The Fountains of Silence

A fascinating and well-written novel about fascist Spain perfect for teens. This book is violent, but full of history unknown to many.

To look out for:

Islamic values:

Characters date each other. Almost all characters are forced to keep many, many lies (which is one of the main points of the story).  A boy interferes in a fight and violently attacks the offenders. One character despises his father for many reasons, and even calls him names (including “a**”)

Romance:

The main character is attracted to a girl in Spain. They kiss and spend time together – mentions of nights out together.

Violence:

Much of the story is centered around the brutality and mysteriousness of the Spanish dictator Franco’s rule over Spain. Descriptions of the torture and humiliation of prisoners and rebels. Children are taken away from parents deemed as a threat to the dictatorship, and sold under the name of ‘orphans’. Two characters have a past of abuse and torture. Guards threaten characters. A boy breaks up a bloody fight between his friend and men.

Profanity:

“a**” and other minor instances of profanity.