The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

A discovery at a present-day costume exhibition leads into the story of Salazar’s third novel (after Angels of the Resistance). In 1924, living in a poor neighborhood of Seattle, Zora Lily Hough is the second oldest of seven children. Her seamstress skills and eye for design are often sought by wealthier women in town, and she dreams of owning a boutique where she can sell her own creations. Zora’s childhood friend Rose introduces her to the local nightlife, where Zora discovers great music, makes good connections for her chosen career, and finds love. Zora faces plenty of obstacles on her way to fulfilling her dreams but they’re pretty easy to overcome and often lead to better choices for her. Even the novel’s secondary characters have rapid changes in their emotional responses, allowing easy transitions between romantic connections and lifestyle choices. Many ideas are touched on, from interracial dating to unjust labor practices to Hollywood glamour, giving the story a fast-paced feeling. The contemporary narrative bookending past events adds good context for reflection on Zora’s journey.