If you love historical fiction about Hollywood, you must read Barbara Mujica's richly detailed and engrossing biographical novel about Delores del Rio, the first major Latina Hollywood star. From her priviledged yet danger-filled upbringing in Mexico, her family's escape to California, her heady days as a star, the racism she faced, and her triumphant return to Mexican cinema, del Rio's incredible life story is brought to life, through the eyes of her (fictional) hairdresser and friend.


Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Based on the life of Dolores Del Rio the first major Latina star in Hollywood told from the point of view of her fictional longtime hairdresser and friend. I had never heard of Dolores Del Rio prior but the title and description seemed intriguing.

I always love reading about the Golden Age of Hollywood and while I did find it interesting to learn more about the life of Dolores Del Rio I did find some portions of this novel unnecessary with the storyline.

I have to admit: before reading this novel, I had never heard of Dolores del Río. I enjoy movies as much as the next person, but I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about the film industry that produces them and the history behind it. So just adding to my store of knowledge on the founding days of both Hollywood and Mexican cinema is already a plus. Add to that a dramatic tale of the fictional Maria Amparo (Mara)—Dolores’s hairdresser, confidante, and wry chronicler—and you have a novel that breaks new ground in interesting ways.

The novel opens with Mara late in life, remembering a friend whose commemoration Mara herself is too old and frail to attend. From there, we move back to the outbreak of the Mexican revolution, with Mara a small child being dragged through the streets by her caretaker, a rough woman known as Tia Emi throughout the book. Through Mara’s eyes, we see her first encounter and budding relationship (whether it is truly friendship is an ongoing theme) with the child Dolores, whose background is very different from Mara’s. Mujica then follows the lives of both women as they interact, overlap, and at times separate throughout Dolores’s career.

But Mara has a story of her own: to find out who her mother was, what happened to her, and how Tia Emi became Mara’s caretaker. It’s a tale even more compelling than Dolores’s fight to be taken seriously in her chosen career, and it pulls us along to a dramatic finale and a satisfying conclusion.

I will be hosting a podcast interview with this author at New Books in Historical Fiction in early October, when the book releases.

Based on the life of legendary movie star Dolores Del Rio, this richly detailed biographical fiction transports readers through an eventful swath of history- starting with the 1910 Mexican Revolution, encompassing the Roaring 20’s, early Hollywood, The Great Depression and WWII.

Told from the point of view of a fictionalized character - Mara- a lifelong friend of Del Rio, this novel chronicles her extraordinary life, including her numerous lovers and marriages, and it features real life icons such as Frida Kahlo, Orson Wells, and Marlene Deitrich.

As a trailblazer for Latin American actresses in Hollywood, Mexican-born Del Rio contends with being exoticized and discriminated against despite her bona fide success. In response to the growing nativism in post-war America, she returns to Mexico, becoming a celebrated star in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.

International bestselling author Mujica has written a vivid story of one exceptional woman’s life against the backdrop of wealth, fame and pivotal moments in time. For fans of woman-centered historical fiction, especially novels by Marie Benedict and Paula McLain. Readers who are interested in Hollywood history will also be intrigued.

I had never heard of Dolores Del Rio and have no real familiarity with the early days of cinema, but I found this very fascinating. Dolores Del Rio is a Mexican beauty who is whisked away to become a silent movie star, the "female equivalent to Rudolph Valentino". She successfully transitions to speaking movies, and then to becoming a star in Mexican movies after facing prejudice during WWII. She is a fascinating, complex woman, with an interesting and turbulent life.

A riveting book! Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I had to intentionally pace myself and read it slower, so as to really absorb the storyline. A fictionalized historical account of the life of Delores del Rio, told through the narration of her close friend and hairdresser, the book is a wonderful adventure. Not only do you get the story of del Rio's life and career in Hollywood/Mexico, you also get a history of the times she lived in, and the impact felt by everyone. Finally, you get some insight into human emotions. To say more would be to give a spoiler, and that I will not do! Just know that this is a book that will totally absorb you intellectually and emotionally. Definitely one that should be read by fans of historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Miss del Rio introduces us to a historical figure told through the fictional eyes of her hairdresser.
Mujica, a Mexican author, brings the Mexican Miss del Rio, movie star, to life once again.
Set in 1910 as the country is coming into war, we watch this young woman marry and in a fateful moment, meet a man who makes her a Hollywood star.

She shines at the top of Hollywood until WWII comes along, bringing with it great prejudice.
Given the personal up and downs that life brings to all, it is then up to her to decide whether to stay and fight the oppressive system or return to her roots in Mexico.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book