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A review by johanna_b
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
5.0
It's 1957 and Spain is in the midst of the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. But the borders are open and wealthy businessman and tourists flock the streets. Daniel Matheson is one of them, an eighteen year old who wants to go into photography for a living. He sets out to connect with his mother's homeland through his pictures but soon discovers that there is more to this country than meets the eye. Ana knows how important silence is. Revealing too much might cost her and her family their jobs, home and even lives. But then she meets Daniel and she just knows that he is different from the hundreds of other tourists who pass through the hotel where she works. She knows the risks but is it worth breaking silence for someone you love?
This story was so powerful. Reading this book I felt so naive. I never knew Spain had experienced a Civil War or of their dictatorship which lasted for 36 years! The media reports and historical commentaries interspersed throughout the book made it so that I learned more from this than any other historical fiction that I've ever read. An amazing bonus was I got to enjoy such a beautiful story at the same time. I loved the fact that each character had a voice. We get to hear the story, not only Ana and Daniel's point of view, but also that of Ana's sister, brother and cousin as well as the pain, joy and hopelessness each of them felt in turn.
I am currently learning Spanish so it made this book even more special when I was able to understand the Spanish words and phrases without having to turn to the glossary! What I learned from this book was that the truth can be hard and the truth can be ugly. The time isn't always right for sharing the truth and finding the right people to share with can be difficult. But once the time is right, don't throw away the opportunity to speak your truth aloud because truth breaks the chains of silence. It sets us free.
This is definitely one of the best historical fictions I have ever read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys these kind of books. I can't wait to go and visit Spain one day! Thank you Ruta Sepetys and everyone who contributed to the making of this book, I loved every minute of it. Happy Reading :)
This story was so powerful. Reading this book I felt so naive. I never knew Spain had experienced a Civil War or of their dictatorship which lasted for 36 years! The media reports and historical commentaries interspersed throughout the book made it so that I learned more from this than any other historical fiction that I've ever read. An amazing bonus was I got to enjoy such a beautiful story at the same time. I loved the fact that each character had a voice. We get to hear the story, not only Ana and Daniel's point of view, but also that of Ana's sister, brother and cousin as well as the pain, joy and hopelessness each of them felt in turn.
I am currently learning Spanish so it made this book even more special when I was able to understand the Spanish words and phrases without having to turn to the glossary! What I learned from this book was that the truth can be hard and the truth can be ugly. The time isn't always right for sharing the truth and finding the right people to share with can be difficult. But once the time is right, don't throw away the opportunity to speak your truth aloud because truth breaks the chains of silence. It sets us free.
This is definitely one of the best historical fictions I have ever read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys these kind of books. I can't wait to go and visit Spain one day! Thank you Ruta Sepetys and everyone who contributed to the making of this book, I loved every minute of it. Happy Reading :)