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 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 nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Rating
★★★★
Thoughts
That Evelyn Hugo certainly was a force to be reckoned with! After reading Daisy Jones & The Six, I enjoyed delving into another Taylor Jenkins Reid story which features a strong female main character—this time a Hollywood starlet.
I expected a string of traditional Hollywood romances with an air of Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe, but I was in for quite the surprise. There was some of that, but there were some twists, too. This book was entertaining, heartbreaking, and educational. It artfully highlighted social issues, including: class, race, gender, sexuality, and death.
My main criticism is that the family drama felt a bit too thick surrounding Ms. Hugo. From fake pregnancy and sham marriages to crime scene tampering and loss after loss, I felt like it was all a bit much. That said, I could lay this reservation aside since it was well done, overall. In the end, this author does her research and develops really memorable characters.
Quote
“I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.”