Reviews

Miss del Río: A Novel of Dolores del Río, the First Major Latina Star in Hollywood by Bárbara Mujica

agbowler's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

buddygator's review against another edition

1.0

Yikes. There was nothing redeeming here. I wanted to enjoy learning about Dolores. This is not the book for that. Started out unnecessarily graphic, then moved to boredom and more boredom. I thought about stopping so many times I lost count. No plot, flat or utterly annoying characters, a secondary “reveal” plot line that was so badly planned it made little sense and ended quickly, like the author was over it. Spare yourself and read something else.

sharkyray's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The end definitely felt rushed to get through her whole life

nguinn's review against another edition

4.0

This is like Blonde if the novelist didn’t hate their subject

megancmahon's review against another edition

Just didn't grip me. The characters felt wooden and I really didn't like any of them - Mara was extremely judgmental, Lola was annoying. All of them felt one-dimensional. It's really a shame, because the history of Mexican film stars and Old Hollywood in general is FASCINATING to me. I would have loved to see a deeper portrait of the Mexican Revolution and Old Hollywood, but I couldn't stick with it.

meggenlee's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

What an interesting read! Before reading this book, I did not know much about early cinema or the Mexican icon, Delores Del Rio. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. 

hijinx_abound's review against another edition

2.0

Although the premise was fascinating, all of this he characters were flat and I didn’t care what happened to any of them.

greenldydragon's review

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

annarella's review against another edition

5.0

A fascinating book about Dolores Del Rio, the first Latina star in Hollywood.
It was a riveting and fascinating read, I learn who Dolores del Rio was because all knew was related to some pictures.
I discovered a clever woman and how hard her life was.
The author did an excellent job in developing the characters and describing the fascinating historical background.
There's a lot of research and this book made watch a Del Rio's movie and read something more about her.
Good storytelling, character development, and well researched historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Graydon House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

amyn1021's review against another edition

emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really liked this! The ending did make me cry, which I feel like is always a good indicator of whether or not I really connected with a book. I really loved Ramon, I thought he was a great character and his ending was really tragic. It was unfair of his sexuality to be used against him like that and the murder was awful. I hated how lonely he was, he truly deserved better. His death made me cry. And so did Lola's death. Gabe's death didn't make me cry though, but Gabe wasn't really a central figure in the book. He was kind of just there. I thought the way the book was written was interesting. From the back, it seemed like it would be from Lola's POV, but it reality it was from Mara. It was kind of like the Great Gatsby. I liked the contrast between Mara and Lola though. I thought the socioeconomic class conflict was interesting, and how the two women remained friends despite all odds. I liked how realistic their friendship was portrayed. There were moments of irritation, like how Lola always talked on and on about her life without asking Mara about hers. But there were also strong moments where they were there for each other, like when Mara's daughter needed to be taken to the doctor's and medicine. I liked how the historical events added to the novel, and I enjoyed reading about the Mexican culture. I loved the LA and Durango settings. I also loved hearing more about Lola's glamorous movie star life and all the ups and downs that accompanied it. So much tragedy occurred in this book and it tugged at my heartstrings. I really didn't care for Mara's lost parents plot line though, although it was cool how her mom turned out to be the infamous Miguela from the ballad and Tia Emi was actually blood related to her. I loved Tia Emi she was straight up so funny with her straightforward "crass" humor. It really made the book. There was so much familial love in this novel and strong friendship. Lola had many messy relationships, but I'm glad she found her forever in Lew finally. Overall, I did like this book a lot!