The Seventh Veil of Salome
Forthcoming August 2024
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.
Reviews
"Dazzling... Moreno-Garcia is a gifted storyteller, vividly rendering both the intrigue and dangers of the ancient world Salome inhabits and the allure and ugliness (ingrained sexism and racism) of Golden Age Hollywood while spinning a thoroughly captivating, thrilling tale."Booklist, Starred Review!
"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."Publisher's Weekly
"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! A pensive Mexican ingenue becomes the talk of Tinseltown when she lands the part of Salome in a big-budget sword-and-sandal biblical epic; meanwhile a jealous starlet schemes to steal her place in the spotlight. Against their splashy soundstage drama, the real Salome (or is she?) tells her own story of love, revenge, and betrayal. 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. To me, 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
"The Seventh Veil of Salome is a whirlwind of ambition, power, and tragedy set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden era. It is a must-read for those who appreciate masterful storytelling, rich character development, and a nuanced exploration of the complexities within the entertainment industry. Silvia Moreno-Garcia continues to be a literary force to be reckoned with, leaving her mark on the literary landscape with each dazzling tale she weaves."
Awards & Accolades
Apple Books: Apple Books: "2024's Most Anticipated Books, Fiction"