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!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Lisbeth, thanks for your questions! The hardest part of writing historical fiction is the research and finding people who have knowledge or direct experience with what you're writing about. It can be a challenge to track them down and convince them to share their experience. I am drawn to writing historical fiction because it gives me an opportunity to give voice to those who might never have a chance to tell their story.

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.

If I could change anything in the novel I would change the character of the bald man just a slight bit. I intended for readers to see him as a hero but I think I missed the mark on that a bit. Thanks for asking! :)

flag