Ruta Sepetys is a master at writing historical fiction. In this book she shares the considerable research completed at the book's end through the research completed, resources used, and vintage photographs. Interspersed throughout the book are letters from various U.S. presidents and other authentic primary documents. Readers learn out about Spain under Francisco Franco's rule in the 1950's through the eyes of an American character, Daniel, and a struggling Spanish girl, Ana. Daniel is from a wealthy oil family, visiting while the father makes a deal with Franco for his company; Ana is a poor Spanish girl, daughter of two deceased resistors to the Spanish government.
As a romance develops between Ana and Daniel, serious issues arise that are part of Spain's history such as the treatment of women, the fear people felt of the Guardia Civil, and the selling of babies thought to be orphans. Living in this world as I read the book, I found myself wanting to know more about this time period that was so heart-wrenching for many under Franco's regime.
As a romance develops between Ana and Daniel, serious issues arise that are part of Spain's history such as the treatment of women, the fear people felt of the Guardia Civil, and the selling of babies thought to be orphans. Living in this world as I read the book, I found myself wanting to know more about this time period that was so heart-wrenching for many under Franco's regime.