The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Plot: Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
☆ Rating: 5/5 stars
MY THOUGHTS:
Honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Obviously this book has been all over the place over the last year or so, and my sister begged me to read it too. It’s been on my TBR for a while, but I finally got to it. And OMG SO WORTH IT. This is unlike any book I’ve ever read, much less any of the books I usually rate 5 stars, but I was sucked in from the very first word. I adored this book, and I have a feeling that this is one that I will read time and time again. All the stars!!!
There is so much to say about this book. I hope they make it into a film or a show because I would love to see it brought to life. I’ve always had a fascination with old Hollywood, so this book was right up my alley. I went into it thinking it would be a fun novel about the charm and glam of old Hollywood, but it was so much more. This book sticks with you - with a really poignant, timeless message. The characters feel deeply real, and by the end you find yourself wishing they were.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it wasn’t that. I went into it blind, and I think that’s the way to do it. It was scandalous and entertaining. I couldn’t put it down.
This was extraordinary in every sense of the word. Just the depth of this book was spectacular. Not to mention the diversity and representation and writing quality and complex characters. Everything was just outstanding.
