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. 
    
                  Etsy           Instagram           Twitter           Bloglovin  

Comments

  1. I haven't read it but it sounds very interesting. Living under spotlight does have its challenges.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting, I never made it past the first 10 pages or so. I was listening to the audio version and I found Monique and her colleagues/boss to be unbearable. The good news is that I was able to return the audio. Maybe I should try again, this time actually reading....

    ReplyDelete
  3. It sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The main idea seems pretty true to life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for this book recommendation!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oooooo...the synopsis sounds great. I'm a sucker for stories like this. (All About Eve is one of my fave movies.) Thanks for the review, Hena! Will add to my to-check-out list.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Probably not one I'd pick up on my own, but you've made it sound interesting enough that it might have to go on my wish list! It seems to have more depth than I first thought.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds like a great read and I agree that I might have bypassed it too, so thank you for the review. It's something I'll add to my list!

    Ruth
    www.voguefauxreal.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. ohhh thanks for the recommendation! amazing blog post !!

    jadieegosh

    ReplyDelete
  10. This does sound like a very compelling read. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. this is a wonderful review and i am so happy you enjoyed the book. i am not a reader, i wish i was!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That sounds like a really good read!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hmmm sounds interesting. Not sure if the message is the best in that she was not a victim...I guess I would have to read it for myself to judge. But it does sound juicy!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the message was that we all make are own decisions. Those were the choices she made and she stands by them, even if they weren't always the best choices.

      Delete
  14. Sounds intriguing! Great review, Hena! Hope you have a great week! XXX

    ReplyDelete
  15. sounds interesting
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2019/02/hydrating-face-and-body-moisturizing.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. That book sounds amazing
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the review. I'm not familiar with this but I'm making a big, bold, probably wrong guess that Monique is her long lost daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This sounds like such a good read!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  19. sounds like a good book! I'm glad I'm not the only one that misses nuggets of info from the blurbs written. I do that all the time!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such an interesting book!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    ReplyDelete
  21. This sounds juicy! I need to read this!

    District of Chic

    ReplyDelete
  22. Now The Seven husbands is on my read list!!
    Have a great day! xx

    La ilusión de Nina - http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have heard amazing things about this book but haven’t got chance to read it yet 🙈 Hope to read it soon. I am glad you liked it though.
    Btw, I am curious, why haven’t you read this if you would have known about the lgbtq rep? You don’t like books with that rep?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly this was the first I had ever read. I’m probably shoes away from the genre because it was unfamiliar territory.

      Delete
  24. I need to check out this book! Looks so good!

    www.fashionradi.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've never read this book before but it sounds like one I'd really enjoy xx

    GemmaEtc.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sounds like a very interesting read.

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the suggestion!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the suggestion dear!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. An eye-catching cover for sure on this one.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love this writer, so I was so excited to read it. It didn't disappoint ... I loved it!
    http://friv.party/

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love love love all the comments, every single one brings a smile to my face. Make sure you're not a no-reply blogger so I can write back!

Popular posts from this blog

Kitchen and Family Room: New Flooring

D's Amazing Race Party

Friday Photography