Ruta Sepetys author page

Ruta Sepetys biography

Ruta Sepetys is a Lithuanian-American author known for her historical fiction novels aimed at young adults. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and is the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee. Sepetys studied International Finance at Hillsdale College.

Her debut novel, Between Shades of Gray, was published in 2011. The book explores the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states during World War II and has been translated into over 30 languages. It was a New York Times bestseller and received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

In 2013, Sepetys released her second novel, Out of the Easy, set in 1950s New Orleans. The book was well-received and further established her reputation as a writer of historical fiction.

Her third novel, Salt to the Sea, published in 2016, focuses on the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. It won the Carnegie Medal in 2017, marking a significant achievement in her career.

Sepetys continued her exploration of historical themes with The Fountains of Silence, released in 2019. The novel is set in Francoist Spain and was praised for its detailed research and storytelling.

In 2021, she published I Must Betray You, a novel set in 1989 Romania.