The Seventh Veil of Salome
Ratings15
Average rating4.1
This was a highly intriguing read following the production of the famous dance of Salome set in 50's Hollywood.
We see this story from multiple viewpoints including the actress set to play Salome the disgruntled extra Nancy whose anger over not being cast as Salome eats away at her and Salome who's dance leads to a deadly outcome.
Garcia does a brilliant job showcasing the reality of 1950's Hollywood including the blatant racism and discrimination BIPOC and women entertainers faced in the entertainment industry.
Additionally she provided a rich story about Salome and the various machinations that led her to that fateful dance and climactic moment.
3.5 ⭐️
Historical mystery set in 50s Hollywood following the making of a movie on the semi mythical princess Salome, is played by newcomer Vera. Becoming the talk of town, she's also subject to the jealousy of another cast member, Nancy, who's desperate at making it as an actress.
Just like her previous books this was gorgeously written in SMG usual lush prose, immediately transporting the reader into the past, whereas its 50s Hollywood or ancient Judea. I love how the writer tackled themes of racism, colourism, misogyny, fate, jealousy, lust for power, celebrity culture, vapid Hollywood in the various points of view.
I loved Vera as a character, her resilience and dignity, how she stood up for herself. Nancy was a properly nasty person and her awfulness was perfectly rendered throughout her point of view. It was also great seeing minor characters offering their points of view, it felt very documentary like.
The parts retelling Salome's story were interesting and well written (especially the parallels between her, Vera and Nancy) yet I don't think it added anything substantial to most of the story. Aside from the pacing I had problems with, I felt the ending was a bit too rushed. I also didn't care about Vera's love story.
Overall not my favourite book from SMG but this novel still shows her strengths as a storyteller.
Book Review: The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Rating: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a book that combines sumptuous historical detail with a gripping narrative, look no further than The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. As a huge fan of this author, I can confidently say she has struck gold yet again!
Set in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of 1950s Hollywood, the story follows Vera Larios, an unknown actress who lands the role of a lifetime as Salome in a big-budget film. Suddenly, she finds herself in the spotlight, captivating the town and igniting envy in her fellow actress, Nancy Hartley. Nancy, whose career has stagnated, will stop at nothing to reclaim the fame she believes she deserves. But it's not just about these two women; we also dive into the life of Princess Salome herself, a figure torn between her desires and her duties. It's a tale buzzing with ambition, rivalry, and the darker side of fame.
First off, can we talk about the cover? It's absolutely stunning! I was drawn to it immediately, and it perfectly encapsulates the allure of both the era and the story. Moreno-Garcia's storytelling is as immersive as ever, capturing the glamour while unearthing the grit that lies beneath. Through multiple POVs, we are taken back to 1950s Hollywood, where racism, and fierce rivalry dominate the spotlight..
The characters are beautifully complex and well-crafted. Vera's journey toward fame is fraught with challenges, and Nancy's desperation adds an edge of intensity that keeps you flipping pages. The author's meticulous research breathes life into the era with striking detail., making you feel as if you've stepped right onto those iconic movie sets.
In conclusion, I'm giving this book five stars without hesitation. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has solidified her status as one of my “must read” authors. If you haven't picked up this book yet, do yourself a favor and dive into this captivating world. You won't regret it!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
This story made me think on what some of the characters did after the story was over. To me that marks it as a really good story. The story was a historical fiction about old Hollywood and the people in it. It was also about the biblical character Salome who I barely know anything about because there is not a lot to her story in the bible. Very well written and super interesting. It talked about things I had little knowledge about and usually don't think about and fully engaged me. If you like very well-written historical fiction or are even a little curious about old-time Hollywood I'd highly recommend it. Heck read it anyway because it was very good. 4.5 stars