Velvet Was the Night

Velvet Was the Night is historical fiction and noir, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia does it well. At the start of the book you're a little confused as to what is really going on, and if you aren't familiar or well-versed with the music and the historical facts being tossed at you, you might scoff at the book in disappointment. Silvia adds a playlist to this wonderful book, and I would recommend you give it a quick listen on Spotify.

This book isn't Mexican Gothic, but it isn't lacking in story-telling. It's a very well researched book. I would compare this book to making a big ol'pot of caldo. At first you're crafting everything together, a little irritated at the details of cutting onions and vegetables. You let your caldo simmer, for a little bit too long, wondering if you did something wrong or if it's going to turn out right. In the end, it turns out into that hearty spicy substance that gives life. That's Velvet Was the Night. Slow simmering, sour and displaying the human condition at its dullest while delivering it's built up promise.

Maite and Elvis are the people we follow throughout the story, they aren't very likable characters. Elvis comes off as a low-wage scum who is in it for a paycheck. Maite is a very bored secretary who is both consumed in her comic-novellas and her self-hatred. At first glance, you wonder why Silvia even bothers writing about these characters, it just doesn't seem right! But it does, this is noir. Reminding us that the world is also dark, and people who are dull and dry exist within it. It doesn't mean these people lack substance, and they are any less interesting because they aren't charming, good-looking and likable. The ending is just that punch of flavor we all expect from the good ol'caldo. Also, toss in the playlist Silvia has crafted for this book, it will make all of the background noise come to life.

Velvet Was the Night takes place in Mexico during the 1970s, also known as the time of the Dirty War. In this time in history, the Mexican CIA used paramilitary groups to attack, torture, and kill protesters and activists.

Elvis is a member of a paramilitary group but is not affiliated with the type of organized crime and is called a “marshmallow” by other members of the group for not participating in the violence. Maite is a self-sufficient young lady who works as a secretary at a law firm and has an obsession with romance comics. When Maite’s neighbor goes missing, she begins to hunt her down. Her path starts to cross with Elvis’ and they both become encountered with danger.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia knows how to set an intriguing atmosphere within her books. I felt captivated immediately with this one. I do feel that I am in the minority with this one because I actually found it more enjoyable than Mexican Gothic. I am new to the slower-paced noir genre and am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone for this.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does not disappoint and I will continue reading everything she releases.