Book: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you read and liked, Where the Crawdads Sing or Daisy Jones & The Six and are a fan of fiction literature, you’ll enjoy this book!
Kara Vallari Book Review:
It took me a few chapters to really get into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Similar to her in story character, I was immediately charmed by Evelyn Hugo and invested in her life story. As the title suggests, the book chronicles Hugo’s seven infamous marriages and the real story behind each of them told by Monique Grant, an unknown reporter hand selected by Hugo, who is struggling with her own issues – a recent divorce and stagnant career. The question of why Hugo chose Grant and how the two are connected will you keep you guessing until the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and Reid’s writing style. I think it’s an interesting peek behind the Hollywood curtain of glitz, glam and fame while also highlighting the harsh realities of what it means to be in the spotlight and what it takes to remain there. I think this is a great pick for book club and recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading fiction.
Book Synopsis [from Amazon]:
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.
KARA VALLARI 