By Ruta Sepetys (author)
"A rich, mesmerising tale of love, betrayal, death and corruption set in Franco’s post war Spain"
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Carnegie winner Ruta Sepetys seems to specialise in illuminating forgotten or unknown aspects of history. The Spanish Civil War may be widely known but Spain lived under Franco until 1975. Rather like post-Apartheid South Africa there was a reconciliation movement that did not pursue retribution for the human rights abuses and crimes of the dictatorship.
But this outstanding, impeccably researched novel seeks to shine a light on those crimes. In a fascinating afterword she tells us that studies estimate over 300,000 babies were stolen from their Republican parents. This is indeed a story to shock and horrify but its power comes from the characters and the very human stories she tells.
We get different perspectives from different viewpoints and voices, but very cleverly our main guide is an outsider looking in just as the reader does. Daniel is an American boy visiting Spain as his father negotiates a lucrative deal. America’s complicit dealings with the Franco regime are also under the spotlight here.
Daniel aspires to be a photojournalist and he naively wants to find the real Spain. He finds fear and suspicion, makes friends and falls in love but tragedy strikes, and he must leave. The full sinister picture is only revealed many years later. This is a book which absolutely demonstrates the power of a story to reveal truth and to develop real understanding and empathy. Perfectly pitched, evocative and utterly enthralling.
A haunting and romantic novel set in post-war Spain by Ruta Sepetys - winner of the Carnegie Medal 2017. Madrid, 1957.
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Daniel, young, wealthy and unsure of his place in the world, views the city through the lens of his camera. Ana, a hotel maid whose family is suffering under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco. Lives and hearts collide as they unite to uncover the hidden darkness within the city. A darkness that could engulf them all .
. . 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 and the hidden violence of silence.
An exemplary work of historical fiction. - The Horn Book
Gripping. - Publisher's Weekly
A stunning novel that exposes modern fascism and elevates human resilience. - Kirkus
Captivating, deft, and illuminating historical fiction. - Booklist
Ruta Sepetys is the author of acclaimed YA novel, Between Shades of Grey . Born and raised in Michigan in a family of Lithuanian descent, Ruta now lives with her husband in Tennessee. Ruta was a highly successful promoter of classical music concerts, booking and touring with orchestras worldwide, before turning to writing full-time. In 2015, Ruta was awarded The Rockefeller Foundation's prestigious Bellagio Center writing residency, where she interacted with other leading international artists, writers and thinkers.
Ruta discovered the story on which Salt to the Sea is based originally through a family connection and discovered that a cousin of her father’s should have been on board but a fortunate accident near the port meant he missed boarding, saving his life. The book has recently been picked up for development by Universal Pictures.
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The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Fountains of Silence and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
The Fountains of Silence features in the following genres: Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Gritty Reads, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Politics, Law, Philosophy & Ethics, Work / Industry, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Fountains of Silence was written by Ruta Sepetys and published by Penguin Books Ltd an imprint of Penguin Random House Children's UK
The Fountains of Silence has 512 pages
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.
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