The story is too painful to bear, but at the same time beautiful, as it was shared in Ruta's novel Between Shades of Gray. It was the time when the three countries Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia were under the control of the Soviets, and children to seniors were put in labor camps, receiving the cruelest of cruelest actions, from words to abuse. This is a story that very few people know; World War II occurred right after that. However, as the author wanted the world to know what happened, history is known through her emotional yet brilliant book. Although the characters are not real, they are so realistic because Ms. Sepety's connected them to the world and her grandfather is beautiful ways.
Below is a video with the author describing her true story, a remarkable one hidden between shades of gray.
I have seen posts of bloggers interviewing well-known authors, so I thought that I would give it a shot emailing Ms. Sepety's, and I was surprised by the positive response. Man, I was so excited; I sent my questions immediately. Then, a month later I received answers, and after watching the video, you guys must feel the same about wanting more of her personal thoughts. Here is the interview:
1. What emotions did you feel when writing Between Shades of Gray?
RS - Sadness and surprise. I felt extreme sadness about the suffering and I was also continually surprised that this history is not yet widely known throughout the world.
2. I have heard that you have a personal story behind Between Shades of Gray. Can you please elaborate on that?
RS - My father is represented in the book by the character of Joana. My father and grandparents fled from Lithuania. Following their departure, some of my grandfather's family was deported to Siberia.
3. Did you have any passion for writing and reading when you were young? If so, who or what inspired you to read and write?
RS - Yes, I loved reading when I was young. Once I discovered the book "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl, I was hooked on books and stories!
4. As I was reading Between Shades of Gray, I grew attached to the characters Lina, Andrius, and surprisingly the grumpy Jewish man, Mr. Stalas. Mr. Stalas also had a personal story to narrate, just with his dialogue. Did you get attached to any characters? If so, how?
RS - I became attached to all of the characters. They felt very real to me because they were created using interviews with survivors who had been deported to Siberia.
5. Why kind of research did you do in Lithuania for Between Shades of Gray?
RS - My main research was done through interviews with survivors in Lithuania. Dozens of people agreed to share their story with me and I'm so grateful to them!
6. I am a very emotional and somewhat philosophical person. Did you remember your grandfather when writing this book? By writing Between Shades of Gray, you didn't only honor him, but you were a voice for thousands of Lithuanian survivors and people around the globe.
RS - Thank you! That is so kind. Yes, I absolutely thought of my grandfather while writing the book. I dedicated the book to him.
7. Did you connect any characters or aspects from Between Shades of Gray with your family or any Lithuanian survivors that you met?
RS - The main family connection in the book is the character of Joana, who represents my father.
8. What did you learn after talking to Lithuanian survivors, and what did they tell you?
RS - I learned so much, but the thing that echoes in my head and heart is that we must never
underestimate the force of life and power of love.
9. What books do you recommend for young readers?
RS - It's hard to recommend specific books because I know that all readers have different tastes. But I would ask that young readers try not to judge books by their cover. :)
10. How did you get the title "Between Shades of Gray?" What does the title mean to you?
RS - When I began writing the book, I thought the story and facts would be very clear, black and white. But as I began researching, I learned that many things weren't clearly defined and that the truth really existed between layers of gray.
That's my list of questions. Please feel free to leave most blank. However, if you want to answer most of them, take your time. There's no rush for the answers; it is just the need to ask the questions.
Thank you so very much for your great questions!!! :)
It is so kind for Ms. Sepety's to answer my questions, even though she is very busy. Between Shades of Gray means a lot to me, not only in bookish ways like the suspense, but how it affected me as a person. Other than learning about history that very few people know, I understand how life is not black or white. It exists between layers of gray. Life is never extremely jolly or sorrowful; it is complicated with different relations. Moreover, even when something turns out depressing, a good event always comes out from it from a gift from God. For instance, I do not have my best grade in science, even when I work my hardest. There is no point in worrying about it because a good event will be the effect, from learning life's lessons to receiving fulfilled desires. The true existence of life is to have complex yet harmony; there will certainly be a time where you will struggle and face hardships and even times where your days will roll off happily, with no tensions.
