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.
This book was not what I expected when I started reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I’m not sure what I expected, maybe more of a romance. There is romance for Evelyn, but that isn’t all. It is a history of old Hollywood in the days when the studios ruled the town and owned the actors.
Evelyn Hugo is a movie star who reminded me a little of Elizabeth Taylor or other actresses of that time in the entertainment business. Evelyn is finally ready to answer all the questions her public has wanted to know over the years. She knows the magazine and the reporter she wants to write the story too. The request floors Monique Grant and the magazine editor. Monique doesn’t have the experience for this highly sought-after story. Evelyn doesn’t care. It is Monique, or there will not be a story.
The novel is told from two points of view. Evelyn’s point of view is told via flashbacks as she tells Monique about her life, her abusive father, how she got her start in Hollywood, and how people and her many husbands used her, and the friends who are the most important people in her life. Monique’s point of view is present-day as she asks questions about Evelyn’s recap, her discussions with her editor, and her need to find out why Evelyn picked her when there were so many journalists with more experience.I was captivated by Evelyn’s life. It felt like she is a composite of movie stars of the golden age of Hollywood. As she told her story, I thought back to biographies I’ve read. I was shocked when Evelyn got to the part of her story when she revealed her reasons for wanting Monique to write her biography. I could feel Monique’s anger. Until then, Monique and I could understand Evelyn’s lies and fabrications. After her reveal, I didn’t know how the author would resolve the pain and make Evelyn likable again if that was the goal.
I really enjoyed learning what makes Evelyn tick. There is a lot of competition among actors. Learning how Evelyn made her mark on Hollywood is entertaining.
Monique’s part in the story is another reveal with twists. I
admired watching her change from a cautious, insecure, soon-to-be-divorced
woman to a woman with confidence and direction.Taylor Jenkins Reid is a beautiful storyteller. I will look for more of her books in the future.
I recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. There is something for everyone.
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