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The Fountains of Silence

By: Ruta Sepetys
Narrated by: Ruta Sepetys, Maite Jáuregui, Richard Ferrone, Neil Hellegers, Joshua Kane, Liza Kaplan, Oliver Wyman
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Publisher's summary

From the number-one New York Times best-selling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, extraordinary portrait of love, silence, and secrets under a Spanish dictatorship.

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is 18-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography - and fate - introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War - as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.

Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence - inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain. Includes vintage media reports, oral history commentary, photos, and more.

Read by Maite Jáuregui, with Richard Ferrone, Neil Hellegers, Joshua Kane, Liza Kaplan, and Oliver Wyman, and with an author’s note read by the author.

©2019 Ruta Sepetys (P)2019 Listening Library
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Critic reviews

"[Sepetys] tells a moving story made even more powerful by its placement in a lesser-known historical moment. Captivating, deft, and illuminating historical fiction." (Booklist starred review)

"A stunning novel that exposes modern fascism and elevates human resilience." (Kirkus starred review)

"This gripping, often haunting historical novel offers a memorable portrait of fascist Spain." (Publishers Weekly starred review)

"Spain under Francisco Franco is as dystopian a setting as Margaret Atwood’s Gilead in Ruta Sepetys’ suspenseful, romantic and timely new work of historical fiction.... Like [Shakespeare's family romances], The Fountains of Silence speaks truth to power, persuading future rulers to avoid repeating the crimes of the past." (The New York Times Book Review)

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What listeners say about The Fountains of Silence

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Historical Fiction. Great Storytelling.

Very informative. Wonderful characterization by readers.Very enjoyable. Very good reading for teens and adults. Do read it.

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4 people found this helpful

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A must read

This book takes us on a beautiful journey. The stories
of the characters are both heart warming and heart breaking. It’s a book that makes you think and captures you early on.

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Review

Heartbreaking story of life in Spain under Dictator Franco with a great love story interwoven.

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Amazing book

I love this book and the story. I also love how Ruta Sepetys always has a love story in the book.

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Human complex story intertwines in history

I learned a lot from this book while enjoying a romantic story at the same time. It is a bit idealistic the way characters behave, It is still a very fun reading

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Human tragedy in Spain's history

Another revealing story of human suffering under dictatorship. The author's story of baby trafficking during a Franco ruled Spain introduced me to Spanish history I was not aware of. Good historic fiction for all ages.

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Poignant history

Who thought that There was more cruelty after Hilter and American Royalty lavished upon it. The fact that Spanish people lost their lives, babies lands that were then sold to America is astounding. A good read!

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I learned a lot! Beautifully written.

My Spanish teacher recommended this book. I loved the book, but hated the pain of the families.

Mi professora de español sugirió este libro. Me encantó el libro, pero odiaba el dolor de las familias.

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Spanish Insight

I have been interested in Spain ever since a visit some twenty years ago. On that visit I discovered a fascinating country but it was difficult to understand. I have read books written describing the war but this book provides the insight into the people and a look at conditions after the war. I hope to find other authors who continue in the excellent fashion Ms. Sepetys as bought to this book.

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happy to find this book!

Wonderful novel! I learned so much from this book and it intrigues me to learn more about Spain. the characters were well developed and touched my heart.

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