A History Lesson You Won't Want to End
The Spain of 1957, as captured through the lens of Texan, Daniel Matheson’s camera doesn’t tell the whole story. Under the oppressive dictatorship of Francisco Franco, the Spanish people struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food in the mouths of their families. Daniel sees it in the pained look on his mother’s face. This is not the Spain she remembers from her youth. Franco’s military, The Guardia Civil, ruthlessly patrol the streets and Daniel’s photographic curiosity has already resulted in one unpleasant run in with them. His fluent Spanish might not be enough to smooth over his next one. But, if Daniel can use his camera, a recent high school graduation gift, to build a portfolio worthy of admission to a journalism school, he can pursue his dream as a photographer and escape that of his father's: an heir to the family oil fortune.
Ana dreams of the life depicted in the glossy pages of the magazines on the coffee tables of the hotel suites in the American hotel where she works. Ana’s parents did not survive the Spanish Civil War, and as children of one time members of the disgraced Republican Party, Ana and her siblings live as outcasts in poverty and fear. Julia, Ana’s sister, warns her about pursuing her futile dreams and getting too friendly with the hotel guests. Ana’s wages make up a disproportionate amount of the family’s income. They cannot afford for her to lose her job.
When the hotel assigns Ana to Daniel’s family’s suite, as the worker to oversee their day to day needs, Daniel has the chance to view the streets through Ana’s insider’s point of view. If he can just persuade her to write the captions that will accompany his images, he will have the missing piece to complete his portfolio. However, Spain has secrets that she holds close and so does Ana. Can Daniel convince her that his intentions are noble ones? Can Ana trust him? Will their growing connection cost Ana her job and her family their future? Will Daniel’s drive to get the perfect shot get him thrown in a Spanish prison, or worse?
Ruta Sepetys presents a tale that is meticulously researched and thoughtfully and compellingly told. “The Fountains of Silence” is a tale of hope and the important part it plays in seeing people through periods of struggle and hardship. Ana and Daniel are relatable and relevant characters through which Sepetys explores the themes of feminism, privilege, politics and religion. At the root of this beautifully told story is an important history lesson that reads like a movie put to a page. Sepetys has once again delivered a novel that will keep readers of all ages reading until late into the night and Googling the places and historical points learned about the next morning.
Ana dreams of the life depicted in the glossy pages of the magazines on the coffee tables of the hotel suites in the American hotel where she works. Ana’s parents did not survive the Spanish Civil War, and as children of one time members of the disgraced Republican Party, Ana and her siblings live as outcasts in poverty and fear. Julia, Ana’s sister, warns her about pursuing her futile dreams and getting too friendly with the hotel guests. Ana’s wages make up a disproportionate amount of the family’s income. They cannot afford for her to lose her job.
When the hotel assigns Ana to Daniel’s family’s suite, as the worker to oversee their day to day needs, Daniel has the chance to view the streets through Ana’s insider’s point of view. If he can just persuade her to write the captions that will accompany his images, he will have the missing piece to complete his portfolio. However, Spain has secrets that she holds close and so does Ana. Can Daniel convince her that his intentions are noble ones? Can Ana trust him? Will their growing connection cost Ana her job and her family their future? Will Daniel’s drive to get the perfect shot get him thrown in a Spanish prison, or worse?
Ruta Sepetys presents a tale that is meticulously researched and thoughtfully and compellingly told. “The Fountains of Silence” is a tale of hope and the important part it plays in seeing people through periods of struggle and hardship. Ana and Daniel are relatable and relevant characters through which Sepetys explores the themes of feminism, privilege, politics and religion. At the root of this beautifully told story is an important history lesson that reads like a movie put to a page. Sepetys has once again delivered a novel that will keep readers of all ages reading until late into the night and Googling the places and historical points learned about the next morning.