Publishers Weekly
05/13/2024
Moreno-Garcia (Silver Nitrate) returns to the world of moviemaking for this layered if schematic story of a Mexico City receptionist whose exotic looks land her the lead role in the eponymous 1950s Hollywood epic. Vera Larios has no professional acting experience, which infuriates costar Nancy Hartley, who was certain the role was hers and that it would have been her big break. While Nancy schemes to knock Vera out of the picture, Moreno-Garcia unfurls a parallel story line in which the biblical Salome navigates power struggles in her uncle Herod’s court through stratagems not unlike those wielded by Vera and Nancy. Moreno-Garcia shines a light on the racial and gender politics of postwar Hollywood and intertwines her tale with enough real history to please Tinseltown obsessives, though her stock characters are straight out of central casting: in addition to the vulnerable ingenue and bitter bit player, there are a vain male lead, martinet director, and harried screenwriter. This isn’t the author’s best. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
When I want to read a book I know will be good, I go to Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Her genres are ever-changing, and her ability to take on a wild story each time is incredible. You never know what she’s going to do, but you know it will be a page-turner.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six
“Using a kaleidoscope of perspectives, Moreno-Garcia skillfully depicts the rise of a starlet in 1950s Hollywood, capturing not only the glamour of poolside parties but also the sordid underbelly of the industry. That alone would be a great read, but she also weaves in the original story of Salome, adding rich layers to a story that bubbles with anticipation and will leave you spellbound.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular
“I’ve been a huge Silvia Moreno-Garcia fan since her sensational Mexican Gothic, but this epic of 1950s Hollywood really hits my sweet spot. The Seventh Veil of Salome is absolutely not to be missed!”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
“I’ve long been a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing—she’s one of the most versatile, quirky, and interesting writers around. In The Seventh Veil of Salome, she reveals—veil by veil—layers of emotion, character, the Bible, and Hollywood. What a fun and compelling dance!”—Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
“This is a darkly thrilling gem of a novel, a page-turner that winds ever more tightly around its twin heroines as they navigate biblical court intrigues and 1950s studio scandals. Like the best Hollywood epics, The Seventh Veil of Salome catches you in its spell and won’t let go until the credits roll!”—Helene Wecker, author of The Golem and the Jinni and The Hidden Palace
