The Fountains of Silence

In 1957, 18-year-old Daniel Matheson travels with his parents to his mother's homeland of Spain. His father is a Texas oil tycoon and wishes for his son to follow in his footsteps, but Daniel has his own ideas about his future. Using his newfound talent as a photojournalist to chronicle Franco-era Spain, Daniel hopes to win the Magnum Photography Prize and further his studies in this field. Through the eye of his camera lens he observes poverty, the beauty of the country, a scandal at an orphanage, a matador, and more. But, mainly he sees the social inequity of life in a fascist dictatorship. He also finds love with a beautiful hotel maid, Ana. Unfortunately, the differences in their lives keep them apart. This richly woven historical fiction brings to life the tumultuous time period in which Spain was ruled by General Francisco Franco. It will keep young adults as well as adults interested from the first page to the last and will lend itself well to great discussions on types of governments as well as European history during and after World War II. The book is well researched and includes a glossary, photographs, and an extensive bibliography. Most of all, the main characters draw you in with their stories and will leave you wishing for more.

[Editor's Note: For additional resources related to this title, including an interview with author Ruta Sepetys, be sure to check out our The Fountains of Silence Educator Guide]