A third plotline focuses on Anna's devout cousin Puri, who works at a Catholic orphanage and begins to question whether the orphans really do have dead parents or if the Church and State are up to something more sinister. Anna, it turns out, is the orphaned daughter of Republicans killed during the Civil War. Daniel meets his family's dedicated hotel maid, Anna, who's gorgeous and secretive, and clearly hiding a lot about life outside the elite bubble of the hotel. With his professional-grade camera in hand, Daniel, who's bilingual, hopes to reconnect with his mother's country (and build up his photography portfolio for a prestigious photography competition), while his father works on a lucrative oil deal with the fascist government.

In Madrid, 1957, 18-year-old Daniel Matheson and his parents, a Texas oil tycoon and a Spanish-born mother-turned-Dallas socialite, arrive at the posh Hilton hotel that caters to rich Americans. After two decades of isolation from most of the world, Spain has opened its doors to tourists and foreign investors. Ruta Sepetys' fourth historical novel THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE centers on Spain during the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. The only strong language is 'Oh my God!' But the themes and atrocities described make it best for older middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults. The book doesn't shy away from describing violence, from arrests, torture, and killings to stolen children. The story delves into the many ways that people suffered under the dictatorship and how American and foreign tourists were blinded to the reality of the human rights violations for the sake of their comfort and luxury.

It chronicles life in 1957 Spain under fascist dictator Francisco Franco from the perspective of a young American photographer and the beautiful and mysterious Spanish maid assigned to his family at a luxury hotel in Madrid. Parents need to know that The Fountains of Silence is the fourth historical fiction novel from award-winning author Ruta Sepetys. Characters also smoke cigars or cigarettes.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Specific drinks are mentioned, like wine, Champagne, Scotch, whiskey, and the cocktail Tom Collins.

Several adult and a few college and boarding school characters drink (but in Europe the older teens are of drinking age), some to excess.

Ruta sepetys the fountains of silence