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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
SMG’s writing is glorious, but I didn’t love the story.
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF at 1/3 of the book. The premise was interesting but the characters didn't engage me and the plot moved too slow. Maybe it was too many characters or maybe it's how the povs were written idk. But I really wanted to love this book since I loved Mexican Gothic. But Silver Nitrate was 3 stars for me and I couldn't finish this book so hopefully my next read from the author brings back the love I had for Mexican Gothic
As much as I wanted to finish this, I just couldn’t get into the story, didn’t care about the characters. Just not into it.
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
dark
emotional
medium-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
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book chronicles two parallel stories of the Biblical Salome, and Vera, an actress in the 50s filming her debut movie based on Salome. The author has done a good job of setting up the atmosphere of both the golden age of Hollywood and ancient times. I loved being transported to both eras and it didn't feel jarring due to the plot parallels.
My favourite part of this book was the villain, Nancy. She is an absolute piece of trash and you can't help but hate her, but the skillful way with which the author paints her picture let's you peer deep down into her and see how she got to where she is. I am a big fan of portrayals of mean and messy women, it is very difficult to get right, and this one definitely deserves its recognition.
I also liked how all stories converged in the end.Salome, Vera, and even Nancy end up losing the men that they were closest to. Salome and Nancy both had the love/hate feeling for their men. And Vera and Salome lost theirs through no fault of their own. Vera's struggles with her mother are also reflected nicely in Salome's relationship with her mother.
I usually reserve four stars and above for books that have a re-readable quality to them which is why this one is 3.5
My favourite part of this book was the villain, Nancy. She is an absolute piece of trash and you can't help but hate her, but the skillful way with which the author paints her picture let's you peer deep down into her and see how she got to where she is. I am a big fan of portrayals of mean and messy women, it is very difficult to get right, and this one definitely deserves its recognition.
I also liked how all stories converged in the end.
I usually reserve four stars and above for books that have a re-readable quality to them which is why this one is 3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, Murder, Classism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated