagined that Lina and Andrius reunite and live a happy life together, despite the Soviet occupation. Their love transcends the difficulties.
My father's history inspired the character of the cousin, Joana, in the book. The idea for the character of Lina came from a woman I interviewed in Lithuania. She was a teenager in Siberia and her story was so powerful, her hope so strong. The Soviets had taken her family, her country, but she wouldn't let them take her spirit. She found a way to speak, even though her voice had been extinguished. She became a role model for me so I used her to create Lina.
Thanks so much!
I've always imagined that Lina and Andrius reunite and live a happy life together, despite the Soviet occupation. Their love transcends the difficulties.
My father's history inspired the character of the cousin, Joana, in the book. The idea for the character of Lina came from a woman I interviewed in Lithuania. She was a teenager in Siberia and her story was so powerful, her hope so strong. The Soviets had taken her family, her country, but she wouldn't let them take her spirit. She found a way to speak, even though her voice had been extinguished. She became a role model for me so I used her to create Lina.
Thanks so much!
More Answered Questions
Derek
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
If you could only choose three, what would you choose as your favorite novels from other writers? I'm a slow reader but I'm always looking for good recommendations. I loved Between Shades of Gray and I really like that you try to incorporate some of the more obscure parts of history than a lot of other historical fiction. Thanks!
Dena
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I am a graduate student working on my history degree. I love reading holocaust fiction (and nonfiction), and am considering arguing the importance of the genre in teaching middle-grade through college history students about the Holocaust. Do you have an opinion on this topic? And, if so, would it be okay with you to reference your response in my research paper? "Between Shades of Gray" is a favorite of mine!
Baylie
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Will you write other novels based on different historical events?(I would love to see that!) Would you ever consider writing in a different genre? Your books are so great! I love how when I'm reading them I'm not only enjoying the story, but I learn something from each book.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more