The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

GENRE
Historical Fiction

GRADE
Gr 9 Up for violence and some upsetting content

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Not a fan of series? Good news! This is a standalone novel with no sequels. (Note: if you are a fan of sequels and are looking for more of this author’s work, check our catalog for her other books here.

In 1957, Daniel, an American oil tycoon’s son and aspiring photojournalist, is staying at the Hotel Castellana Hilton in Madrid, Spain while his father tries to negotiate drilling rights from the country’s long-ruling dictator, General Franco. Daniel spends his time taking photographs of the beautiful city, and soon finds a tour guide in the form of Ana, a cheerful Spanish hotel maid assigned to serve his family during their stay. As the two travel the city and bond over photography—and especially the truths that can be revealed through it—Daniel soon realizes that there are two sides to Franco’s Spain: the bright, sunny experience for tourists, and the nightmarish reality for most Spaniards, which is to live in the shadow of a tyrant. As Daniel and Ana grow closer, they also risk uncovering one of Spain’s darkest secrets—a secret closely kept, that that few dare speak of.

WHY SHOULD YOU READ IT?

Sepetys’ newest historical epic expertly peels back the layers of Francoist Spain and reveals a fascinating, little-visited corner of post-World War II history that is often ignored. Although the book clocks in at almost 500 pages, the material covered—which includes the effects of the Spanish Civil War, to mid-century Spanish social customs—is deftly handled. Recommended for fans of historical fiction, or those seeking to learn something new about history.

WHERE CAN I FIND THIS TITLE?

• Click to see ebook availability: Overdrive/Libby