Okay have been seeing lots of hype for this book, and read good things about it. Confession time, this is my first Ruta Sepetys book. I have assigned them in class for my students , but until now have not read one. Waited a while on hold at the library and had to return the book yesterday because someone else had it on hold. Katie Colcomb Augustine rescued me, and had an extra copy, so I could finish the book.
The book is historical fiction, a genre I love, set in 1957 Spain. Americans were starting to make business deals with Franco, the dictator of Spain for more than 40 years. Tourism was becoming something for Americans to enjoy in Spain in the 50s. There are secrets that come with the Franco regime, and it the duty of many of the Spanish people to keep secrets or risk losing everything. Daniel and his parents, from Texas, are in Spain for his father to broker an oil deal with Franco. Daniel is an aspiring photojournalist. What he learns in Spain in their month visit changes the course of his life, and the lives of the others he meets. Secrets, lies, love, loss, loyalty, family, and resilience are what await the reader.
I loved this book and loved it pretty quickly. I like it when a book is written with short chapters so I can feel like I accomplished something as a reader. I also can follow a book better when the chapters move quickly and then you can go back and forth between characters quicker. There were a couple of surprises in the book, and I liked the way it ended. This type of writing may not be for everyone, something to keep in mind if you pick up the book. I have noticed that lately I am feeling a certain way about a book as I read it, but the ending really puts the final star rating on a book, sometimes a whole star difference. Yes, it is a YA novel, reviewed for ages 12 and older, grades 7 and up. My rating is an enthusiastic 5⭐️