Lisa Hobson
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi there, I adored 'Between Shades of Grey' as someone with Latvian ancestry. I wondered how easy it was for you to research the lives of ordinary people in this time period ( I had a nana who always wanted me to write her story but I wouldn't have known where to begin)? Thanks, Lisa Farrell
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Lisa,
It's always so wonderful to hear from others with Baltic heritage or a connection to the Baltic experience.
My first bit of advice would be to dig through family archives, relatives, and friends to find photos, journals, or any personal mementos. A single photograph could unlock a whole story for you. If possible, I would also encourage you to interview any and all elderly family members left. Their story and memories are so important! You might also go to the library and use Ancestry.com online. Through Ancestry you can research the ship that your family came over on and even print the passenger manifest. Once you know the name of the ship, you can check to see if anyone on Ancestry has posted photos or stories from their experience on the ship. You can also research census reports of each household. Hope that helps!
It's always so wonderful to hear from others with Baltic heritage or a connection to the Baltic experience.
My first bit of advice would be to dig through family archives, relatives, and friends to find photos, journals, or any personal mementos. A single photograph could unlock a whole story for you. If possible, I would also encourage you to interview any and all elderly family members left. Their story and memories are so important! You might also go to the library and use Ancestry.com online. Through Ancestry you can research the ship that your family came over on and even print the passenger manifest. Once you know the name of the ship, you can check to see if anyone on Ancestry has posted photos or stories from their experience on the ship. You can also research census reports of each household. Hope that helps!
More Answered Questions
Bailee Warber
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta Sepetys, First of all I would like to say that your book Between Shades of Gray was obviously beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. On regards to that book, how do you create the personalities for your characters? Are they based off of real people? Do you get random inspirations for different characters? The characters that you portray in your books are so fascinating and lively! Thank you for your time!
Gabrielle
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I'm a freshman in highschool, and I read Between Shades of Gray about a year and a half ago. I absolutely loved it. I really want to know, how does writing such a deeply emotional book affect you? Even though it is historical, did it and your other books leave a lasting impression? Thanks! Gabi
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