The year is 1957, and Spain has something to hide. Under fascist dictator General Franco’s tyrannical rule the only option is silence, and defiance comes with a hefty price —imprisonment, death, or worse. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Daniel Matheson, the rather spoiled son of a wealthy oil tycoon, journeys to Madrid with his parents, who are brokering a deal with Franco. However, through his photojournalism and the friendship of Ana, a maid at the hotel he is staying at, he realizes that there is a different side of Spain hidden under the image of sunny streets and luxurious accommodations presented to him. Together they start to uncover the dark inner workings of the city, but everything has a price — how much are they willing to pay for the truth?
Author Ruta Sepetys manages to yet again shed light on a forgotten era of history. Within the seldom-seen setting of 1950s Spain she weaves a dark yet wondrous tale with the perfect balance of mystery, risk, and raw emotion. Although a bit slow in the beginning, the story is hard to put down once the setting and historical context are established. Fountains of Silence is a must read for those who love Ruta Sepetys or historical fiction.