I have loved every Ruta Sepetys book so far, and I know that I will love this book once it comes out. Even within the 38 pages of text given in the first look, Sepeteys weaves a masterful tale of family, expectations and secrets that are sure to end in heartache. Each POV character allows the reader into their own little world within moments of their introduction. From Rafael's desire to get even with Franco with, "You don’t know me, Generalísimo, but I know you." (1), and Ana's scathing distaste at tourists who don't seem to care about what happened in the past, “Many are unaware of what transpired in Spain decades earlier. They sip cava, romanticizing Hemingway and flamenco.” (7). To Daniel's refusal to follow in his father's footsteps, “He won’t. Photographs are spontaneous and exciting, something that he creates, not inherits" (12), and Puri's care for the young orphan who has been placed with her “20 116 is unaware she’s an orphan. She doesn’t realize she’s been brought to the Inclusa, the orphanage in Madrid.” (19). All of the characters are explicit in revealing the emotions and beliefs that will guide them, probably, to the end of the novel.
This novel has so much potential to leave readers a crying mess by the end, but it also provides the potential to educate readers just as Sepetys does in her other novels.
This cover is also to die for, the sepia tones play into the idea that there is more to everyone - and Spain - than meets the eye.
This novel has so much potential to leave readers a crying mess by the end, but it also provides the potential to educate readers just as Sepetys does in her other novels.
This cover is also to die for, the sepia tones play into the idea that there is more to everyone - and Spain - than meets the eye.