The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

   

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Synopsis - 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 jump start 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 is a mesmerizing 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 costs—to face the truth.

My thoughts - Let me start off by saying that this is an LGBT book. I did not know that going in and I may not have read it had I known it. But I am so glad I missed that little nugget and read this book. It was so juicy and well written. It mostly takes place in old Hollywood and follows Evelyn Hugo as she goes from poor Cuban girl from Hell's Kitchen to Hollywood royalty. While reading the book I kept going back to the #metoo movement that blasted through the film industry. Tales of the casting couch and so on and all the women and men who came forward and shared their stories. Well here is Evelyn in a similar situation.. all the sexual favors she gave to get ahead in the game.. to get parts, fame and money. But unlike the #metoo movement where there are victims and there is blame (I am not shaming the movement and what is stands for) Evelyn was well aware of what she was doing, she didn't enjoy any of it but she did it all the same and she felt no shame, she was no victim and she states very clearly that she had no regrets. I found that interesting.. she tells Monique that if she's have to do it all over again.. she would. 

While much of the book is about what she did to get ahead it also deals with the true meaning of love and family, unconventional as it sometimes may be. Acceptance, forgiveness and all the other warm fuzzies. And while Evelyn is telling her tale you keep wondering why now? Why to Monique? I wasn't too shocked when the reason was revealed but it was moving nonetheless. 

I would highly recommend this book. Anything you think this book will be about it is that and so much more.

I know this book has been getting lots of love.. I had seen it popping up everywhere last year so if you've already read it I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. 
    

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