After nearly eight years of writing for this blog, it is natural that I would have a still growing list of authors whose new releases I always get excited about. One of those authors is definitely Ruta Sepetys, and I am beyond excited to talk about her newest novel, The Fountains of Silence. Sepetys writes historical fiction for young adult readers, and this time she is tackling life in Spain under the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.The Situation: It is 1957 in Madrid, Spain, and 18 year-old Daniel Matheson has joined his father and mother on a trip from their home in Dallas, Texas. Daniel loves photography, and is rarely seen without his camera. But as the son of an oil tycoon, there is considerable pressure for him to join the family business. While his father conducts business, and his mother plays the cheery socialite, Daniel is free to take pictures, and also get to know the pretty maid that has been assigned to his family at the hotel. Ana is funny, smart, good at her job, and also mysterious and careful. Daniel desires to take pictures of the real Madrid, and Ana is the perfect person to show it to him. But if Daniel is to stay out of trouble, he is going to have to take a cue from Ana and be careful, because in General Francisco Franco's regime, you never know who is watching.
The Problem: As Daniel and Ana get closer, there are many forces seemingly doing their best to keep them apart. On Daniel's side, he has his family, who would prefer he stay tied to a girl back in Texas as that relationship looks perfect, if only on paper. It also does not help that Mr. Matheson is less than supportive of Daniel's photography. For Ana, spending too much time with a hotel guest could mean termination, and she desperately needs this job. While Daniel may want for nothing, Ana knows only hard work and sacrifice, as do her brother, sister, and brother-in-law. Even her cousin works tirelessly as a volunteer in the local orphanage, which may hold more secrets than anyone can imagine. Franco's regime requires cooperation and obedience, and the punishment is severe for those who do not comply. Daniel must decide what pictures to take, and what part he wants to play in exposing the secrets of Madrid, while Ana holds onto secrets of her own.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult and historical fiction novel set mostly in Madrid, Spain in 1957. After the Spanish Civil War, General Francisco Franco would rule over Spain for 36 years. This book takes place during his reign, and during a period when the U.S. was attempting to navigate a relationship with a country whose are ideals are incredibly different from its own. Daniel's family stays at the Castellana Hilton in Madrid, which was a real hotel, and is where he meets Ana, who works as a maid. This hotel will serve as the central meeting place for most of the characters, with other key events and actions taking place in and around Madrid. Sepetys became interested in the Spanish Civil War and the postwar period after reading an article about the hundreds of thousands of babies that were stolen under Franco's rule. Just as Ana and Daniel have their secrets - along with almost every other character in the novel - so does the country of Spain, and secrets only stay hidden if those involved decide to remain silent.
My Verdict: I fear I do not have adequate words to describe just how beautiful this book is. Sepetys is a crossover novelist for a reason. I may be an adult whose favorite genre is young adult, but I feel like many adults, and not just fans of historical fiction, will enjoy this book. The main characters may be teenagers, and yes, they do silly and foolish things as a result, but really, so do adults. And the adults in this book are not exactly shining examples of how people should act. These characters act like people attempting to operate in an atmosphere of secrecy, caution, and mistrust. There is a constant and often heavy suggestion of a threatening presence in 1957 Spain. Inside of the beautiful and grand hotel, and amidst the lovely Spanish people, architecture, and scenery, there is clear and near-constant turmoil that Franco would rather have his people smile through, while keeping their mouths shut. The threat feels real, as do the relationships, and the reality of the situation is given its proper attention. The drama is present, but not oppresive, and the tension keeps the reader interested and intrigued.
Favorite Moment: When Ana's brother Rafa gives an account of the tragic death of a close friend. It is a sad story, but it is beautifully told both because of Rafa's grief and the language used.
Favorite Character: Daniel's mentor Ben is a hot mess of a person, but he is good at his job, and is unending in his support of his young friend. I also like Miguel, the owner of a shop in Spain who develops all of Daniel's pictures.
Recommended Reading: I first fell in love with Sepetys' writing while reading her debut novel, Between Shades of Gray. I also recommend The Age of Disenchantments by Aaron Shulman, a nonfiction account of Spanish life under Franco.
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