The Seventh Veil of Salome

By: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly, Atlanta Amado, Victoria Villarreal, Arthur Morey, Andrew Eiden, Kristen DiMercurio, Frankie Corzo, Lauren Fortgang, Javier Prusky, Fred Sanders, Lee Osorio, Cassandra Campbell

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • 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 New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

“Whenever I want to read a book I know will be good, I go to Silvia Moreno-Garcia.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

AN NPR AND BOOKPAGE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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.

©2024 Silvia Moreno-Garcia (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“In Moreno-Garcia’s skillful hands, you’ll find the satisfaction of richly drawn characters, saturated settings and deftly constructed plot twists. . . . No matter the genre—gothic, horror, noir—she’ll embody its essence with a verve all her own. The Seventh Veil of Salome, Moreno-Garcia’s tenth novel, is an old Hollywood tale crossed with fire and brimstone. And like her previous works, it’s a compulsive page turner [and] a shrewd examination of faith and desire.”—The New York Times Book Review

“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

outstanding

Wonderful performances from various voice actors. This was a truly riveting listen and interesting story.

Excellent character development and cultural knowledge.

Very slow start but Silvia is one of my favorite authors so I stuck with the story and it soon had me enthralled.

Well thought out.

Enjoyed the story, it was what I needed for a flight home. It’s a bit fluffy & fun but gives one a great feeling of Hollywood in the 1950’s. The audible version is very well done.

A New Look At Old Hollywood

After ravenously consuming “Mexican Gothic” I became obsessed with the other works of the rising literary titan that is Sylvia Moreno Garcia. She’s become one of those writers whose work I must read as soon as it’s released. I think a big reason for that is because she’s a rare breed of author. No matter what she’s writing, whether it be noir, horror (her strong suit in my humble opinion), mystery, or even just a character piece, she always manages to somehow turn in something readers like myself simply can’t put down. The aforementioned “Mexican Gothic” was an engrossing and addictive gothic pot-boiler that grabbed me by the throat and squeezed tighter with every turn of the page. “Silver Nitrate” was a fun and entertaining thrill ride that felt like it was written by a true horror junkie. “Velvet was the night” was an atmospheric mystery with insightful perspectives and prose that wore its pulp and noir influences on its sleeves. In my mind, she has yet to turn in anything that wasn’t thought-provoking, thrilling, superbly written, and utterly addictive. That winning streak continues here with “The Seventh Veil Of Salome”.
I think part of the reason I respond so much to Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing is because most of her works involve in some way cinema and Hollywood history, as well as the influences she’s picked up from what seems like a lifelong fascination with those subjects and years of indulging that fascination. As someone who has also been obsessed with the history, legends, and world of movies since I was 10, I share her palpable love for all things cinema. She has a remarkable way of immersing the reader in that world and getting them invested in it, and thus, the story. She captures the vibe, aesthetic, institutions, politics, and tumultuous change that was occurring in Tinseltown at the time of “The Seventh Veil of Salome” exquisitely. The old studio system was collapsing, New Hollywood and its stars were emerging, and Joseph McCarthy and his absurdly overreaching House Un-American Activities Committee was ruining lives and turning everyone in the Hollywood machine and America at large into paranoid reactionaries. It is in this world that “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” is set.
While this historical setting provides ample opportunities for conflict, intrigue, and very deftly written world-building, it’s the enthralling character work that will stick with readers most. When one of the ubiquitous (for the 50’s) sword and sandal films about the biblical temptress Salome finally emerges from “development hell”, the race is on to find the perfect actress to inhabit the titular role. And while mega-stars like Mansfield, and Russell, vie for top-billing it’s the unknowns that are truly in contention. This is a story of Hollywood and the world of cinema told from people on its margins. A Mexican girl ashamed of her accent despite her undeniable talent, a “pick me up” girl doing ANYTHING to get ahead, a Jewish writer who only wants the best for his script, even Salome herself has her say and each perspective offers something new, insightful, and engrossing while simultaneously conflict, duplicity, hatred, and cruelty abound. The most laudable thing about “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” was that despite how “cinematic” it felt, it was never formulaic. No matter how familiar it was, it was never predictable. No matter how gritty, off-putting, or self-serving the world, circumstances, or characters became, the story was never anything less than enthralling. So, If you’re looking for a new look at old Hollywood, definitely give “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” a listen.

But buckle up and enjoy the ride.

If you enjoyed “The Seventh Veil Of Salome” as much as I have and are looking for similar titles then definitely check out Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s aforementioned earlier works like “Silver Nitrate”, “Mexican Gothic”, and “Velvet Was The Night”. You might also enjoy “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, “The Enchanters” by James Ellroy, “The Devil’s Playground” by Craig Russell, and “The Garden Of Allah Series” as well as “The Hollywood Homefront trilogy” by Martin Turnbull (both of which I heartily recommend) .

Hollywood vs History

3.5 Stars. Interesting story about 1950's Hollywood, how people of color were treated and the supposed back story of Salome

Predictable

Spoiler: Characters are predictable as is the story. Interesting look into the days of classic Hollywood but you already know ethnic actors and actors of color were discriminated against. You know the rich guy’s parents aren’t going to want him dating a Mexican born actress, Nancy is jealous because she didn’t get the role. You could write the outline for this typical tale without reading this book. It was nicely written but nothing new or exciting here.

Great Story Telling

I love how Silvia mixes history, myths, etc in her stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great, great book!

It is almost like watching a movie

Hollywood glamor and scandal but with a Hispanic main character! I was blown away by the writing and voice acting.

The Seven Veils of Hell?

The first third of the book was painful to get through—a perfect example of excessive description and unnecessary detail that doesn’t add to the story in the end. About two-thirds in, however, the book starts to make great points through Vera’s development, her strong work ethic, and defiance toward her mother. I found myself rooting for greater character exploration, especially as Jay also struggles with family dynamics. Nancy’s relationship with her father could have been an interesting thread to explore further also.

As an entrepreneur myself, I saw my own story reflected in Vera’s defiance of society’s expectations, her strong work ethic, but most of all in the artistic expression of her dance—her craft.
There was a clear opportunity to draw stronger parallels between Vera and Salomon and to explore the tormenting consequences of Nancy’s actions. The ending felt rushed, unexpected, and insufficient.

Nonetheless, if you really think about it, the book offers unique insights and valuable social critiques. Unlike Salomon, Silvia had all the right steps for a great dance, the right ingredients for a great tamale, and still fell short.

Another hit!

I’ve loved SM-G’s novels in the past for their gothic horror and magical realism. This one has neither and it still knocks it out of the park. Ending was very emotional. I know I’ll be buying a print version and treasuring this one!