Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Fountains of Silence

By Ruta Sepetys
Published: Philomel Books, 2019
Pages: 512
Genre: Historical fiction, Young adult
Amazon, Goodreads

"Truth breaks the chains of silence."
Puri puts a trembling hand to her chest. Her voice drops to a whisper.
"It sets us all free."

About the book

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into the country under the welcoming guise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of a Texas oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography — and fate — introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War — as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions admidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.

Review

Fountains of Silence is one of the biggest page-turners of the year you won’t want to miss!

The story alternates between the viewpoints of Daniel, a young Texan man who aspires to be a photojournalist, and Ana, a poor Madrid maid who works at a hotel catered to rich Americans.

With the story revolving around a teenage boy who comes from a family of wealthy oil tycoons falling in love with a young woman from a poor family, the book is at risk of becoming a clique, but thanks to the rich dimensions of Daniel and Ana, the Fountains of Silence is actually very unique.

Daniel is given added depth by his mother, a transplanted Spanish native who instills in his son the importance of her heritage. This helps steer him away from the typical “rich boy” vibe. Ana is also an impressive character; she is a mature young woman who has to work hard to assist in supporting her family following the murder of her parents by Franco’s regime.

The setting of the book — Madrid in 1957 when it was under the fascist dictatorship is General Francisco Franco also makes this novel stand out among YA historical fiction. It’s clear that author Ruta Sepetys completed thorough research prior to writing this novel; Fountains of Silence shows a glimpse into the true post-war struggles of Spain at that time.

I devoured this book in an entire day, which is saying a lot since it’s over 500 pages. I really enjoyed this one!

RATING (out of five puppies)