An emotional masterpiece and beautiful story told about the well-known fifties Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo. It unravels her life before she became famous and what has led her to popularity, fame, and more importantly, her seven husbands. Why did Evelyn have that many and what is their significance? Taylor Jenkins Reid shares a story about this luxurious lifestyle, demonstrating that everything is not as it seems while exploring women in this industry and other challenges that take place behind the camera and spotlight. Evelyn discovers a writer, Monique Grant, to tell Evelyn's story with an autobiography and give her audience the truth of her complicated past. Told in alternating timelines and narratives, this novel is a pure, heart-wrenching, page-turner.
WOW, A THOUSAND times WOW! I finally understand the hype for this book that is taking over bookstagram and booktok! Let me tell you, the hype is worth it and I am now one with the hype! I went into this book completely blind and after the first chapter or at least the introduction, I was hooked! I was not aware of the Los Angeles and Hollywood setting so it was cool that I just so happened to start this book while I was on a plane going to California! This is the first book by TJR that I read and I am so glad this was my first choice! Consider me TJR obsessed, haha! I fell in love with her writing and this book HARD! Something about the way she writes is simple but her tone is beautiful and emotional, whether the emotion is hard or soft, I felt it all as if I was the main character, Evelyn, myself. Evelyn's character is so misunderstood, powerful, and complex. I empathized with her quite a few times and a lot of her moments are heavy and real. I love that the story is told between Evenlyn's past and her present while interacting with Monique Grant, another important character. I like that the reader gets Evelyn's POV and Monique's too with her storyline and thoughts of meeting Evelyn and hearing her story as it unfolds.
"Evelyn always leaves you hoping you'll get just a little bit more. And she always denies you."
"How does she know just how much to give and just how much of herself to withhold?"
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid
There are important themes and trigger warnings involved in this book I recommend looking up before reading. Although I suggest going into this story blind for the synopsis only, I suggest researching at least the disclaimers that take place. The trigger warnings include sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, cheating, homophobia, biphobia, alcoholism, and mentions of suicide. This story also demonstrates life in the spotlight and the personal experiences the characters are going through, such as the LGBTQ+ community, grief, and love.
A beautiful story that ties well altogether and I highly recommend it! I cannot wait to read more books by this author and grow a collection of her work! I read this on my Kindle but I love it too much to the point where I need the physical book on my shelf, haha!
Enjoy & happy reading!
Rating: 5 stars
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