Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Publisher: Washington Square Press 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 389

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Recommendation

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 near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I’ve heard such great things about this book from blogs, podcasts, and articles. I’m so glad that I did pick it up and am joining in this month’s book club discussion about it. I know that Evelyn isn’t supposed to be a great person, but I found that I really really liked her. I loved following her life story through her seven husbands. I loved the big twist that came in the middle of the book. (Although to be fair, I did see it coming; hello foreshadowing!) I especially loved seeing many of the side characters come and go throughout her life. And yet, I’m not totally in love with the ending. The big twist regarding Monique felt a little too contrived for me. I would have preferred to keep the story about Evelyn instead.

Next up on the TBR pile: