n_g_reader 's review for:

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

4.5

dark 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: Yes

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It didn't quite hit 5 stars simply because I've read other Moreno-Garcia books that I enjoyed more. I will say that listening to the book rather than reading it probably increased my pleasure in this book because the cast was fantastic. I loved the switching POV's which heightened the tension until the climax, I loved learning what everyone did afterwards through Joe's chapter, I loved the ending of Salome's dream, and I loved the setting of this book being in 50's Hollywood. Nancy was such an interesting character to watch develop, especially with how she can read as many in the States today who blame immigrants for their lack of work, when, in fact, it's just that some - like Vera - got lucky and some - like Nancy - did not. Nancy strove so hard, believed in herself to the point of delusion, yet even when she got the infamy, she wasn't able to translate that into a success story for herself. 
Vera's POV's hurt me so much. It's one thing to know how much Mexicans were hated in California and it's another thing to see the racism and barbs in the narrative. Her statement to Jay (love interest) that "he didn't get it" was something I felt viscerally. 
Some might say the ending was too abrupt, but I think it was a great narrative choice. Moreno-Garcia constantly surprised me with how adeptly she can switch genres and this book just showcases her talent even more. I'm always ready to see what she's going to do next. This book was just so great and I'm a little upset I slept on it as long as I did.