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134 pages 4 hours read

The Fountains of Silence: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Ruta Sepetys

The Fountains of Silence

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Madrid, Spain • 1950s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL620L

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Super Short Summary

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys, set in 1957 Madrid, follows Ana, a hotel worker burdened by family poverty and the oppressive Franco regime. Ana's life intertwines with Daniel, an American aspiring photojournalist, sparking a forbidden love. Eighteen years later, after Franco's death, they reunite, revealing long-hidden truths about stolen children and enduring hope amid historical trauma.

Challenging

Emotional

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

76,665 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ruta Sepetys' The Fountains of Silence skillfully portrays post-Civil War Spain, weaving a rich narrative with thorough historical research. Critics praise the novel's compelling characters, vivid descriptions, and poignant themes of familial and political tension. Some, however, feel its pacing can be slow, and its ending a bit contrived. Overall, it's a powerful, evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Fountains of Silence?

The ideal reader for The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys enjoys historical fiction that delves into deeply emotional, human stories set against significant historical backdrops. Fans of Markus Zusak's The Book Thief and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale will appreciate its rich narrative and exploration of Spain under Franco's rule.

4.4

76,665 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Madrid, Spain • 1950s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL620L

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