The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The sad underbelly of old Hollywood is exposed in this unique mix of ancient and 1950's actresses not seen beyond their sex appeal. Princess Salome is seen as a biblical seductress just as her character is portrayed later in a 50's blockbuster movie. When an untested Mexican actress is cast to play Salome the Hollywood gossip mill takes notice and more than one young actress is jealous and after the career making part. Vera is quiet and trying to follow all the rules set by her family and the studio heads as the attention and flashbulbs leave her not knowing who to trust. Nancy, a fellow actress, will do anything to bring down Vera for the part and fame she feels she deserves. All three women must use their beauty to get what they want but are also pawns at the hands of others. Silvia Moreno-Garcia does a masterful job of portraying the diversity of these three women and the common problem they face as powerful men control the narrative and society's perception of them. I really enjoyed the diversity of the characters as well as the jump in time and feel that this may be her best story yet. For readers of QUEEN OF SUGAR HILL and THE BRIGHTEST STAR as well as fans of her previous novels. 4 stars