Author Interview: Ruta Sepetys & Giveaway

Posted In: Author Interview, Giveaway

Ruta Sepetys

Books:

• Between Shades of Gray

Website | Facebook | Buy the Book

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously—and at great risk—documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

RS – Yes, there were definitely times that I had to take a break and step away from writing. So many of the scenes were full of such unimaginable cruelty. I really tried to balance the horror with a sense of hope but at times it was difficult.

This story has a personal connection with you, can you tell readers a little bit about that and why you chose to tell it.

RS – My grandfather was an officer in the Lithuanian military and would have been on Stalin’s extermination list. So my father and grandparents fled prior to the deportations. Unfortunately, members of our extended family were deported to Siberia. I didn’t learn that, however, until a meeting with relatives during a visit to Lithuania.

Is there a reason that you choose to tell the story though the eyes of 15 year old Lina, rather than her mother or father?

RS – Many of the survivors I met were young when they were deported and I was very affected by the things they told me they experienced during their teen years in Siberia. I hoped that making the main character a young girl might add additional dimension to the story.

What has been your greatest moment so far with the publication of Between the Shades of Gray and having this untold moment in history finally find a voice?

RS – I am overjoyed about so many aspects, but one of the things I’m most grateful for is that the book has sold in over 22 countries. If I think about all the countries who are bringing this piece of history out of the dark I get all emotional!

What books are you excited to read this year?

RS – Oh, great question. There are so many! Here are a few:

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell
Dead Rules by Randy Russell
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Selling Hope by Kristin Tubb
Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

Thank you so much for having me here at The Story Siren!!
I’ve included my links below. I will be visiting some bookstores in the near future and would love to meet your readers!

-Ruta

www.rutasepetys.com
www.betweenshadesofgray.com
www.facebook.com/rutasepetys

• A finished copy of Between Shades of Gray with a signed bookplate
• A BSG bookmark
• A BSG soundtrack download

Official Contest information:

• to enter, please fill out the form below
• entrants must be 13 years of age or older
• contest deadline is April 6, 2011
• contest open to US Residents Only*
• ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!
• check out my Contest Policy/Privacy Policy

*Thanks Penguin for providing the prize!

Related posts:

1. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
2. Author Interview: Kirsten Miller & Giveaway
3. Author Interview: Holly Schindler (A Blue So Dark) & Giveaway
4. Author Interview: Bree Despain & Giveaway
5. Author Interview & Giveaway: Melina Marchetta