Rūta Vanagaitė
Rūta Vanagaitė is a Lithuanian author, playwright, and public relations specialist. Born in 1956, she has established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary Lithuanian literature and culture. Vanagaitė has authored several books, many of which delve into sensitive and controversial topics related to Lithuanian history, particularly during World War II and the Holocaust. Her works often challenge national narratives and encourage dialogue on historical accountability.
In 2016, Vanagaitė co-authored the book 'Our People; Discovering Lithuania's Hidden Holocaust' with Efraim Zuroff, which explores the role of Lithuanians in the persecution and murder of Jews during the Holocaust. The book sparked widespread debate and controversy in Lithuania, leading to significant public discussion about the country's historical memory and its reckoning with the past. Despite facing backlash and criticism, including personal and professional repercussions, Vanagaitė has continued to speak out on issues of historical truth and memory.
Beyond her work on the Holocaust, Vanagaitė has written extensively on various social issues, including aging and societal attitudes towards the elderly. Her approach often combines personal narrative with investigative journalism, making her works compelling and accessible to a broad audience. She remains an influential voice in Lithuania and beyond, advocating for historical transparency and ethical remembrance.