Miss del Río

By: Bárbara Mujica

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo

“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 Times bestselling author of L.A. Weather

beautiful story

such a great book. my first book by this author and ready to read more .

What a story! Perfect narration.

So glad I listen to authors speaking on their books at LOC and 92nd Y. Loved the interview with Barbara. And the way she tells a story including such accurate history. Thank you.

Long live Del!

The historical references and descriptions of Latina life were refreshing! We need more of this in literature! And I still love Del even if the MC did not seem to feel the same way. You could tell the author did her research and I felt immersed in the story.

Intriguing, entertaining and educational.

There should be more stories like this to build and retain obscure heroes, Miss Del Rio.

Stultifying Boring

How can the life of DELORES DEL RIO be made prissy and boring. The historical details are interesting, but her life is told from the point of view of a very prim childhood friend.