From the New York Times bestselling author of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and Mexican Gothic comes a fabulous meld of Mexican horror movies and Nazi occultism: a dark thriller about the curse that haunts a legendary lost film--and awakens one woman's hidden powers.
Montserrat has always been overlooked. She’s a talented sound editor, but she’s left out of the boys’ club running the film industry in ’90s Mexico City. And she’s all but invisible to her best friend, Tristán, a charming if faded soap opera star, though she’s been in love with him since childhood.
Then Tristán discovers his new neighbor is the cult horror director Abel Urueta, and the legendary auteur claims he can change their lives—even if his tale of a Nazi occultist imbuing magic into highly volatile silver nitrate stock sounds like sheer fantasy. The magic film was never finished, which is why, Urueta swears, his career vanished overnight. He is cursed.
Now the director wants Montserrat and Tristán to help him shoot the missing scene and lift the curse . . . but Montserrat soon notices a dark presence following her, and Tristán begins seeing the ghost of his ex-girlfriend.
As they work together to unravel the mystery of the film and the obscure occultist who once roamed their city, Montserrat and Tristán may find that sorcerers and magic are not only the stuff of movies.
Editorial Review
Among the notable works in its genre, Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia has established itself as a must-read title. With a very good rating of 3.58 out of 5 from 26,216 readers, this book has proven its appeal to a broad audience.
The book explores rich themes that keep readers engaged from start to finish. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and Mexican Gothic comes a fabulous meld of Mexican horror movies and Nazi occultism: a dark thriller about the curse that haunts a legendary lost film--and awakens one woman's hidden powers.Montserrat has always been overlooked. She’s a talented sound editor, but she’s left out of the boys’ club running the film industry in ’90s Mexico City. And she’s all but invisible to her best friend, Tristán, a charming if faded soap opera star, though she’s been in love with him since childhood.Then Tristán discovers his new neighbor is the cult horror director Abel Urueta, and the legendary auteur claims he can change their lives—even if his tale of a Nazi occultist imbuing magic into highly volatile silver nitrate stock sounds like sheer fantasy.
Published by Del Rey, this 318-page volume, offers approximately 8 hours of reading time. It represents a carefully curated selection that reflects the high standards readers have come to expect.
— Reviewed by Editorial App Deal Library ·
Why Read This Book?
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Well-Received by Readers — With a solid 3.58/5 rating from 26,216 readers, Silver Nitrate has earned its place as a worthwhile read.
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Proven Writer — Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings a recognized level of craft and expertise to Silver Nitrate, ensuring readers receive a polished and rewarding experience.
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Well-Balanced Length — With 318 pages, Silver Nitrate strikes the right balance between depth and readability, making it accessible without sacrificing substance.
Reading Recommendations
Readers who found Silver Nitrate compelling often discover similar enjoyment in "Vampires of El Norte", "The Possession of Alba Díaz" and "The Hacienda". These recommendations are based on shared themes, writing style, and reader preferences.
Quick Summary
In 'Silver Nitrate', Montserrat, a skilled sound editor in 1990s Mexico City, feels invisible both in her career and personal life, especially to her childhood friend Tristán. When they encounter the enigmatic horror director Abel Urueta, their lives take a dark turn as they delve into the mysteries surrounding a cursed film linked to Nazi occultism. This gripping narrative intertwines elements of Mexican horror cinema with themes of empowerment and hidden talents.
Key Takeaways
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Explore the intersection of film and supernatural elements.
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Understand the dynamics of gender and power in the film industry.
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Discover themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.
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Unravel the historical context of Nazi occultism in popular culture.
Who Should Read This Book
This book appeals to readers who enjoy dark thrillers infused with elements of horror and history. Fans of Mexican culture and cinema, as well as those interested in stories about strong female characters navigating male-dominated fields, will find 'Silver Nitrate' particularly engaging. It also attracts enthusiasts of supernatural tales that delve into the complexities of friendship and ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre does 'Silver Nitrate' belong to?
'Silver Nitrate' is a dark thriller that blends elements of horror and historical fiction, focusing on themes related to the film industry and the supernatural.
Is this book suitable for young readers?
Given its dark themes and mature content, 'Silver Nitrate' is more suitable for adult readers.
Who is the main character in the story?
The main character is Montserrat, a talented sound editor who navigates her career and personal challenges in the Mexican film industry.
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