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mari1532's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read this audiobook through my local library.
Brief Summary: Montserrat, a brilliant sound engineer, is facing sexism where she is the only female sound editor. In addition to her struggles at work, she is trying to help her sister through her cancer treatments and be emotionally supportive of her childhood best friend, Tristán a charming but out-of-work soap opera star. However, Montserrat attempts to keep her life on track and her feelings for Tristán in check things are taken off the rails when she meets Tristán's mysterious neighbour Abel Urueta.
At first, Montserrat is intrigued by Abel as he is the director of a lost film that was never finished. As she and Tristán get to know Abel they learn that the film is shrouded in mystery because it's cursed. When Abel asks for assistance in removing the curse Tristán and Montserrat think no harm will come from helping him. That is until they start to see ghosts and shadows. Racing against the clock Montserrat and Tristán have to work together to untangle the intricate web of occultism that they've awakened.
Thoughts: First, I want to make it very clear that this book deals with Nazi ideology and cancer treatment. Both of these things permeate the book and at times could be very difficult to hear, so if these are topics you do not enjoy reading, I would not recommend this book.
Third, the book was a bit slow to build to the climax, but I found the story interesting throughout. Moreno-Garcia's writing is so engrossing that I didn't notice how long it was taking to get to the end of the book. I also found the mystery, occultist angle kept the story riveting.
Finally, I think that Moreno-Garcia dealt with several very difficult topics throughout this book and managed to do so in a way that made Montserrat and Tristán interesting and flawed human beings. Morally grey characters are so hard to get right in a book and I felt that Moreno-Garcia did just that throughout the book. I also learned a great deal about the film industry in general and loved how Montserrat was such a nerd (I mean this with great love) about movies and the film industry.
This is a good book that had me captivated until the end. I would recommend it.
Graphic: Ableism, Alcohol, Grief, Bullying, Cursing, Sexism, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Cancer, Car accident, Death, Addiction, Classism, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, and Murder
Nazi ideology, Nazi occultismcurlydanreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Racism, Suicide attempt, Cancer, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Xenophobia
ninajean's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Xenophobia, Murder, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Ableism and Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Drug abuse
brandongordon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story revolves around Montserrat, a reclusive sound editor, and her childhood friend Tristán Abascal, a washed-up actor. Their unlikely reunion sets the stage for a tale filled with eerie mysteries and supernatural encounters. The plot takes a unique twist when they team up with Abel Urueta, a once-famous Mexican horror film director, to complete a cursed film project, "Beyond the Yellow Door," initiated by a Nazi occultist who believed in the power of silver nitrate film for sealing spells.
What makes "Silver Nitrate" stand out is its vivid portrayal of 1990s Mexico City, a city grappling with the aftermath of neoliberal reforms and changing tastes in the film industry. Moreno-Garcia's attention to detail paints a haunting picture of this era, although at times, the abundance of references to actors, directors, and horror films can feel a bit overwhelming and weigh down the narrative.
The novel also delves into a fascinating aspect of Latin American history - the specter of Nazism in the region. While Nazi presence was more pronounced in other Latin American countries, Moreno-Garcia skillfully explores the compatibility of Nazi ideology with regional ideas of racial supremacy, discrimination against Indigenous groups, and the desire to "better the race."
Despite some moments of heavy-handed exposition and telegraphed romance, "Silver Nitrate" truly comes alive when the supernatural mystery takes center stage. Moreno-Garcia's inventive storytelling and carefully constructed plot keep readers engaged and curious throughout the narrative. The unraveling of the mystery is a captivating and electrifying experience, much like our protagonists' relentless pursuit of clues to ward off Nazi spirits and curses.
In conclusion, "Silver Nitrate" may have its occasional shortcomings, but it ultimately shines as a compelling and atmospheric blend of genres. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's ability to infuse historical context with the supernatural creates a memorable reading experience. If you're a fan of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, this book is well worth your time.
If you're hungry for more insightful book reviews and recommendations, be sure to visit my blog, Edge Of Your Book, at https://www.edgeofyourbook.com, where I share in-depth insights into captivating reads like "Silver Nitrate" and many more. Happy reading!
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Xenophobia and Alcohol
ecn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
The writing was spectacular and the fantasy elements kept me entertained. I just wish it was edited a bit better and a whole lot spookier (then maybe I could feel fine with not dive too deep into the characters?).
However I will say the biggest win is having two messy/annoying bisexuals obsessed with horror (kinda) as the MCs. Huge representation win lol
Graphic: Antisemitism, Drug abuse, Xenophobia, Violence, Sexism, Racism, Murder, Misogyny, Grief, Gore, Death, Body horror, Drug use, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Cancer, Colonisation, Animal death, Addiction, Ableism, Toxic friendship, and Blood
devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Antisemitism, Racism, Violence, Death, and Xenophobia
Minor: Vomit, Misogyny, Alcohol, Self harm, Blood, and Cursing
dananana's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Xenophobia, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Racism
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
Minor: Biphobia
val_so_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Murder, Grief, Misogyny, Car accident, Racism, Alcohol, Religious bigotry, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Xenophobia
Minor: Medical content, Ableism, and Biphobia
taratearex's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
As usual Silvia Moreno Garcia is a master at creating an atmospheric setting and incredible characters. I think this is billed as a horror and to me it feel more like a noir with horror elements, the creepy and the horror are both there, but it's within the long and winding mystery as it unfolds. (It had Velvet was the Night vibes which I loved). As with most of her novels, the slow burn is there which is honestly something I love about her style, but if you have a hard time with slow burn the beginning is very much taking it's time to set the scene and get to know the characters- again, I personally love this about her style because I just love entering the worlds that she creates and spending time with her characters.
I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia layers in history and education around topics. In this one we have a love and fascination for film that comes through Montserrat's character. And some history of Nazi occultism, racism, and cultural appropriation told through the mystery of the cursed film and filmmakers. My only real qualm was getting a bit lost in the information and mystery, I think if I'd had a physical copy I would have tabbed to keep track of some things because I had a number of moments where I just thought "this book is much smarter than me".
I know that right after I finish a new book of hers I feel like it's my new favorite, but I really loved these two characters so much. I love that they are both around my age and both bisexual. I love how Silvia Moreno Garcia creates complicated multi-dimensional characters that you root for and also make you a little mad, they always feel so real. Montserrat being drawn to power that she knows is wrong, but can't help but fall deep into was so well done. Tristan trying to grow and let go, but being afraid to. I love their complicated friendship/relationship, how much they need and lean on each other. I really never knew where this was going and the ending was a surprise that I loved.
I truly look forward to a reread, there was just so much in this book!
Thank you to the publisher, Del Rey, and Net Galley for the arc!
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Gore, Grief, Murder, Xenophobia, Racism, Antisemitism, Car accident, Alcohol, and Addiction