Book Review: The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Book: 24/100

Rating: 3.5/5

Summary: Under the oppressive dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen year old Daniel Matheson, the son of an 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 amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.

Ruta Sepetys shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart wrenching novel about identify, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence - inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I was lucky to go to Madrid a few years ago and absolutely fell in love with the city. I had no idea of the oppressive dictatorship Spaniards lived under for several years under Franco. I really enjoy reading historical fiction especially stories about different cultures and countries I haven’t read about before. There were a lot of stories going on in this book and found myself getting a bit confused at times; but because this one was for a buddy read I read about 1/4 of the book each week in February. I think I would have enjoyed it more and followed it along better if I read it all at once. I also liked that between chapters, there were vintage media reports, oral history commentary, and photos to serve as a reminder that the tragedies you’re reading about were real.