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I picked this book up from the library not knowing much beyond recognizing the author's name and skimming the summary. Anyway, I'm really glad I ended up liking it.
This book has the most effective use of multiple POVs that I've ever read. I loved how Nancy's POV was written because I despised her, yet Moreno-Garcia managed to write it in a way that seemed like it truly was a glimpse into Nancy's brain. I also thought the way Salome and Vera contrasted each other was really stark and sort of exemplified both of their characterizations, allowing them to sort of shine in their contrasts but also in their similarities. I also liked the little asides from other people throughout the book, the glimpses into other peoples' minds and relationships with Nancy or Vera and then the subversion or affirmations of what they said added a really interesting element to the book that I really liked. One of the things that really stood out to me was this one pairing of scenes contrasting Nancy and Benny with Vera and the person she ends up in a relationship with where I had to pause to admire how well the author had set the scenes up to really contrast the characters.
Some other things: I also really loved Vera's arc, I think she had a lot of strong growth throughout the story and her sweetness was a nice contrast to Nancy. The story the author was trying to tell really would not have worked as well without Vera developing in the way that she did. I thought the book was well-paced and an interesting story throughout, there's a lot that you can analyze if you want but even if you don't want to think about it it's still a really fun read.
Anyway. I really liked this one, I'd recommend it if you like books that have old Hollywood, unlikeable characters, historical settings in the '50s, or also just books that try to do something a little unique with the format they choose.
This book has the most effective use of multiple POVs that I've ever read. I loved how Nancy's POV was written because I despised her, yet Moreno-Garcia managed to write it in a way that seemed like it truly was a glimpse into Nancy's brain. I also thought the way Salome and Vera contrasted each other was really stark and sort of exemplified both of their characterizations, allowing them to sort of shine in their contrasts but also in their similarities. I also liked the little asides from other people throughout the book, the glimpses into other peoples' minds and relationships with Nancy or Vera and then the subversion or affirmations of what they said added a really interesting element to the book that I really liked. One of the things that really stood out to me was this one pairing of scenes contrasting Nancy and Benny with Vera and the person she ends up in a relationship with where I had to pause to admire how well the author had set the scenes up to really contrast the characters.
Some other things: I also really loved Vera's arc, I think she had a lot of strong growth throughout the story and her sweetness was a nice contrast to Nancy. The story the author was trying to tell really would not have worked as well without Vera developing in the way that she did. I thought the book was well-paced and an interesting story throughout, there's a lot that you can analyze if you want but even if you don't want to think about it it's still a really fun read.
Anyway. I really liked this one, I'd recommend it if you like books that have old Hollywood, unlikeable characters, historical settings in the '50s, or also just books that try to do something a little unique with the format they choose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Homophobia
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Moreno Garcia’s novels always leave me in awe. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
I was raised Catholic, so reading about a biblical character in the context of this novel was refreshing to say the least. I especially loved how Salome, Vera and Nancy’s story start to somewhat blend into one. It came to a point where it felt like Salome’s story was happening in tangent with Vera and Nancy’s side, and that was really neat.
I was raised Catholic, so reading about a biblical character in the context of this novel was refreshing to say the least. I especially loved how Salome, Vera and Nancy’s story start to somewhat blend into one. It came to a point where it felt like Salome’s story was happening in tangent with Vera and Nancy’s side, and that was really neat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Violence
Minor: Gore, Gun violence
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have thoroughly enjoyed so many of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books and this book is no exception. Once again, she weaves an amazing tale that pulls you right into the setting, that being 1950s Hollywood in his book. The transition between scenes of Salome, and the actresses for the movie involving Salome was exception, well-timed, and well-paced. The characters were memorable and complex, even the ones you loved to hate (ahem, Nancy). I read the digital copy along with the audiobook when I had the chance and it is highly worth listening to as it has a full cast. Every character has a distinct voice even without the use of differing narrators, and they along with the plot felt easy to follow. I couldn’t put this down even when I had appropriate moments where I wanted to yell about what was happening, particularly when our male character has to deal with the casual racism and sexism in the film industry that was historical accurate of that time.
From both this book and the last one of Silvia’s that I have read (Silver Nitrate), it’s apparent that the author takes great strides to research the film industry and its many moving parts. I really can’t wait to read more, be it about film, about Mexico and Mexican culture (holy hell, the description of the dinner scene at Vera’s house made me hungry), or anything else.
And for those who are curious before reading this whether there's a happy ending or not,there is no happily ever after in this one, nor is the ending particularly happy.
And for those who are curious before reading this whether there's a happy ending or not,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this is one of my favorite books by this author. There's just something about 50's Hollywood that I adore. And this was just so good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia
Moderate: Gun violence
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Cultural appropriation, Classism
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Set in 1950s Hollywood, The Seventh Veil of Salome is the story of the film by the same name and three women tied together because of it-- Vera Laurios, the Mexican ingenue cast in the lead role of Salome after she was discovered while working a pharmacy; party girl Nancy Hartley, who despite struggling to land a major acting role is convinced that Salome should have been her part; and Salome, the biblical princess at the center of the film.
I adored this book. It was so perfectly done-- the glamour and dark underbelly of 1950s Hollywood, the characterization (even the most minor characters have distinct voices), the shifting perspectives. The book flowed from one character to the next seamlessly, which kept the momentum building to an ending that was believable while still surprising me. As in many of her books, Moreno-Garcia weaves into the compelling plot the politics of 1950s Hollywood and its racism and sexism. I listened to the audiobook, which has a full cast, and it was captivating-- I felt like I was watching a classic film.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors, and she knocked it out of the park with this one.
I adored this book. It was so perfectly done-- the glamour and dark underbelly of 1950s Hollywood, the characterization (even the most minor characters have distinct voices), the shifting perspectives. The book flowed from one character to the next seamlessly, which kept the momentum building to an ending that was believable while still surprising me. As in many of her books, Moreno-Garcia weaves into the compelling plot the politics of 1950s Hollywood and its racism and sexism. I listened to the audiobook, which has a full cast, and it was captivating-- I felt like I was watching a classic film.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors, and she knocked it out of the park with this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia
dark
sad
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Outing, Cultural appropriation
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Blood, Antisemitism, Alcohol
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use, Gun violence, Murder, Alcohol
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I received a copy of the book from Quercus Books in exchange for an honest review**
CW: racism, racial slurs, sexism, sexual harassment, infidelity, mild sexual content, gun violence, murder, alcohol, drugs, emotional abuse, toxic relationship
--
No matter the genre Silvia Moreno-Garcia will hands down sweep you away with her eloquent writing style and evocative characters.
The Seventh Veil of Salome is a historical drama that beautifully fuses the stories of 3 women during the Golden Era of Hollywood. Vera Larios, a young Mexican woman who has landed the lead role in the next blockbuster, Nancy Hartley a seasoned bit player who feels like she has been snubbed for said role and the biblical figure of Salome who is the central character in the film.
Much like the tale of Salome it is made clear from the get go that this book is a tragedy so there is also an air of mystery that unfurls, and additional interview segments from supporting characters slotted within the storyline give us little insights into Vera and Nancy’s lives leading us through everything that goes down.
It took me maybe 100 pages or so to actually get into the story as it is definitely on the slower side when it comes to pacing but the narrative meticulously immerses you into the setting through the eyes, experiences and emotions of the characters, fantastically bringing 1950’s LA to life.
Through the third person perspectives of the two actresses we see the industry in all its glitz and glamour as well as the glumness and the grudges. Moreno-Garcia seamlessly blends together fact and fiction, mentioning titbits from actual history and real life figures that set the scene as much as all the descriptions do. Plus there isn’t any shying away from all the racism, sexism and white privilege that shaped all the gossip and scheming of the time.
Salome’s story also plays out alongside all of this again in third person perspective essentially bringing the film script to life and it was the part of the book that I was most taken away by. I segued into reading the original Oscar Wilde play that the book and fictional film title were lifted from and the interpretation and expansion of her story is so enticing and well done it kept me hooked all the way through.
As expected the relationships within the book were fantastically developed and explored. There is a parallel with the toxic relationships – both familial and romantic – that surround and shape all three of the protagonists that connects their stories all the more.
I think everything did wrap up a little too abruptly after the fallout, which led to it not hitting as hard as it could have but this was a worthwhile read all the same.
Final Rating – 4/5 Stars
**I received a copy of the book from Quercus Books in exchange for an honest review**
CW: racism, racial slurs, sexism, sexual harassment, infidelity, mild sexual content, gun violence, murder, alcohol, drugs, emotional abuse, toxic relationship
--
No matter the genre Silvia Moreno-Garcia will hands down sweep you away with her eloquent writing style and evocative characters.
The Seventh Veil of Salome is a historical drama that beautifully fuses the stories of 3 women during the Golden Era of Hollywood. Vera Larios, a young Mexican woman who has landed the lead role in the next blockbuster, Nancy Hartley a seasoned bit player who feels like she has been snubbed for said role and the biblical figure of Salome who is the central character in the film.
Much like the tale of Salome it is made clear from the get go that this book is a tragedy so there is also an air of mystery that unfurls, and additional interview segments from supporting characters slotted within the storyline give us little insights into Vera and Nancy’s lives leading us through everything that goes down.
It took me maybe 100 pages or so to actually get into the story as it is definitely on the slower side when it comes to pacing but the narrative meticulously immerses you into the setting through the eyes, experiences and emotions of the characters, fantastically bringing 1950’s LA to life.
Through the third person perspectives of the two actresses we see the industry in all its glitz and glamour as well as the glumness and the grudges. Moreno-Garcia seamlessly blends together fact and fiction, mentioning titbits from actual history and real life figures that set the scene as much as all the descriptions do. Plus there isn’t any shying away from all the racism, sexism and white privilege that shaped all the gossip and scheming of the time.
Salome’s story also plays out alongside all of this again in third person perspective essentially bringing the film script to life and it was the part of the book that I was most taken away by. I segued into reading the original Oscar Wilde play that the book and fictional film title were lifted from and the interpretation and expansion of her story is so enticing and well done it kept me hooked all the way through.
As expected the relationships within the book were fantastically developed and explored. There is a parallel with the toxic relationships – both familial and romantic – that surround and shape all three of the protagonists that connects their stories all the more.
I think everything did wrap up a little too abruptly after the fallout, which led to it not hitting as hard as it could have but this was a worthwhile read all the same.
Final Rating – 4/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Murder
challenging
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was so torn on the star rating of this book. It’s honestly more than 4 stars for me but didn’t quite meet that 5 star mark. 4.75/5???? I know that’s a weird number. For me the narration by so many different characters made it difficult to connect with or care for any of the main characters (Vera, Jay, Nancy, Salome).
I spent quite a bit of time writing down who all the extra people were and who they connected to just in case it popped back up and I needed to know their name later.
The story itself is told wonderfully by Silvia Morena-Garcia. She diverges from her usual genre and ventures into a more historical fiction in this book. Old Hollywood and the pressures on women and minorities is described wonderfully. I found myself drawn deeply into the story once I had the characters down and stayed up reading way past dawn.
Go into this knowing that you really only need to keep up with the main players. (Vera, Jay, Nancy, Benny, Salome, Herod, Herodias, Agrippa, Jokanaan). Most of the other viewpoints are just to tell you the thinking of the time or something about one of the main characters. I think you’ll enjoy the book much more that way!
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own .
I spent quite a bit of time writing down who all the extra people were and who they connected to just in case it popped back up and I needed to know their name later.
The story itself is told wonderfully by Silvia Morena-Garcia. She diverges from her usual genre and ventures into a more historical fiction in this book. Old Hollywood and the pressures on women and minorities is described wonderfully. I found myself drawn deeply into the story once I had the characters down and stayed up reading way past dawn.
Go into this knowing that you really only need to keep up with the main players. (Vera, Jay, Nancy, Benny, Salome, Herod, Herodias, Agrippa, Jokanaan). Most of the other viewpoints are just to tell you the thinking of the time or something about one of the main characters. I think you’ll enjoy the book much more that way!
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own .
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism