Ruta Sepetys talks about her ninth book and first adult novel, A FORTUNE OF SAND, with Carol Fitzgerald. Set in 1920s Detroit during the Prohibition era, the story is centered on the wealthy Lennox automotive dynasty behaving badly and accumulating power. The youngest daughter, Marjorie, uncovers a web of family secrets. The book is rooted in deep historical research, and explores themes of power, impermanence, control, and the fragility of constructed legacies in Detroit during this time period.
Ruta discusses the control exerted over women during the era, often framed as "safeguarding" but functioning as suppression of creative and personal autonomy. She and Carol have a longstanding professional relationship dating back to her debut YA novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. Ruta notes that the cover design — Honolulu Blue and silver — is a nod to Detroit. She also shares that the "Dear Coco" interstitial letters throughout were part of the original manuscript and come together meaningfully at the end.
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Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald
Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
