The Seventh Veil of Salome

The Seventh Veil of Salome

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Enjoyment: 3.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 2.0Plot: 3.0
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A young woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a legendary heroine — but the real drama is behind the scenes in this sumptuous historical epic from the author of Mexican Gothic. 1950s Hollywood: Every actress wants to play Salome, the star-making role in a big-budget movie about the legendary woman whose story has inspired artists since ancient times. So when the film’s mercurial director casts Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican ingenue, in the lead role, she quickly becomes the talk of the town. Vera also becomes an object of envy for Nancy Hartley, a bit player whose career has stalled and who will do anything to win the fame she believes she richly deserves. Two actresses, both determined to make it to the top in Golden Age Hollywood—a city overflowing with gossip, scandal, and intrigue—make for a sizzling combination. But this is the tale of three women, for it is also the story of the princess Salome herself, consumed with desire for the fiery prophet who foretells the doom of her stepfather, Herod: a woman torn between the decree of duty and the yearning of her heart. Before the curtain comes down, there will be tears and tragedy aplenty in this sexy Technicolor saga.


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  • Reading Update from 84%

    I can't decide if the level of delusion Nancy has is ridiculous or realistic (signs of a mental illness)...

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    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. 

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