The Review

“Silver Nitrate” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a captivating blend of supernatural thriller and historical exploration, set against the backdrop of 1990s Mexico City. The novel earns a solid 4-star rating for its unique premise, well-drawn characters, and the author’s ability to immerse readers in a lesser-known aspect of Mexican cinema history.

Montserrat, the protagonist, is a refreshing character who defies the gender norms of her male-dominated profession in the film industry. Her resilience and determination make her instantly relatable and endearing. Meanwhile, her long-time friend, Tristán, adds depth to the narrative as a struggling actor and voice-over artist. Together, they form a dynamic bisexual duo that readers can root for.

The story takes an intriguing turn when they meet Abel Urueta, a cult horror director with a dark and mysterious past. The novel’s premise is undeniably captivating, weaving together elements of Mexican horror movies, Nazi occultism, and the mysterious power of silver nitrate. The cursed film, “Beyond the Yellow Door,” becomes the linchpin of the narrative, drawing readers into a web of supernatural intrigue and unearthing the hidden powers of its characters.

One of the strengths of Moreno-Garcia’s writing is her ability to immerse readers in the cultural and historical aspects of Mexico. Her attention to detail and research shine through, providing a rich and immersive experience for readers. The novel delves into Mexican cinema history and sheds light on a time rarely explored in mainstream media.

However, some readers may find the pacing of the novel to be a bit uneven. While the initial introduction of characters and the unfolding of the plot is engaging, there are moments when the story slows down, particularly during sections focused on occult practices and historical influences. This may require some patience from readers, but the payoff is worth it when the narrative builds to a thrilling showdown.

The book is the heavy reliance on exposition and secondhand accounts of critical events. Some readers may feel that the narrative could benefit from more direct and immediate storytelling, with fewer scenes of characters receiving information through reading or listening to lengthy speeches. Either way, Gisela’s narration kept the story progressing and entertaining. Which was very helpful in keeping me from zoning out during these parts.

In summary, “Silver Nitrate” is a well-crafted novel that offers a fresh perspective on Mexican cinema history and weaves an intriguing supernatural tale. Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s ability to create relatable characters and immerse readers in the cultural and historical context of 1990s Mexico City is commendable. While the pacing and exposition may pose challenges for some readers, the overall experience is rewarding, earning the book a solid 4-star rating.

---

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Silver Nitrate” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a captivating novel that skillfully combines the supernatural thriller genre with a deep dive into the historical nuances of 1990s Mexico City. The story introduces readers to Montserrat, a resilient and determined protagonist defying gender norms in the male-dominated film industry, and her friend Tristán, a struggling actor. Their lives take a fascinating turn when they befriend cult horror director Abel Urueta, setting the stage for a unique and immersive narrative.

The novel excels in its ability to immerse readers in the cultural and historical aspects of Mexico, shedding light on a lesser-known period in Mexican cinema history. Moreno-Garcia’s meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, enriching the reading experience. While the story’s pacing may occasionally falter during sections focused on occult practices and historical influences, the narrative’s payoff in a thrilling showdown ultimately makes it a rewarding read. However, some readers may find the heavy reliance on exposition and secondhand accounts of critical events a drawback, longing for more direct and immediate storytelling. Nevertheless, “Silver Nitrate” remains a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on its intriguing subject matter.