Book Review: The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

“Born into a long shadow of shame, she must never speak publicly of her parents. She must live in silence. But sometimes, from the hidden corners of her heart, calls the haunting question: What can be built through silence?”

Ruta Sepetys, The Fountain of Silence

Review:

Why oh why did I let this sit on my shelf for so long?! I was captivated from start to finish. I didn’t realize I knew so little about Francisco Franco’s regime. Ruta Sepetys illustrated the differences between the life of an American and the life of repressed citizens of Spain marvelously. I love walking away from a historical fiction book ready to read more about a specific event or time in history. 

I’m usually wary of YA books because often I’m not too fond of the writing style or characters, but The Fountains of Silence was exceptional. I loved Ana, Daniel, Puri, Rafa… pretty much all of them. Ana and Daniel’s rapport was a treat to read. I felt like I was there.

Afterthoughts:

I’ve noticed since starting this blog and trying to put more detail into my reviews that I struggle the most to write about books I loved. (At least most of the time.) I dropped everything to finish this book. Granted, I was reading it along with the Book Santas & Lovers readathon, but I picked a longer book assuming it would last me through the weekend. I waited to days to write my review, but words aren’t coming. It’s just one of those books I immersed myself in. I suppose the biggest difficulty is trying to think of a review that doesn’t contain spoilers. I might add a section to some of these reviews containing spoilers in the future with a spoiler alert.

A side note not related to the plot — I monumentally regret not getting this as part of my Book of the Month box. I’ve had it on my TBR since I joined back in 2020 but was so skeptical of the YA tag. I Must Betray You is definitely going in my next box.

Where to buy the book: