Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fountains of Silence is set in 1950’s Spain, when General Fransisco Franco was dictator, and the country was held firmly in his grip. Daniel’s father is an oil executive who is set to make a deal with Franco, whilst using the trip to continue grooming Daniel to take over the business. However, Daniel wants to become a photojournalist and whilst travelling through the city discovers that things don’t add up; his pictures show him a different truth to the one he thought he knew.

When he meets Ana, a hotel maid, he changes her life too. Submitted to a life of silence about the regime of her country, she begins to feel as though she can open up to the new American she’s assigned to look after. She knows this will put her in danger, but is it worth it to speak up against a tyrant?

As part of the blog tour for this book, I was lucky enough to ask Ruta some questions about different audiences for YA fiction in the UK and US. For me, I always find it interesting that book covers vary so much between countries:

American covers, to me, always seem more ‘real’ and contain photos whereas British books seem more simple. There’s an American book Tik Toker I follow and I always enjoy seeing books I’ve read and comparing their covers!

First, I wanted to know whether there had to be considerations of content when books are being written. Are all topics relevant to both the UK and US?

Ruta explained that topics need to be universal; there are some topics which would work within the UK, but would not be so welcomed within the US and vice versa. The readership needs to be considered not just in one place, but around the world! It was interesting to listen to Ruta dissect the need for this; translation of books doesn’t just mean language. It also extends to ensuring that the reader understands themes within text within the context of the story despite the country they reside in.

Secondly, I was interested to know about fans! What is similar and different between author events in both countries?

Live events also differ greatly between each country. In the UK, the attendees expect readings of the book at live events (which I would just assume always happened!) whereas in the US, it is much more of a discussion without authors reading an extract. However, what is similar is the passion that fans have for the book.

Thank you so much Ruta for taking the time to answer my questions! If you like the sound of this book, buy it here.

Emily x

📚Book gifted by publisher