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A conversation with Michigan native and bestselling author Ruta Sepetys about her new novel set in Detroit | One Detroit
By Detroit PBS at BridgeDetroit
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
This story also appeared in Detroit PBS - One Detroit
Michigan native and bestselling author Ruta Sepetys joins One Detroit to discuss her new novel, “A Fortune of Sand.” It’s a historical drama set in Detroit during the city’s 1920s boom. Inspired by an often overlooke...
Key takeaway ” It’s a historical drama set in Detroit during the city’s 1920s boom.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The release of Ruta Sepetys' new novel, "A Fortune of Sand," set in 1920s Detroit, brings attention to a pivotal moment in the city's history. This era of rapid growth and transformation had a lasting impact on Detroit's development, shaping the city's economy, culture, and identity. As a Michigan native, Sepetys' work is particularly noteworthy, offering a unique perspective on the city's past and its continued influence on contemporary Detroit. The fact that her novel explores themes of ambition, family loyalty, and the rise and fall of fortunes will likely resonate with local readers who are familiar with the city's complex history. By examining the experiences of Detroiters during this transformative period, Sepetys' work can help inform a deeper understanding of the city's current challenges and opportunities, and how its history continues to shape its present.
About this story
Original reporting by BridgeDetroit . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit BridgeDetroit . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: BridgeDetroit ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? This story also appeared in Detroit PBS - One Detroit
Michigan native and bestselling author Ruta Sepetys joins One Detroit to discuss her new novel, “A Fortune of Sand.” It’s a historical drama set in Detroit during the city’s 1920s boom. Inspired by an often overlooke...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by BridgeDetroit and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Detroit PBS at BridgeDetroit. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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