Module 4: Historical Fiction

 Module 4: Historical Fiction

Alexa Rodriguez

LSSL 5385 01

Dr. Brock

Spring 2022

Septeys, R. (2020). The Fountains of Silence. Philomel Books; Illustrated Edition. IBSN: 9780142423639

Summary: Madrid, Spain in 1957 was under the rule of General Francisco Franco’s fascit dictatorship. Daniel Matheson, 18 years old, is visiting Madrid with his parents to look at his mother’s birth country. Through his camera lens, fate and a girl named Ana, he learns about the dark secrets hidden underneath the beautiful country.

Analysis: Rafael or Rafa works in a slaughterhouse where he gives customers blood for their blood sausage. During work, he daydreams of fighting off against someone and thinks about how his father died. He tries to shake off the memory to help the next customer. “Give them their blood. For more than twenty years, Spain has given blood. And sometimes Rafa wonders—what is left to give?” The author writes a beautiful, yet dark imagery with the use of the metaphor in this particular line. It seems like it is talking about Rafa’s job to give out the blood, but it goes beyond that. It connects to how much sacrifice and bloodshed Spain had experienced during the dictatorship under Franco while Rafa contemplates how much more do the people have to give up for happy lives. 

The scene shifts into Ana, Rafa’s sister, who works in a hotel. She gets told by Julia that she “reveal[s] too much”. She is often told to keep her silence. “She must live in silence. But sometimes, from the hidden corners of her heart, calls the haunting question: What can be built through silence?” Ana can never reveal what her parents did or talk about it at all. She can only keep it suppressed inside herself. She is, in a sense, voiceless. This particular line goes well with the secret that goes on in Spain at the time and how Ana herself must never talk about her family either. 

Eventually, Ana meets Daniel who is the son of a wealthy man and is a tourist staying at the hotel she works at. They briefly had a chat where Daniel hints he didn’t want to be seen by his parents and she wonders why, but reflects back on how her sister, Julia, doesn’t want for her to speak to others. Later on, she brings up how she saw American magazines in Daniel’s room and her sister told her to forget those idea since they live in Spain, not America. “In Spain, women must adhere to strict subordinate roles in the domestic arts. Ana remembers the teachings of the Sección Femenina: “Do not pretend to be equal to men.” They also teach that purity is absolute. Women’s bathing suits must reach the knees. If a girl is discovered in a movie theater with a boy but no chaperone, her family is sent a yellow card of prostitution.”

Readers can connect to how they might have to suffer through being in traditional families that still believe in these sorts of values. It can also connect to how it was in those times where women were not considered equal to their male counterparts while still being pressured by the societal and cultural expectations to be pure and subordinate to their husbands/men. The gender differences reflect extremely well in accordance to the time period as well as the cultural expectations of women at the time.

In another chapter, Ana and Daniel go into a camera shop. Ana was surprised to hear at how much Daniel’s camera costs. “The cost of Daniel’s camera could move her entire family of five from their leaky hut in Vallecas to a decent apartment in Lavapiés, closer to the city center. The cost of the camera could eliminate the debts and threats that strangle her life.” The social status and class difference show a huge contrast to Daniel and Ana’s economic status. For Daniel, the camera is merely a present given to him and to Ana it’s something that could improve her family’s living conditions. This particular line is striking due to how it expresses the struggles of the less privileged back in that time period and even connects to today’s society as well. 

        In this book, more and more secrets of Spain are being slowly revealed over time. Daniel, an aspiring photojournalist, learns about these truths through his growing relationship with Ana and others. Spain slowly gets through Franco’s dictatorship and soon enters their democracy later on. What made this reading interesting was the amount of Spanish the reader is introduced to throughout the novel to make the language more authentic. There are inserts of extra information to explain in further detail about the time period and give some background to explain some of the events. It’s a captivating tale of resilience and a hope for freedom for Spain back in 1957.

Reviews and Awards:

The Horn Book: "Riveting . . . An exemplary work of historical fiction."

Publishers Weekly: "This gripping, often haunting historical novel offers a memorable portrait of fascist Spain."

Kirkus: "A stunning novel that exposes modern fascism and elevates human resilience." 

Booklist: "[Sepetys] tells a moving story made even more powerful by its placement in a lesser-known historical moment. Captivating, deft, and illuminating historical fiction."

#19 in Teen & Young Adult European Historical Fiction

#49 in Teen & Young Adult Historical Romance

#87 in Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Romance

Connections:

*The main theme of the novel is about silence and how it affects every character within the story

*There’s is Spanish included (from Spain) which will make the reading enjoyable for Spanish speakers

*It is quite a lengthy novel, so it can divided into chunks for classroom reading and discussion and you can share about how one must be resilient in times of struggle

Related Books:

Wein, E. E. (2012). Code Name Verity. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781423152194

Schwartz, D. (2022). Anatomy: A Love Story. Wednesday Books. ISBN: 9781250774156

Cass, K. (2020). The Betrothed. HarperTeen. ISBN: 9780062291639

Lee, M. (2017). The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Vol. 1, Ser. Montague Siblings). Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN: 9780062382801

Summary: Henry "Monty" Montague is anything but a perfect gentleman. Born and raised in a well-off family, he isn't exactly suitable to be a gentleman. Excited to go off on a Grand Tour through Europe for a year with his best friend, his father calls him in. Monty's father has hopes that Monty will return with improved behavior and wants him to soon take over the family estate. On top of that, his father appoints someone to go with him on the trip to make sure he showcases good behavior. The trip won't be a true tortue since his childhood best friend Percy. In the year he's in Europe, Monty vows to make use of the time to reveal his romantic feelings to Percy as one last chance. Will Monty be successful in confessing his love? Will he stay out of trouble in Europe? 

Analysis: Henry Montague, nicknamed “Monty” is a son of a wealthy family. About to go on his Grand Tour to Europe, his father calls him in to discuss how he expects for Monty to take over the family estate when he returns. Naturally, Monty doesn’t share the same desires as his father. Luckily, the trip won’t be too bad with his best friend and crush, Percy, tagging along on the Tour. 

The beginning chapter opens up with Monty noting how he is in bed with Percy and was questioning if they had sex or not. “Which is a strange sort of relief, because I’d like to be sober the first time we’re together.” The reader already gets  the implication that Monty is attracted to Percy and wishes to be intimate with him. This part is quite interesting since it is considered scandalous in the 18th century for a man to be gay, bisexual or any other sexual orientation yet readers are already exposed to a scene of two men sharing a bed together. It is intriguing for the first chapter to start opening up with Monty’s sexual orientation (bisexual).

The two men try to get over their rather bad hangovers while talking about the Grand Tour they’re going on together. Monty is thrilled that his friend is coming with him. “I reach down and touch his lips with my ring finger. I think about winking as well, which is, admittedly, a tad excessive, but I’ve always been of the mind that subtlety is a waste of time. Fortune favors the flirtatious.” This image right here immediately expresses Monty’s affections for Percy and he even admits to having romantic feelings for his friend. Again, a rather bold topic for a character living in the 18th century for a man to be in love with another man. In this particular line, this shows Monty’s hopes that his flirting will be noticed by Percy and that he is confident in his sexual orientation. 

Later on, Monty’s father tells him that he expects for Monty to be on good behavior during the Grand Tour and even hints at being discreet. This is a very strong implication that Monty’s father is aware of Monty’s sexual orientation, which he doesn’t approve of. His father also hopes that Monty will return more mature and ready to take over the family estate; Monty isn’t exactly excited about hearing this since it isn’t what he wants to do. Within the chapter, readers can relate to Monty’s conflict with his father and how he doesn’t want to be on the path his dad plans for him. 

Sure enough, his father brings up that if he finds out that Monty is fooling around with boys then he will be disinherited. “Right on schedule, the disinheritance rears its ugly head. But after years of holding it over me—clean up, sober up, stop letting lads climb in through your bedroom window at night or else—for the first time, we both know he means it.” The personification of the disinheritance strikes fear into Monty which readers might find relatable about being disowned by their families for their sexual orientations. Soon, Monty goes on his Grand Tour. 

The 18th century language within the story was quite accurate, but needs to be explained for readers who are not familiar with their way of speaking. I liked that the book contains a protagonist who is comfortable with his sexual orientation and doesn’t exactly fit the image of the ‘perfect son’ or ‘gentleman’. Readers will also enjoy Monty’s sister, Felicity, who self-educated herself in medicine and wishes to go to medical school which is also unheard of for the time period for women to go into medicine. Monty is not the perfect protagonist either, he is quite flawed which makes him very realistic and shows how his flaws can affect those around him. Overall, it was an enjoyable story of discovery along with issues with class and identity and the bonus of Monty and Percy’s love story blooming underneath it all. 

My personal favorite part was how Monty decided to throw away his inheritance and potential title to be with Percy so that they can be together. Although I would’ve preferred for him to confront his father, it was still wonderful to see him express his love for Percy and be with him. The period language was extremely accurate and Monty (despite his rogue, flawed nature) has a lovable charm to him that makes the reader root for his love for Percy to come true. Engaging and has a great representation of various characters that readers will adore. 

Reviews and Awards: 

School Library Journal: “This is a witty, romantic, and exceedingly smart look at discovering one’s place in the world. A stunning powerhouse of a story for every collection.” 

Publishers Weekly:  “A gloriously swashbuckling affair.”

Kirkus: “The book’s exquisite, bygone meter and vernacular sit comfortably on a contemporary shelf. And the friction of racism, tyrannical entitled politicians, and misguided disapproval of homosexuality also have a relevance rooted in current culture’s xeno- and homophobia. Austen, Wilde, and Indiana Jones converge in this deliciously anachronistic bonbon.”

Kirkus Prize Nominee

One of NPR’s Best Books of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book for Teens

Neiba New England Young Adult Book Award Winner

#130 in Teen & Young Adult Romantic Comedy

#149 in Teen & Young Adult European Historical Fiction

#241 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Romance

Connections: 

*This book contains a bisexual character 

*It contains strong language and descriptions of intimacy between same-sex couples

*It contains the theme of pursuing your happiness and not having others force you into a path they want for you

Related Books: 

Pacat, C.S. (2021). Dark Rise. Quill Tree Books. ISBN: 9780062946140

Albertalli, B., & Silvera, A. (2020). What If It’s Us. HarperTeen. ISBN: 9780062795236

Brown, E.J. (2022). All That’s Left in the World. Blazer + Bray. ISBN: 9780063054974

Reviews and Awards: 

School Library Journal: “This is a witty, romantic, and exceedingly smart look at discovering one’s place in the world. A stunning powerhouse of a story for every collection.” 

Publishers Weekly:  “A gloriously swashbuckling affair.”

Kirkus: “The book’s exquisite, bygone meter and vernacular sit comfortably on a contemporary shelf. And the friction of racism, tyrannical entitled politicians, and misguided disapproval of homosexuality also have a relevance rooted in current culture’s xeno- and homophobia. Austen, Wilde, and Indiana Jones converge in this deliciously anachronistic bonbon.”

Kirkus Prize Nominee

One of NPR’s Best Books of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book for Teens

#130 in Teen & Young Adult Romantic Comedy

#149 in Teen & Young Adult European Historical Fiction

#241 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Romance

Lee, S. (2021). The Downstairs Girl. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781524740979

Summary: Jo Kuan, 17 years old, works in Atlanta for a daughter of the wealthiest men in the city. At night, she runs an advice column called “Dear Miss Sweetie” for the newspaper. Her column gains popularity, she gets backlash due to the fact that it challenges the fixed ideas of race and gender. The public is trying to figure out the identity of Miss Sweetie while she’s figuring out her own past. Is she, the girl downstairs, ready to step into the spotlight?

Analysis: The first chapter begins with the opening line with a simile. “Being nice is like leaving your door wide-open.” This piece of figurative language can lead to a connection of how kindness can be taken advantage of by others or being nice is similar to being too trusting to people. This first line feels like a foreshadowing moment for the readers as well.

The readers are soon introduced to the protagonist Jo, going about her day. She is going to the English’s Millinery and uses the back entrance. She comments how people don’t care which entryway that Chinese people use. “Perhaps whites feel the same way about us as they do about ladybugs: A few are fine, but a swarm turns the stomach.” This line brings in the imagery of how Chinese people are viewed by the public: as pests or an inconvenience to others. Readers might feel the connection to Jo as she is already oppressed by being different from others and being viewed as an outsider. 

It is also revealed that Jo is quite outspoken which has been commented on by another character in the book. This part is quite interesting since it’s unusual for women to be outspoken and opinionated, but it does make her charming since these traits are definitely more modern in comparison to the time period that Jo lives in (1890s). Later on, Jo is looking for boarding since she needs a new job and when walking around to search, she notes how Chinese could never own property or rent. She finds something, but the old woman there rejects her and makes assumptions about her due to her race. 

“My fingernails lodged themselves into my palms, and I extract them with a slow breath. I don’t want to live here, anyway.” The personification of Jo’s fingernails digging into her skin reflects her frustration and annoyance towards the woman's cruel words. It can also connect to how others might deal with harsh judgement or racial profiling from society where one might be denied something due to their ethnicity or race. 

A pretty funny part in one of the later chapters is about her advice column that she writes under her pen name Miss Sweetie. She notes how the drawing is of a very classy, elegant lady of how Nathan imagines Miss Sweetie to be like. “Well, Nathan, I am not the lady you imagine me to be, but may you never find out.” Jo’s comment reflects on how society in the 1890s had their expectations for women: beautiful, dainty and very feminine. To which, Jo doesn’t exactly fit with the expectations of a lady, so to her it’s laughable that Nathan thinks Miss Sweetie looks that way. 

Overall, the book was wonderfully portrayed for the time period. The images and other details bring the period to life for the reader. The restrictions of women and people of color are conveyed with sophistication and hope. Jo is strong-minded, opinionated, and outspoken with a feisty attitude that is quite modern for her time but also likable for the readers who will root for her throughout her journey. In the end, it is an inspiring novel about finding your place in the world through writing. 

Reviews and Awards:

Kirkus: “Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history.” 

School Library Journal: “Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage.” 

Publishers Weekly: “This captivating novel explores intersectionality, conveys the effects of restrictions placed on women and people of color, and celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people struggling to break society’s barriers in any age.” 

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A New York Times Bestseller

An Indie Bestseller

2 in Mystery Writing Reference

#3 in Teen & Young Adult 19th Century United States Historical Fiction

 

Connections:

*It contains the theme of finding your voice through writing 

*This book also talks about going against the status quo

*This book contains a Chinese-American, female protagonist who goes against the odds

Related Books:

Riordan, R. (2021). Daughter of the Deep. Disney-Hyperion. ISBN: 9781368077927

Hesse, K. (2009). Out of the Dust. Scholastic. ISBN: 9780590371254

Schaefer, J. (2014). Shane. HMH Books for Young Readers. ISBN:  9780544239470