Book Review // The Fountains of Silence

**Thank you to Penguin Teen for this gifted copy!

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:
"Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into the country under the welcoming guise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of a Texas 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 decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city." Amazon.com

Review:

The Fountain of Silence was just released today and I cannot recommend this book enough. What I can’t get over is that is a YA novel! And probably the best YA I’ve ever read. 

The Fountains of Silence takes us back to the 1950’s in Spain where the citizens were still under the dictatorship of Franco. This part of Spain’s history was dark and destitute. The people were starving and desperate, but the Spanish leaders tried to paint a different picture to the public. The hospitality workers were under strict order to never let the “outsiders” know the reality Spain was experiencing. 

There were secrets exposed in The Fountains of Silence of Spain’s history that I had never heard of. It is shocking to me what a dictatorship can do to its citizens and for the length of time he was ruling the country. 

I loved the real and raw nature Ruta created in her characters. As I was reading, I felt like I was there, like a fly on the wall. The families. The struggles. Their heartbreaking reality. And the sweet love story of Ana and Daniel.

I cannot recommend this one enough. Another fantastic book club choice! Limited language and minimal steam.