The Fountains of Silence: A Novel

Daniel returns to the hotel, which now seems too opulent, stunned by the poverty he has seen. Lorenza serves Daniel and Ben, lingering as if eavesdropping, and Ben tells Daniel that Lorenza’s father works for the Guardia Civil.

Daniel asks Ben about the Valley of the Fallen, and Ben gives him the real story. The monument is being built with slave labor, and the people resent the expense. Ben also encourages Daniel to think about Franco in relationship to other fascist leaders, including Mussolini and Hitler. Ben points out that though Spain’s “history hasn’t written itself yet” Daniel is “capturing it as [they] speak with [his] photos” (202). Although Ben’s admiration of him and of his work pleases him, Daniel feels increasingly uncomfortable that his father is doing business with a brutal dictator.

Following Chapter 56 is an excerpt from an article printed in The Rosebud News from 1960, announcing the completion of the Valley of the Fallen.

Julia allows Ana to keep one box of candy but insists that Ana sell the others. Ana uses some of the money to call Nick and ask him why he sent Daniel there. He admits to having a malicious intent, stating that he thought Daniel was just “a coddled rich kid” but has since decided that Daniel’s “a really good guy” (205).