Heart-wrenching Historical Fiction
I was given an advanced copy of The Fountains of Silence from Philomena Books and Bookish First!
The Fountains of Silence is a beautiful historical fiction novel, set in 1957 Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. Told through several perspectives, this complex and heart wrenching narrative follows the interlocking stories of teens working to survive in a world trying to destroy them. Ana works as a maid in Castellana Hilton, fighting to keep her job and hide her dreams for a greater life from those who would look to crush them. Her brother, Rafa, is determined to aid his friend Fuga in his quest to become a Matador, even if it means never stepping into the spotlight himself. Puri, their cousin, works as a nurse, caring for numerous orphans placed under the care of the church, but she the longer she works, the less “holy” the church’s dealings appear. Daniel is an outsider, a guest staying at the Castellana Hilton, who is desperate to understand modern Madrid through the lens of his camera. The four teens stories become entangled as they stumble deeper into what Spain has become.
Ruta Sepetys is a renowned historical fiction author, something which is plainly evident in The Fountains of Silence. The prose of this novel is exquisite, and beautifully portrays the complex world the characters live in. Post-War Spain is not a time setting that boasts many historical fiction novels, but Ruta Sepetys boldly creates a narrative that informs readers of the circumstances while creating a very human perspective on the world. Her characters are both strong and weak at times, capturing their humanity at its peaks.
You can get your copy of The Fountains of Silence on October 1st!
My Recommendation-
I believe everyone should read this novel, however I think historical fiction lovers will find it especially entrancing!
The Fountains of Silence is a beautiful historical fiction novel, set in 1957 Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. Told through several perspectives, this complex and heart wrenching narrative follows the interlocking stories of teens working to survive in a world trying to destroy them. Ana works as a maid in Castellana Hilton, fighting to keep her job and hide her dreams for a greater life from those who would look to crush them. Her brother, Rafa, is determined to aid his friend Fuga in his quest to become a Matador, even if it means never stepping into the spotlight himself. Puri, their cousin, works as a nurse, caring for numerous orphans placed under the care of the church, but she the longer she works, the less “holy” the church’s dealings appear. Daniel is an outsider, a guest staying at the Castellana Hilton, who is desperate to understand modern Madrid through the lens of his camera. The four teens stories become entangled as they stumble deeper into what Spain has become.
Ruta Sepetys is a renowned historical fiction author, something which is plainly evident in The Fountains of Silence. The prose of this novel is exquisite, and beautifully portrays the complex world the characters live in. Post-War Spain is not a time setting that boasts many historical fiction novels, but Ruta Sepetys boldly creates a narrative that informs readers of the circumstances while creating a very human perspective on the world. Her characters are both strong and weak at times, capturing their humanity at its peaks.
You can get your copy of The Fountains of Silence on October 1st!
My Recommendation-
I believe everyone should read this novel, however I think historical fiction lovers will find it especially entrancing!