The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Published by Simon & Schuster Audio on June 13, 2017
Pages: 401
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
Genres: Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Romance
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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.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an epic Hollywood romance that examines what it takes to achieve success on the big screen. I was on the fence about reading historical fiction, but I needn’t have worried. This book is riveting.
With a career spanning decades and countless accolades to her name, Evelyn Hugo is an elusive Hollywood icon. As she finally details her journey to super stardom, Evelyn is brutally honest in her revelations. She doesn’t try to paint herself as being particularly kind or gifted. In fact, she is unapologetically conniving at times. Nonetheless, it is difficult not to admire her sharp mind, determination, wit, and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The inner workings of movie making was fascinating to me. I had tremendous respect for Eveyln’s talent and her successful longevity in an industry that is run by men and places great importance on beauty and youth. I found it interesting the way Evelyn, in the process of being interviewed by Monique, influences Monique’s view of her own abilities and life choices.
Knowing that Evelyn married seven men, I counted down each time she married, excited to learn about her next distinctly different but equally interesting union. At the same time, I grew increasingly more reluctant to see the story end.
Taylor Jenkins Reid paints a vivid picture of the golden days of Hollywood and fills the canvas with alluring and flawed multi-dimensional characters. All the scandals, all the glamour, all the grit, and all the love—I absolutely devoured every piece of this sweeping story.
About the Audiobook:
I can’t recommend the audiobook enough. The three phenomenal narrators deliver energetic and spellbinding performances that had me parked in my driveway, listening to just one more chapter. Brava!
Recommended for fans of:
Old Hollywood
Movie stars
Historical fiction
Buy The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
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About Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of the New York Times Bestselling novels Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her books have been chosen by Reese’s Book Club, Read with Jenna, Indie Next, Best of Amazon, and Book of the Month. Her novel, Daisy Jones and the Six, is currently being adapted by Hello Sunshine into a limited series for Amazon. She lives in Los Angeles.
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