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

by Bárbara Mujica

“Dolores del Río bursts to life in this vivid, well-researched portrayal. Her iconic feline elegance and brash spirit dominates every page, but it’s her defiance to live life on her own terms that sets her apart—and what an extraordinary life she led.”—C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of Marlene

1910, Mexico. As the country’s revolution spreads, Dolores, the daughter of a wealthy banker, must flee her comfortable life in Durango or risk death. Her family settles in Mexico City, where, at sixteen, she marries the worldly Jaime del Río. But in a twist of fate, at a party she meets an influential American director who recognizes in her a natural performer. He invites her to Hollywood, and practically overnight, the famous Miss del Río is born.

Dolores’s star quickly rises, and her days become a whirlwind of moviemaking and glamorous events. Swept up in L.A.'s glitzy inner circle, she takes her place among film royalty such as Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles. But as her career soars, her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, with family tragedy, divorce, and real heartache. And when she’s labeled box office poison amid growing prejudice before WWII, Dolores must decide what price she’s willing to pay to achieve her dreams and if her heart and future instead lie where it all began…in Mexico.

Spanning half a century and narrated by Dolores’s fictional hairdresser and longtime friend, Miss del Río traces the life of a trailblazing woman whose legacy in Hollywood and in Mexico still shines bright today.

“Bárbara Mujica dazzles us.... She takes us on a journey through an era of wars and movies, and unforgettable characters that made Hollywood what it is today.” — María Amparo Escandón, New York Time s bestselling a uthor of L.A. Weather

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Latinx, Historical, Audiobook, Biographical Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

American novelist, short story writer and critic. Her latest novels are Sister Teresa (2007), based on the life of Saint Teresa of Avila, and Frida, (2001) based on the life of Frida Kahlo. The latter was an international bestseller that was translated into seventeen languages. Barbara Mujica’s other book-length fiction includes The Deaths of Don Bernardo (novel, 1990), Sanchez across the Street (stories, 1997) and Far from My Mother’s Home (stories, 1999). Barbara Mujica’s short stories have appeared in numerous magazines including The Minnesota Review, Pangolin Papers, and The Literary Review, and anthologies such as Where Angels Glide at Dawn, eds. Lori Carlson and Cnythia Ventura, Intro. Isabel Allende (1990, 1993), What Is Secret: Stories by Chilean Women, ed. Marjorie Agosín (1995), Two Worlds Walking, ed. C. W. Truesdale and Diana Glancy (1994), and The House of Memory, ed. Marjorie Agosín (1999). Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning Star, and hundreds of other publications. In 1990 her essay “Bilingualism’s Goal” was named one of the best 50 op-eds of the decade by The New York Times. Mujica has won several awards for her writing: the Trailblazers Award from Dialogue on Diversity (2004), the Theodore Christian Hoepfner Award (2002), the Pangolin Prize (1998), the E. L. Doctorow International Fiction Competition (1992). She has also won grants and awards from Poets and Writers of New York, the Spanish Government, and other institutions. She is a two-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize for Fiction. A Professor of Spanish at Georgetown University, she has written numerous scholarly books and articles. The latest books are Lettered Women: The Correspondence of Teresa de Avila (Vanderbilt University Press, forthcoming), Espiritualidad y feminismo: Santa Teresa de Jesus,(Ediciones del Orto, 2007), and Women Writers of Early Modern Spain: Sophia's Daughters (Yale University Press, 2004).

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author's writing and dialogue were flat and choppy and the characters, both real and imaginary were two dimensional.

I would love to read a biography about Ms. Del Rio and her life, but this historical fiction did not work for me.

[Carlymor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found myself both totally captivated and then bored with this. I am a big fan of old Hollywood and the stars of the Golden Age. I didn't know much about Delores del Rio and was looking forward to this. But the novel seems to focus more on the fictional character of Mara and only shows del Rio as a two dimensional side character. I think I would like to read a biography of Delores del Rio, but I can't really recommend this.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this engaging and informative book by Barbara Mujica, the life and experiences of Dolores Del Rio are delivered to readers. Delores Del Rio was the first Latin American film star, and she proved to be a true legend. Having not been familiar with Miss Del Rio, a quick stop on the IMDB website provided wonderful clips of several roles, thus helping me to really dive into this fabulous story.

The year was 1910 Mexico and the country was experiencing extremely difficult times, including a devastating revolution. Forced to flee her home at the age of sixteen, Dolores very soon marries the influential American director Jaime del Rio. This was the beginning of her being catapulted into the life of a very sought after actress, and she became famous practically overnight.

Dolores shined in those years during her life in Hollywood. She continued to shine pretty much until the day she died, although she did change the direction of her life years later. While in Hollywood, Dolores rubbed shoulders with fabulously famous people in the scene. During those years of popularity, Dolores also experienced tragedy in her family, as well as divorce and other more difficult times. At the same time, the world was changing and she experienced prejudice as well as abuse, and ultimately headed back to Mexico, where she shone once again.

This amazing story was narrated in first person by her fictional friend and hairdresser. I love how the author did this, because it felt like I had a seat in a theater while watching the life of Dolores Del Rio unfold, and I was there for every minute of it. While this book was written as historical fiction, a true biography of Miss Del Rio's life would no doubt be truly an enjoyable read, but I applaud Barbara Mujica for bringing her to life in this fabulous book.

Many thanks Graydon House to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Migdalia Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciated the significance of Miss del Rio's ascent in Hollywood, I have to admit the characters and the dialogue in this novel fell a little flat for me. I had trouble understanding how Mara could find Lola to be such a fabulous friend, when their friendship seemed pretty one-sided to me. It's a good story, with lots of famous people and their exploits sprinkled in, but I found an overall lack of flow and emotion with(in) the writing. This admission feels churlish, b/c I admire the story and the strides that Miss del Rio made as a Mexican movie star. Still, I enjoyed the read.

P.S. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Mariama Thorlu-Bangura · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joshua Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book at my local thrift for $0.50!

Needless to say, I had to jump on this opportunity. What I got was the best parts of Evelyn Hugo and a bigger focus on Miss Del Rio’s Mexican culture / heritage. I loved this book, because it was kept simple and it told the story of this great Mexican actress the best way. While this is a “fictionalized memoir” the actress herself was real and some of this book really happened to her. Let this not detour you but make you interested in learning about this trailblazer in the 1920’s -1940’s. The author used a lot of the books written about her (historically accurate) to make this story and give us someone to connect to and look up to and this may head to the top for favorite book of the year so far.

[Iphigenia]

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.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great "fly-by" of Mexican history and the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. It could have used a bit more editing but overall, a very satisfying read. She used a wonderful vehicle in the character of del Rio's friend and confidant to tell the story of how the Mexican revolution, the immigration to the US as well as Hollywood and Mexican Cinema intersected in the lives of ordinary campesinos and Mexican "aristocracy".

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard of this actress before reading this book.
Parts of this book were interesting and others not so much. Miss del Rio seems like a typical Hollywood star. I found her friend Mara much more likable.
While I enjoyed the story for the most part I do think it was a little too long.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting book about an old time Mexican actress that I had never heard of!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Miss del Río caught my attention due to the cover and the blurb. Prior to picking the book up, I didn’t know anything about the book’s subject, Dolores “Lola” del Rio. As such, while I appreciate the book for bringing her to my attention, the execution didn’t fully work for me.

I love the exploration of the times in which Lola and her friend and hairdresser, Mara lived. The upheaval of the Mexican Revolution and the constantly evolving nature of Hollywood are both vividly brought to life. They both flee Mexico to save their own lives, and ultimately I love how the story constantly highlights adapting to survive. Lola starts off as a silent film star, and she must evolve as “talkies” become more popular. She also has a passionate, tempestuous personal life, including liaisons with men like Orson Welles…who ironically would end up marrying Rita Hayworth, who was compared to Lola in the press at the time, after their breakup.

But with Lola’s vibrant personality and the descriptions of her Hollywood connections and passionate affairs, I feel like it was a mistake not to make the story a more intimate portrayal. Yes, Mara is incredibly close to her. But she’s still merely a friend, and there will inevitably be things Lola wouldn’t confide in her, even if they are really close.

And this book falls into the trap many books have when the protagonist and narrator are two different people: I just didn’t care about Mara. There’s attempts to give Mara some family drama, but I simply wasn’t invested enough in her as a character. That’s not to say it couldn’t have worked, but I feel like it’s a lot harder to pull off.

While I didn’t care for this book, I see a lot of merit in what it’s trying to do. If you’re a fan of stories about Old Hollywood, it might still be worth checking out.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and elegant, Dolores del Rio was the first Latina actress to become a major star in both Hollywood and Mexico. While her story is fascinating, there are some scenes and language that seem to be anachronistic-I doubt that in the 1920s, Dolores would have bragged to an interviewer about being mixed race or indigenous (not sure the term was even in use then). The narrator Mara is a fictional character. By the third section of the book, the story starts to drag, maybe because this section focuses on Mara’s fictional life rather than Dolores. An editor could have cut out 50-75 pages and tightened up the story. Will appeal to readers who enjoy Marie Benedict or Fiona Davis, or fans of the Golden Age of film making.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indeed one of my favorites to date. A page turner that kept me wondering what was next for Lola.

[Mckenley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh not my fav, it was reallllly slow and I didn't get attached to any of the plot.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel. This is the fictional account of actress Delores Del Rio as told through her friend Mara. It also tells Mara’s story from early childhood through adulthood. The story goes through Del Rio’s start as an actress in the age of silent movies, through the transition of movies into the “talkies,” and into her further transition into Mexican movies. One aspect of this story that I didn’t anticipate was the appearance of Frida Kahlo! Frida and Del Rio were friends and, therefore, Frida was in this story a fair bit. Of course I know Frida as a famous artist, but I don’t really know too much about her life. I may have to read up on her story a little at some point. She seems like she was an interesting person.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of Miss del Río: A Novel of Dolores del Río, the First Major Latina Star in Hollywood by Bárbara Mujica. I enjoy reading about old Hollywood which is what drew me into this book and I feel I learned so much about an amazing woman I didn't know!

Narrated by Dolores fictional hairdresser and longtime friend Miss Del Río is a look at a trailblazing woman with a long legacy in Hollywood and Mexico. I liked the first part of the book and learning more about the Mexican Revolution and her early days in Hollywood. At times I feel like this got bogged down in too many details and trying to see the differences between the narrator's story and how that was interwoven with Dolores. I did like the author's note!

Miss Del Río comes out October 4th and is perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed learning about Ms. Del Rio (I'm a fan of old movies), I feel like the fictional part (ie: Maria/Mara the narrator) became the focus of this biofictional novel with Lola (Dolores del Rio) as a secondary character.

Observing Lola and the other Hollywood folks through Mara's eyes is interesting and adds to the atmosphere, but the detailed storylines about how Mara came to the US from Mexico and her subsequent search for her mother seem like they are used to fill up pages.

If you're interested in learning about an old Hollywood star that you may not be familiar with, this is a good book to read, but be aware that Lola's story takes the back seat to a fictional character's during large chunks of the book.

[Alizabeth Settergren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, okay.... Hear me out.... This was not strong writing in the first 100 pages, but I ended up really enjoying this historical fiction. I think this is the perfect book for hispanic heritage month. It brought up the Mexican Revolution throughout, and there were so many Mexican celebrities and politicians and artists, etc. I thought it was very clever for this story to be told from her best friend's point of view as well.. This book may not be for everyone, but I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.

[Amparo Mondragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars for me. I am a big fan of anything “old Hollywood glam” and I love that this was about a Mexican star in Hollywood. but if feel short. I didn’t like the way this was written with Lola being more of a side character, second to a fictional character. It was good at some points then it became boring. Almost put it down but I’m no quitter. Lol!

[Erin Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I regrettably didn't know much about Delores Del Rio, but I enjoyed diving into the golden age of film and learning more about Mexican history. This historical fiction story was told through Del Rios lifelong friend. This could have been a 5 star review, but the book could have used some editing and been pared down a bit. Overall really enjoyed it.

[Jana Cantua · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved parts of this book. Overall it was very intriguing and I enjoyed most of it. It does discuss some heavier topics but that was to be expected from the synopsis. I really enjoyed Mara’s character as well, she really shines through the book. However, I would have liked to see more depth to Dolores del Rio. The book oversimplified her character a bit. Perhaps intentionally.

[Alex Lillenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well done historical fiction. The story is captivating and brings the reader to the heart of the Mexican revolution.

[Lala Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was another 7 husbands but it's not. She's a real person and considered the first Latina to make it big in Hollywood. She had a rough life but the author did a good job capturing her life. It's worth a read.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been much better without the bff. I found myself skipping the bff story - too boring

[Daisy Carmona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish it. The past and reality we’re two dimensional. Choppy writing imo.

[Taylor Rhae . · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it says a lot that this book took me about 8 months to read 😅 I kept picking it back up and chipping away at it, but it ultimately felt pretty laborious to get through. I was so interested in Lola and wanted to really understand her and what she went through. Unfortunately, every time she was in the story, I felt like it was just reciting details of her life as if I was taking a history class. In other words, I didn't get much depth from the story. I was also disappointed to learn that the main character, Mara, is purely fiction. I felt that I understood her better than Lola by the end of the book.

[Lissa00 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dolores del Rio was an extremely successful silent film star whose life saw dramatic changes in her home country and in the Hollywood film industry. This historical novel explores her life through the eyes of a fictional character, Mara. I did not know who this actress was prior to reading this book so I found the entire history of her work fascinating. This book was entirely enjoyable but I felt that for all of the interesting history that was covered, it could have afforded more pages and more “meat” instead of just glossing over so much throughout the years. It does really make me want to delve more into Dolores del Rio’s life and the history of the Mexican Revolution. I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Karina Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the reason I created a Good Reads account so I can leave a review.

As someone who has studied the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema and this particular time period in both Mexico and the US, I think Mujica does an excellent job portraying how film was a quintessential part of reconstructing a broken post revolutionary Mexico and what Dolores del Río embodied as a successful Mexican actress. Her approach to the novel is a stylistic choice that does an amazing job portraying how both the elite of Mexico and the working class visioned what the revolution intended and their lived experiences in the US.

I absolutely loved how she integrated race relations that the Mexican population faced while in the US. Particular scenes she included in the novel describe the tension that Mexican actors and actresses needed to face in Hollywood, but also including the experiences the average person (or citizen) witnessed in a hypertensive racial era. What made me love and appreciate this novel is how accurately she describes how particular Mexican Directors, Videographers, and Actors approach to films was essential to the social message they are evoking to viewers.

The only reason I gave this a 4/5 rating is the way her writing confused me a bit when she would transition from one scene to another.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this novel to people seeking to learn more about a time period from the perspective of a marginalized community. As a Mexican woman, I appreciate this as knowledge that is not taught in K-12 education, but as something that I learned in College and now able to further my understanding through this novel.

[Jennifer Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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, and her heady days as a star, 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.