cd1310's review
4.0
It's been too long since I've read one of Ruta's books. I remembered how much I loved her books, forgot how sad she makes them! Learned so much about Spain. This one took longer than I expected, but I think the way she tried to make it a bit of a mystery and tie so many characters together slowed me down rather than kept my attention.
happiestwhenreading's review
4.5
Hold on a second while I pick my jaw up off the floor...
This book was full of history I have never heard about! After the Spanish Civil War, fascist dictator General Francisco Franco took over. He held power for the next 37 years, ruling the Spanish people by fear. Roman Catholicism is the only religion allowed to be practice, the Spainards live in poverty, and there is little freedom. There is also a very dark secret - parents are being lied to and children are disappearing.
Through well-developed characters, Sepetys gives us a historical lesson that will break your heart and teaach you new information. It was hard for me to think about how mnay of these atrocities were happening up until the 1980s...so very recent history. While many of us are aware of the dictatorships of leaders like Hitler, Mousillini, and Putin, I think many of us are naive to the leadership of Franco.
This is a quick read with short chapters and a quick moving timeline. I won't soon forget all the stuff I learned in this book!
This book was full of history I have never heard about! After the Spanish Civil War, fascist dictator General Francisco Franco took over. He held power for the next 37 years, ruling the Spanish people by fear. Roman Catholicism is the only religion allowed to be practice, the Spainards live in poverty, and there is little freedom. There is also a very dark secret - parents are being lied to and children are disappearing.
Through well-developed characters, Sepetys gives us a historical lesson that will break your heart and teaach you new information. It was hard for me to think about how mnay of these atrocities were happening up until the 1980s...so very recent history. While many of us are aware of the dictatorships of leaders like Hitler, Mousillini, and Putin, I think many of us are naive to the leadership of Franco.
This is a quick read with short chapters and a quick moving timeline. I won't soon forget all the stuff I learned in this book!
bookwormer2's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This book takes place in Spain during the Franco dictatorship. I didn't have much prior knowledge about this time period and I think the book gave me a much better understanding of what the Spanish people went through - similar to other countries ruled by a long time dictator unfortunately. It also includes information about another atrocity that occurred during that time that hadn't come to light until fairly recently. The characters were well developed and honest. I recommend it highly.
selilabude's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kthomas4415's review
5.0
Holy smokes, this book was incredible. From start to finish, I didn't want to put it down and kept thinking about it throughout the day. While it is a bit daunting sitting at almost 500 pages, this was such a quick read. I've already told my mom she is reading this, and hope to recommend it to many other people.
racheldallaire's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I knew next to nothing about Spain or Franco before reading this book, but it's made me want to learn more. I loved the story and rooted fiercely for Daniel and Ana.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
reading_with_remy's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
jaded618's review
5.0
Beautiful novel with so much history behind it.
This book takes place in Madrid in 1957, while Spain is under the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Daniel Matheson is an 18 year old traveling from Texas with his parents for his father's oil business. He is hoping to use this time to connect with his mother's birth country using his passion for photography. He does not expect to be thrown into the secrets of Spain and how people are really living. With the help of Ana, a worker in the hotel. He finds more questions and is forced to make difficult decisions for his family.
.
I loved this book. I read it quickly and fell in love with the characters. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres, for the simple fact that it opens people's eyes to things that really happened and sparks interest in learning and researching these things for yourself. This novel did a very good job at tying together the history of this dark time, with a beautiful story that kept me engaged and invested.
.
Cannot wait to read my next Ruta Sepetys novel!
This book takes place in Madrid in 1957, while Spain is under the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Daniel Matheson is an 18 year old traveling from Texas with his parents for his father's oil business. He is hoping to use this time to connect with his mother's birth country using his passion for photography. He does not expect to be thrown into the secrets of Spain and how people are really living. With the help of Ana, a worker in the hotel. He finds more questions and is forced to make difficult decisions for his family.
.
I loved this book. I read it quickly and fell in love with the characters. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres, for the simple fact that it opens people's eyes to things that really happened and sparks interest in learning and researching these things for yourself. This novel did a very good job at tying together the history of this dark time, with a beautiful story that kept me engaged and invested.
.
Cannot wait to read my next Ruta Sepetys novel!
kellifer98's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0