(Young Adult Historical Fiction)

The Fountains of Silence is a book by Ruta Sepetys. The story introduces the reader to Daniel Matheson, who is visiting Spain, the country where his mother was from. Without spoiling the book, I will write as best as I can to describe this book. ;)

The book begins in Madrid, 1957. Eighteen-year-old Daniel is a photographer. He hopes to find the secrets of Spain through his photography, and that leads him to Ana. She is a maid at the hotel Daniel is staying at, and not only that, but she has a past which she refuses to reveal to Daniel.

Ruta Sepetys writes amazing books, weaving many lenses and perspectives together to form a complicated story. She not only writes incredibly, but she leaves you on the edge of your seat, wishing you could know all the details at once and not have them drawn out.

Daniel and Ana find each other conflicted by love, their lives and families, and the oppressive dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. After secrets and stories are revealed, the two wonder how they will be able to be together when Daniel’s trip comes to an end.

This book is one of my all-time favorites, and Ruta Sepetys is an incredible author. I have three of her books, (she has written four) and I love them all!

I would say that The Fountains of Silence is suited for 14+. There is romance (obviously, there’s two teenagers!), but it’s sweet and you can’t help but wish for them to be together. There are also a couple of intense scenes, taking place in a graveyard (where two boys work.) Some political talk kids under 13 might not understand, (I barely understand politics myself…). Overall, this book is great for teens and young adults!