A review by specialk136
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

4.0

Ruta Sepetys is just a cut above her peers with her writing. Actually, I'm not sure who her peers are - her novels are each so different but they're consistently good. This one is set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the 36-year rule of Franco - which I knew nothing about, even after visiting Spain twice. Yet she manages to fold in quotes from real diplomats and US foreign policy makers, bullfighting, baby snatching, and a cute romance. It's educational without hitting you over the head - it's nuanced and multifaceted. It tackles serious subjects with real consequences but is somehow fun to read - I flew through it.

4.5 stars.