Velvet Was The Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

(Jo Fletcher Books, 2021)

Reviewed by Anne F. Wilson

This novel is set in Mexico City during the early 70s, in the aftermath of the Corpus Christi Massacre of June 1971, seen through the eyes of two bit-players. The CIA-supported government is being challenged by left-wing students. Elvis is a member of the Hawks, a group of thugs whose aim is to harass and hinder journalists reporting on the protests. Maite is a secretary, asked to cat-sit by a neighbour who has disappeared. The narrative teases us as the two almost meet several times but are whirled apart by events.

Maite is turning 30, bored by her job, unconfident in her appearance, and easily bullied by her co-workers. She makes up stories about her love-life to avoid their pity. Dumped by her last serious boyfriend, she finds solace in romance comics, and practises a small-scale kleptomania whereby she steals trivial items from acquaintances that she admires, hoping magically to absorb the owners’ capabilities.

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Review from BSFA Review 17 - Download your copy here.