Title:The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author:Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published:June 2017, Atria Books
Format:Hardcover, 400 pages
Source:Publisher
From Taylor Jenkins Reid
comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film
actress’s relentless rise to the top—the risks she took, the loves she
lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.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 in the journalism community is more astounded
than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?Monique is not exactly on
top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has
stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her
biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart
her career.Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment,
Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los
Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late
80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life
unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected
friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a
real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with
the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s
own in tragic and irreversible ways.Filled with emotional
insight and written with Reid’s signature talent, this is a fascinating
journey through the splendor of Old Hollywood into the harsh realities
of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it
takes—to face the truth.
My thoughts:So I have a confession – this is the first book I’ve read by Taylor Jenkins Reid — I know, I know…I can’t believe it either. But let me tell you – after reading this one, I will certainly be reading her backlist as soon as I get a chance! This book is definitely going to be making my top list of books read this year – I already know it!!!
I was completely and utterly captivated by Evelyn Hugo…I loved her! She is a strong, powerful, complex, complicated yet deeply flawed character. She is unapologetically selfish – she goes after what she wants often without a thought to who she may have to use along the way; she is one shrew business woman for sure! This is a character you will not be forgetting anytime soon…she will stay with you long after you finish this book!
As I mentioned above, this was my first book I read by TJR…and what a powerful read it was. It took me on such a roller-coaster of emotions – I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I was sad, I cheered – you name it, I probably felt it. But most of all, I thought…this book is filled with so many little nuggets of wisdom and food for thought. It’s definitely the type of book that is going to make you think as much as it will entertain you.
This book is in a word, mesmerizing. It’s a multi-layered story, filled with the glamor of classic Hollywood with all it’s glitz and glory, but it’s also got heart and substance. It’s original and thought-provoking. TJR is not afraid to make a statement with her writing and I think with this book she does just that…women shouldn’t be afraid to go after what they want, men do it all the time!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of BookSparks “Summer Reads” reading selection picks.
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So glad I saw your review. I've read all of TJR's previous novels but didn't grab this one. It sounded so different from all her others. But now, since it will be a favorite of yours this year, I'll put it on my TBR list. Her other novels made me a big fan.