Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Chick Lit
Pages: 400
Source: eARC fro Publisher
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Goodreads Description
From Taylor Jenkins Reid comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film actress’s relentless rise to the top—the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.
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 in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Filled with emotional insight and written with Reid’s signature talent, this is a fascinating 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 takes—to face the truth.
My Thoughts
Before I started reading tis novel I admit I was a bit nervous. This isn't the kind of book that I normally read. Although I was intrigued by the synopsis I was still concerned I wouldn't enjoy it and have to for myself through. I decided to get it a try anyway and I'm so happy I did. From the moment I started reading I was hooked and had to know where the story would go.
The writing was amazing! There was so much that happened in this book that I wouldn't even begin to know details about but everything felt so real. The characters, the places they went, and the people they met, I felt as if I could see everything. There were even times where I wanted to look up different movies mentioned and gossip column articles, only to remember that this is a work of fiction and these things didn't actually happen.
I also really loved the characters. Each of them was flawed and so beautifully human. They all fought to live the life they wanted. They loved, lost, and hurt so deeply. Especially Evelyn Hugo. From the very beginning I felt so connected to Evelyn. I didn't always agree with her choices, honestly most of the time I didn't agree with her, but I understood each time why she chose what she did and how that choice benefited or hurt her lifestyle. Evelyn Hugo is probably the most flawed character I have read about but I appreciate that she realizes and accepts her faults and doesn't regret the decisions she has made.
I don't understand why I was so emotionally invested in this book and these characters but I was. It takes a lot for me to cry while reading a book and I cried three or four times while reading. That might not mean much to you but it means a lot for me. There were so many quotable moments throughout this novel, so many I wouldn't even know where to begin with my list. If this sounds even a little interesting I highly suggest trying it out. I don't think you'll regret it!
