Status
Checked out
Due 23-11-2023
Call number
Publication
Simon Schuster UK (2021), 389 pages
Description
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 in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. 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, 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.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member nivramkoorb
I chose to read this based on the author's popularity and having the seen the movie of Daisy and 6, I thought I would try this book. It was supposed to be her best. My reaction to this book reflects more the genre than on the quality of the writing or the subject matter. Because it was a long
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book(7 husbands) there were lots of opportunities for holes in the plot etc. The book did touch on a lot of.social issues and how the Hollywood system worked. My rating says that this was an average book. It kept my interest but I would have rather put the time into a different novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member flourgirl49
Pretty much everybody who has reviewed this book liked it far better than I did. OK, maybe stars back then married a lot and maybe for the same reasons, but the sheer volume of marriages among the group written about here was ridiculous, especially since the majority of them were fake. I felt no
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connection to Evelyn Hugo, her biographer, or anybody else in the story. The characters were one dimensional and thus boring to me. Cannot recommend. Show Less
LibraryThing member rayski
After reading all the rave reviews I decided to pick it up. Having now read it I stumped at what all the rave was about. Evelyn Hugo wants her true story told by a junior level columnist who by a very contrived storyline has a relationship to Hugo's story. This took seven husbands to get to this
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punchline and you wonder why I needed all seven to get to this point. Furthermore the tie to Monique, the chosen writer, is little more than a side plot to Evelyn's secret real life. I gave it 3 stars only because Jenkins-Reid writing style is good. Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksForTheLiving
I’m not going to give you another synopsis of the story here in my own words; the synopsis above gives you enough of an idea of what this book is about, that I won’t repeat it here. I want to talk to you about what I think this book is about, at its core.
I’ve heard it said many times by other
For me, this story is quintessential Reid. She writes about real, complex relationships that are true to life, and that skill is showcased in THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO. But I’m not only speaking about the relationships with others, I am speaking of the relationship we have with ourselves. She reveals truths about our human condition in a way that makes you think, consider, debate, react, and discuss the things you always believed you were or should be. She makes you think differently about yourself, helps you see yourself and others in a new light.
So yes, this book has some new topics not prevalent in Reid’s previous works; but at the core, this book has everything I love about Reid’s writing.
This book is about love, and the role it plays in our lives. How love can make us do irrational things; how love can make us better and stronger, but how love can also make us do things we never thought ourselves capable of doing, for better or for worse. It's about the complexity of the human condition, and how we each have so many layers that not one word alone can define us completely.
When you stop and look at the whole picture, this book is exactly the Reid we know and love.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, as well as BookSparks, in exchange for an honest review.
Books For The Living
I’ve heard it said many times by other
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reviewers how different this book is for Reid; but I don’t entirely agree. There are the obvious differences: time period, subject matter (which I’ll leave vague due to a spoiler). Reid’s past books have been set in present day, or contemporary novels. The majority of this book is Evelyn telling her story – which is of course in the past, as early as the 1950s – which is a different time period than Reid’s previous books. Yes, this is different, but I don’t think it is why people are saying this book is “so different” from her other ones. I think it has to do with one specific aspect of the book – and I agree it is a big one – but I think we need to look at the story as a whole.For me, this story is quintessential Reid. She writes about real, complex relationships that are true to life, and that skill is showcased in THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO. But I’m not only speaking about the relationships with others, I am speaking of the relationship we have with ourselves. She reveals truths about our human condition in a way that makes you think, consider, debate, react, and discuss the things you always believed you were or should be. She makes you think differently about yourself, helps you see yourself and others in a new light.
So yes, this book has some new topics not prevalent in Reid’s previous works; but at the core, this book has everything I love about Reid’s writing.
This book is about love, and the role it plays in our lives. How love can make us do irrational things; how love can make us better and stronger, but how love can also make us do things we never thought ourselves capable of doing, for better or for worse. It's about the complexity of the human condition, and how we each have so many layers that not one word alone can define us completely.
When you stop and look at the whole picture, this book is exactly the Reid we know and love.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, as well as BookSparks, in exchange for an honest review.
Books For The Living
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LibraryThing member fionaanne
i have decided TJR just isn't for me and I will never understand her popularity.
LibraryThing member bookofsecrets
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It turned out to be so much more than I was expecting. THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO tells the amazing, wild, and often heartbreaking life story of the title character. Beginning in the 1950s
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when she arrived in Hollywood, the book covers Evelyn Hugo's rise to fame as an A-list actress, and her many loves and losses along the way. She chooses a young journalist named Monique Grant to write her biography, and Monique is perplexed as to why Evelyn wants to spill her long-guarded secrets to her. What, if any, is their connection? I listened to the audiobook which was a wonderful experience and quite emotional too. I'm sure the neighbors wondered why I was sobbing as I was mowing the lawn. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2017. Show Less
LibraryThing member cathgilmore
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is catnip to anyone who loves old movies. In Evelyn, Taylor Jenkins Reid has created an amalgam of all the old glamor girls: Lana Turner and Elizabeth Taylor for their multiple marriages and off-screen shenanigans, Joan Crawford’s ruthlessness, Ava Gardner and
The plot is a clever one—a young magazine writer is offered the chance to interview a famous actress about an upcoming charity event. When Monique Grant arrives at Evelyn Hugo’s Manhattan penthouse she’s told by Evelyn that what she really wants is to write a tell-all and Monique is the writer she’s chosen. The caveat? She can’t release it until Evelyn’s death, meaning that even though Evelyn is 79, the payoff could be years away. From there, the novel proceeds through Evelyn’s retelling of her life to Monique. And what a life. Yes, seven husbands but only one true love. A personal life that often wasn’t personal at all. A career that stopped and started based solely on Evelyn’s indomitable will to succeed.
“First, you have to push people’s boundaries and not feel bad about it. No one is going to give you anything if you don’t ask for it. You tried. You were told no. Get over it.”
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is filled with sharp writing and the kind of nuance that lifts a book from straight chick-lit (which can be great) to what one of my blogging friends likes to call brain candy. Evelyn is not a one-note, old-school actress and her story is as complicated as she is. Every time it seems as if her core has been reached Reid reveals another facet. She perfectly mixes the delicious and gossipy with the unexpected and serious. There are surprises and secrets, and it all makes for reading so deeply satisfying you won’t want it to end.
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Frank Sinatra…if you’ve read as many biographies of Hollywood stars as I have there is something or someone to recognize on every page. Which isn’t to say that the novel is warmed over Hollywood trivia. No. Reid takes these well-known facts and spins them into a brand-new story, one that, while it reiterates the ugly aspects of the film industry and the media around it, also gives a peek into how smart stars found ways to manipulate the system right back.The plot is a clever one—a young magazine writer is offered the chance to interview a famous actress about an upcoming charity event. When Monique Grant arrives at Evelyn Hugo’s Manhattan penthouse she’s told by Evelyn that what she really wants is to write a tell-all and Monique is the writer she’s chosen. The caveat? She can’t release it until Evelyn’s death, meaning that even though Evelyn is 79, the payoff could be years away. From there, the novel proceeds through Evelyn’s retelling of her life to Monique. And what a life. Yes, seven husbands but only one true love. A personal life that often wasn’t personal at all. A career that stopped and started based solely on Evelyn’s indomitable will to succeed.
“First, you have to push people’s boundaries and not feel bad about it. No one is going to give you anything if you don’t ask for it. You tried. You were told no. Get over it.”
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is filled with sharp writing and the kind of nuance that lifts a book from straight chick-lit (which can be great) to what one of my blogging friends likes to call brain candy. Evelyn is not a one-note, old-school actress and her story is as complicated as she is. Every time it seems as if her core has been reached Reid reveals another facet. She perfectly mixes the delicious and gossipy with the unexpected and serious. There are surprises and secrets, and it all makes for reading so deeply satisfying you won’t want it to end.
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LibraryThing member anissaannalise
Evelyn Hugo is a piece of work. She's one of my favorite types of characters, not the sort I'd want to know IRL but is damned interesting. She's been there, done that and burned the bridge when she was finished while wearing couture. She went through eight marriages, had one child and outlived them
She doled out as much hurt as love. And in the end, she set to putting the last threads in her life in order and she finagles a writer who is less than obscure to pen her life story. The recounting of her life was simply riveting and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I'm not about the celebrity obsessions but I loved how the stagecraft of celebrity didn't end on the screen. Scripted lives were served up to a breathless public who couldn't get enough & I kind of delighted in the lies all these people told their fans. It seems only right to me to lie to people who have the temerity to think they know you or have a right to one's entire life.
I liked how the story dealt with passing in it's various forms and some of my favorite passages where about the Anglicizing Evelyn practiced so as to mute her Cuban heritage. It's understandable, given the time and options it afforded her but it's no less off-putting to see one deny who they truly are. One of my favorite passages was Evelyn recounting her realization of having done this to herself and the pain at the realization that in doing so she'd also distanced herself from her mother, a person she'd truly been loved by and loved. It was like a little Imitation of Life moment and made me wonder if Evelyn's mother had lived, would she have denied recognition of her in the street, in order to further herself in the white world she wanted most to move about in. This true identity and the denial of it whether out of necessity or ease & convenience issue rears its head in other pivotal ways for Evelyn and others throughout this story and I enjoyed it being shown in so many different ways.
I liked Monique's parallel thread of a story and how it wove into Evelyn's life. The reveal of their connection was very well done and took me by surprise. After it was done, I realized that, of course, it couldn't have been anything else and I loved that I never saw it coming. I was a bit disappointed that neither Monique's mother, nor David, Monique's estranged husband, weren't more finely drawn. I never had much of a sense of them and kept wanting more. I consider that I wanted to know more from their threads as a compliment to how well done the other characters were.
This was a wonderful read and has definitely made me push the other two books of Jenkins Reid up on my TBR list (she's one who has books that I'm apparently drawn too & buy but hadn't got around to reading until this one). This is truly the vacation read. Beach, mountains or lake, this is one to take along.
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all. She even picked up some Academy awards and lots of financial compensation along the way. She lived a life. She doled out as much hurt as love. And in the end, she set to putting the last threads in her life in order and she finagles a writer who is less than obscure to pen her life story. The recounting of her life was simply riveting and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I'm not about the celebrity obsessions but I loved how the stagecraft of celebrity didn't end on the screen. Scripted lives were served up to a breathless public who couldn't get enough & I kind of delighted in the lies all these people told their fans. It seems only right to me to lie to people who have the temerity to think they know you or have a right to one's entire life.
I liked how the story dealt with passing in it's various forms and some of my favorite passages where about the Anglicizing Evelyn practiced so as to mute her Cuban heritage. It's understandable, given the time and options it afforded her but it's no less off-putting to see one deny who they truly are. One of my favorite passages was Evelyn recounting her realization of having done this to herself and the pain at the realization that in doing so she'd also distanced herself from her mother, a person she'd truly been loved by and loved. It was like a little Imitation of Life moment and made me wonder if Evelyn's mother had lived, would she have denied recognition of her in the street, in order to further herself in the white world she wanted most to move about in. This true identity and the denial of it whether out of necessity or ease & convenience issue rears its head in other pivotal ways for Evelyn and others throughout this story and I enjoyed it being shown in so many different ways.
I liked Monique's parallel thread of a story and how it wove into Evelyn's life. The reveal of their connection was very well done and took me by surprise. After it was done, I realized that, of course, it couldn't have been anything else and I loved that I never saw it coming. I was a bit disappointed that neither Monique's mother, nor David, Monique's estranged husband, weren't more finely drawn. I never had much of a sense of them and kept wanting more. I consider that I wanted to know more from their threads as a compliment to how well done the other characters were.
This was a wonderful read and has definitely made me push the other two books of Jenkins Reid up on my TBR list (she's one who has books that I'm apparently drawn too & buy but hadn't got around to reading until this one). This is truly the vacation read. Beach, mountains or lake, this is one to take along.
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LibraryThing member UnderMyAppleTree
Monique Grant is a little known writer. Logically, she should not be Evelyn’s first choice to write her biography. It soon becomes apparent that Monique is not only her first choice but her only choice. She will give Monique all the rights to story, and it is only to be published after her death.
Evelyn begins the fascinating story of life beginning with her arrival in Hollywood in the 1950s through three decades and seven husbands. Along the way we realize that nothing was as it appeared in the tabloids or the official accounts.
This was one of the more engaging stories I’ve read this year. It kept me entertained until the very end.
Evelyn had many secrets and much to hide. As hard as I tried to figure out the connection between her and Monique, it was not apparent until the end what Evelyn wanted to keep secret until her death. There were a few clues, but I didn’t catch them.
It’s not necessary to be a fan of Old Hollywood to enjoy this book, but it just might turn you into one!
Audio production . . .
Narrators: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
The story was told in alternating perspectives interspersed with readings from the tabloids of each time period. The two different voices made it easy to detect when a change of perspective occurred. And Julia Whelan’s snarky tone for the tabloid readings was a delight.
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Monique has no idea why she was chosen and is conflicted about taking the assignment, but it is too big a coup to pass up.Evelyn begins the fascinating story of life beginning with her arrival in Hollywood in the 1950s through three decades and seven husbands. Along the way we realize that nothing was as it appeared in the tabloids or the official accounts.
This was one of the more engaging stories I’ve read this year. It kept me entertained until the very end.
Evelyn had many secrets and much to hide. As hard as I tried to figure out the connection between her and Monique, it was not apparent until the end what Evelyn wanted to keep secret until her death. There were a few clues, but I didn’t catch them.
It’s not necessary to be a fan of Old Hollywood to enjoy this book, but it just might turn you into one!
Audio production . . .
Narrators: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
The story was told in alternating perspectives interspersed with readings from the tabloids of each time period. The two different voices made it easy to detect when a change of perspective occurred. And Julia Whelan’s snarky tone for the tabloid readings was a delight.
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LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
I didn't really know what this book was going to be about. Ultimately, it is a look back on the life of a fictional actress who began acting in Hollywood's Golden Age.
While it isn't the story of book I would typically read, Reid writes well and draws in her readers.
The Audible version is very well
I think this would make a really good movie. I would cast Emerald Fennell as Celia St. James (though I did not at all like this character.) I would cast Sheryl Lee Ralph as Frankie. I've had trouble picturing the other characters.
While it isn't the story of book I would typically read, Reid writes well and draws in her readers.
The Audible version is very well
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done, having been narrated by Robin Miles, Julia Whelan, and Alma Cuervo.I think this would make a really good movie. I would cast Emerald Fennell as Celia St. James (though I did not at all like this character.) I would cast Sheryl Lee Ralph as Frankie. I've had trouble picturing the other characters.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Loved this book. Interesting story. Interesting issues of Hollywood. Love and who we love and why - very good.
LibraryThing member ecataldi
I did not expect to fall head over heels with this book. It seemed too gossipy or chick lit or something, but the reality is that it freaking SUCKED ME IN! Evelyn Hugo is an aging actress in New York City and she has decided that it's time for a tell all story. She gets an up and coming journalist
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to come over under false pretenses and then begins to tell her whole sordid life story, one husband at a time. It's fascinating! Not just for romance and culture, but from a historical perspective it's also exciting to see old Hollywood in all its backstabbing finery. Evelyn Hugo is a complex, selfish, frank, and refreshing person, she's easy to love, hate, and emulate. There are some jaw dropping moments and a hell of a twist at the end. A surprisingly great read, I definitely want to check out more from this author! Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
A story so well written I had to remind myself it was a work of fiction.
The cleverly titled novel appealed to my interest in old Hollywood, the scandals and cover-ups the public never had the slightest clue existed.
Evelyn Hugo is
To help with this task, she lures Monique Grant to her home under false pretenses, but soon seduces her into agreeing to take the job, by making her an offer she couldn’t resist.
The story moves slowly at first while Evelyn settles into her story and Monique learns how to handle Evelyn, often using Evelyn’s own advice against her to gain leverage.
But, once they have come to an understanding, Evelyn’s story takes center stage and what a story it was.
The first question Monique asked Evelyn is:
‘Who was the great love of your life?'
It seems like a reasonable enough question, considering Evelyn’s numerous marriages, but it turns out to be much more complicated than what it may seem on the surface.
I admit, I sat literally spellbound and mesmerized by Evelyn and her turbulent life as an actress and movie star, and the amazing twists and turns her life took in search of personal peace, love, and contentment. Her storytelling was an Academy Award performance.
Evelyn made concessions along the way to fame, allowing herself to be recreated by erasing her Cuban heritage and features, as well as leaving her first husband for a chance at fame and fortune.
Her love life takes many twists and turns as does her career, but what the public witnessed was nothing at all like what went on behind closed doors. Her life was like the old Hollywood is all ‘smoke and mirrors’ adage personified.
While Monique is the interviewer, her life and background deserves a close look. She is depressed over her failed marriage and her seemingly dead -end position at work. This gig is worth the incredible risk she takes, but she could never have guessed the monumental impact Evelyn Hugo would have on her life.
Naturally, I thought of Elizabeth Taylor and her many marriages, but the story also had a hint of Marilyn Monroe’s humble beginnings as well. However, a few of Evelyn's leading men mimicked or could have been modeled after real movie stars from that era as well.
But, the most significant points come from the relationships Evelyn developed, outside of the public eye, and how they managed to keep the situation a secret for so many years.
Each husband is given their own chapter with a special title that applies to them personally or to Evelyn’s relationship or opinion of them.
I disliked many of them, and really loved others, as did Evelyn. But beware of Evelyn’s spin on things. She is determined to tell this tale her way and her outlook is often a matter of perspective.
As things progress, I began to see how Evelyn’s influence on Monique begins to take hold. She gives good advice even if it sounds selfish, greedy, or cold. She didn’t get to be the great ‘Evelyn Hugo’ without some verve.
Although there are strong passages regarding sexuality, and the hidden secret lives people were forced to resort to in those days, for me, the powerful transformation Monique undergoes under Evelyn’s tutelage is what sticks with me the most.
Now, this story could have worked as a fictional tell all from Hollywood’s golden age, but there are a couple of 'Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night'moments you won’t see it coming, which left me utterly speechless and completely flabbergasted. My emotions exploded in a million different directions at that point.
The conclusion is riddled with rich bittersweet irony, but couldn't have been more fitting.
Overall, this is an incredibly well written story, very atmospheric, multi-layered, thought provoking, and utterly hypnotizing. Someday, I would like to re-read this one so I can absorb all those nuances I missed leading up to that stunning conclusion.
This one was so good I had a little book hangover for a couple of days. Highly recommend!!
A story so well written I had to remind myself it was a work of fiction.
The cleverly titled novel appealed to my interest in old Hollywood, the scandals and cover-ups the public never had the slightest clue existed.
Evelyn Hugo is
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a faded movie star in advanced years who has decided to write her life story- a deliciously scandalous tell all with a sharp focus on her seven marriages. To help with this task, she lures Monique Grant to her home under false pretenses, but soon seduces her into agreeing to take the job, by making her an offer she couldn’t resist.
The story moves slowly at first while Evelyn settles into her story and Monique learns how to handle Evelyn, often using Evelyn’s own advice against her to gain leverage.
But, once they have come to an understanding, Evelyn’s story takes center stage and what a story it was.
The first question Monique asked Evelyn is:
‘Who was the great love of your life?'
It seems like a reasonable enough question, considering Evelyn’s numerous marriages, but it turns out to be much more complicated than what it may seem on the surface.
I admit, I sat literally spellbound and mesmerized by Evelyn and her turbulent life as an actress and movie star, and the amazing twists and turns her life took in search of personal peace, love, and contentment. Her storytelling was an Academy Award performance.
Evelyn made concessions along the way to fame, allowing herself to be recreated by erasing her Cuban heritage and features, as well as leaving her first husband for a chance at fame and fortune.
Her love life takes many twists and turns as does her career, but what the public witnessed was nothing at all like what went on behind closed doors. Her life was like the old Hollywood is all ‘smoke and mirrors’ adage personified.
While Monique is the interviewer, her life and background deserves a close look. She is depressed over her failed marriage and her seemingly dead -end position at work. This gig is worth the incredible risk she takes, but she could never have guessed the monumental impact Evelyn Hugo would have on her life.
Naturally, I thought of Elizabeth Taylor and her many marriages, but the story also had a hint of Marilyn Monroe’s humble beginnings as well. However, a few of Evelyn's leading men mimicked or could have been modeled after real movie stars from that era as well.
But, the most significant points come from the relationships Evelyn developed, outside of the public eye, and how they managed to keep the situation a secret for so many years.
Each husband is given their own chapter with a special title that applies to them personally or to Evelyn’s relationship or opinion of them.
I disliked many of them, and really loved others, as did Evelyn. But beware of Evelyn’s spin on things. She is determined to tell this tale her way and her outlook is often a matter of perspective.
As things progress, I began to see how Evelyn’s influence on Monique begins to take hold. She gives good advice even if it sounds selfish, greedy, or cold. She didn’t get to be the great ‘Evelyn Hugo’ without some verve.
Although there are strong passages regarding sexuality, and the hidden secret lives people were forced to resort to in those days, for me, the powerful transformation Monique undergoes under Evelyn’s tutelage is what sticks with me the most.
Now, this story could have worked as a fictional tell all from Hollywood’s golden age, but there are a couple of 'Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night'moments you won’t see it coming, which left me utterly speechless and completely flabbergasted. My emotions exploded in a million different directions at that point.
The conclusion is riddled with rich bittersweet irony, but couldn't have been more fitting.
Overall, this is an incredibly well written story, very atmospheric, multi-layered, thought provoking, and utterly hypnotizing. Someday, I would like to re-read this one so I can absorb all those nuances I missed leading up to that stunning conclusion.
This one was so good I had a little book hangover for a couple of days. Highly recommend!!
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LibraryThing member Lauranthalas
This was the first time I've read a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I was not disappointed! Evelyn Hugo was a Hollywood actress back in the day and was married seven times. She hasn't spoken about her marriages before, but now she is willing to speak freely about everything that has happened in her
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life to Monique, an non-famous journalist. Filled with glamour, scandals, and surprises this beautifully written novel will captivate audiences and will leave them wanting more. Show Less
LibraryThing member haymaai
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ is one of the most interesting books that I’ve read all summer. The novel is about an aspiring and ambitious actress, Evelyn Hugo, who escapes abject poverty to climb the ladder of success as a Hollywood starlet during the 1950’s to 60’s. Now in 2017,
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as an aging diva nearing the end of her life, she recruits a relatively unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant, to tell her life story, unveiling all of her secrets about love and her seven husbands. As Evelyn tells her story, Monique is drawn into feeling compassionate for the aging starlet, but is met head on with the shocking circumstances that connect their lives. Evelyn is not at all the woman that the public knows, and she has wrestled with lies and deceit to live a life she has desired, to be with the person she loves most. For me, this story was an excellent exposure to the social values and ethical standards of that era. Because we have come so far in embracing differentiation in our society, I had forgotten that in the time of Evelyn Hugo, expectations were so different. I was completely enthralled, as I read how Evelyn lived a life of deception in order to subscribe to the happiness that eluded her. Show Less
LibraryThing member pdebolt
Evelyn Hugo is a rags-to-riches movie star, who is granting an exclusive interview with a relatively unknown journalist named Monique. Monique is puzzled about being chosen over more experienced writers to write an authorized biography since it will ultimately yield a very lucrative book deal.
At
The ending of this book makes it memorable, and answers all the questions. This was a Book of the Month selection, and not a book that I would have chosen otherwise; however, it is well written and an interesting, if fictional, glimpse into the glamorous world of Hollywood celebrities in the mid-20th century.
At
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the age of 79, a previously reclusive Evelyn is ready to divulge everything about her marriages, her career and her one true love. The only caveat is that it cannot be published until after her death. The career part is probably much like that of other voluptuous actresses like Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe. The seven husbands range from abusive to gay with Evelyn providing something of value to each of them. The true love is difficult given the judgmental, censorious times of the 50s and 60s, particularly to a public figure. Evelyn is often narcissistic, imperious and self-promoting, but achieves her goals through intelligent orchestration of the people in her life.The ending of this book makes it memorable, and answers all the questions. This was a Book of the Month selection, and not a book that I would have chosen otherwise; however, it is well written and an interesting, if fictional, glimpse into the glamorous world of Hollywood celebrities in the mid-20th century.
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
This book is extremely highly rated, and I simply don't understand the appeal. Endless exposition of recalled conversations with dialogue so utterly unrealistic it is laughable. The point seems to be that it was hard to be gay in Hollywood in the mid-20th Century (which of course no one knows and
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is not the subject of a bajollion movies and books that came before.) This apparently shocking truth is told through the memories of Evelyn Hugo, a 10th grade dropout with oft-referred-to fantastic breasts who speaks as if educated at a 2nd rate liberal arts college (clunky $10 words occasionally used incorrectly), and a phenomenally selfish woman raised by a terrible father who largely checks out of her daughter's life until one day she suddenly becomes mother of the year. She is also 7-times married (8 times if you count the self-performed marriage to the woman allegedly the love of her life.) I know we are supposed to see her as a ballsy dame who did what she needed to do to get out of a sad and oppressive upbringing to be the Queen of the Cinema, but she mostly comes off as someone with bad judgement, some talent, a pretty face, a great rack, and a knack for manipulating people. She ends up meeting her goals, getting insanely rich, and inexplicably trying to right a couple wrongs (while doing nothing about many others) in convoluted ways. Boring, nonsensical, and not well-written. On the plus side, it is not offensively bad. Show Less
LibraryThing member ParadisePorch
Contemporary Romance - and with an agenda. I hate books with an agenda. Entertaining as far as it went.
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Monique Grant, a writer for a magazine that resembles Vanity Fair, is summoned by Evelyn Hugo, an iconic movie star from the 1950’s and ‘60’s. She wants to learn about Evelyn’s seven husbands, and discover who was The love of Evelyn’s life - And that’s the surprise. A good pot boiler.
LibraryThing member jess_reads_books
Evelyn Hugo is one of the most famous actresses of our generation. She has lived a life of glamour and scandal that has been highlighted in tabloids throughout the years, most notably including her seven marriages. Evelyn recently graced the cover of these new outlets again with the declaration
Monique Grant is not a well-known journalist or author. She works as a regular writer for a magazine called Vivant, but has no true claim to fame. Having recently hit a rough patch in her personal life with her husband leaving her and a lack of stimulating work, Evelyn’s request to meet could not have come at a better time. Monique quickly discovers that Evelyn wants to tell much more than a story about the dresses she has chosen to auction off. She wants Monique to author her biography and she wants to tell her every last detail that has made up her life. Why did Evelyn choose Monique? What will the secrets of her life reveal?
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO transports the reader straight to Evelyn’s couch with Monique as we all listen to Evelyn tell the tale of her life, her fame, and her greatest love. I chose to split my time with this novel between the audiobook and the physical book. I could not be happier that I this was my first audiobook. I was swept away to another world filled with glitz, glamour, and heartbreak. Taylor Jenkins Reid created a masterpiece with this book! I was hanging on every word of Evelyn’s story and sitting in my car dreading going in to work because I needed to listen to just one more chapter. Reading Reid’s writing was no different and I flew through the ending. And boy that ending...what a book hangover I was left with! THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is a stunning book of historical fiction, genuine love, and the raw emotions of life.
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that she would be auctioning off several of her famous dresses and donating all proceeds to breast cancer research. This sudden charitable venture has peaked the interest of many journalists, but it is Monique Grant who Evelyn chooses to reach out to. Monique Grant is not a well-known journalist or author. She works as a regular writer for a magazine called Vivant, but has no true claim to fame. Having recently hit a rough patch in her personal life with her husband leaving her and a lack of stimulating work, Evelyn’s request to meet could not have come at a better time. Monique quickly discovers that Evelyn wants to tell much more than a story about the dresses she has chosen to auction off. She wants Monique to author her biography and she wants to tell her every last detail that has made up her life. Why did Evelyn choose Monique? What will the secrets of her life reveal?
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO transports the reader straight to Evelyn’s couch with Monique as we all listen to Evelyn tell the tale of her life, her fame, and her greatest love. I chose to split my time with this novel between the audiobook and the physical book. I could not be happier that I this was my first audiobook. I was swept away to another world filled with glitz, glamour, and heartbreak. Taylor Jenkins Reid created a masterpiece with this book! I was hanging on every word of Evelyn’s story and sitting in my car dreading going in to work because I needed to listen to just one more chapter. Reading Reid’s writing was no different and I flew through the ending. And boy that ending...what a book hangover I was left with! THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is a stunning book of historical fiction, genuine love, and the raw emotions of life.
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LibraryThing member authorjanebnight
Synopsis:
Evelyn Hugo is a fictional actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood who has been married seven times. She is a mysterious figure who has agreed to do an exclusive interview with one special journalist she has personally selected.
My Rating:
4/5
This is one of the best written books I have
Evelyn Hugo is a complex character who often makes choices purely based on her own self interest and with no regard for anyone else including the people she loves. I always understood her actions but I often thought those actions were the wrong ones. Evelyn isn't a character I could root for. Instead, she is a very human and very flawed character. I believe that is one reason so many people do connect so strongly with this book. Her flaws make her real and vibrant. She is so real that I felt like I could find her movies on the internet if I only typed them in my search engine. However, like many other actors in Hollywood, I wouldn't want to spend time with her in person. I think that lack of affection for her was the main thing that kept this book from being a favorite because I have very little to complain about where pacing, structure, plot, character, or setting are concerned. This book is a masterpiece. I could easily imagine it becoming classic literature.
There were several reveals near the end of the book. Some I guessed but several took me completely by surprise. Particularly, the mystery of why the specific journalist was chosen was not something that crossed my mind. I had thought it was because of another reason entirely. I will comment here that I wasn't sold on the journalist's reaction to the reveal. She was upset but I didn't necessarily think she was upset about what I would have been upset about if I were in her situation.
I think this is an important book. I think many topics of consequence are raised. I would recommend reading this book to pretty much everyone.
Evelyn Hugo is a fictional actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood who has been married seven times. She is a mysterious figure who has agreed to do an exclusive interview with one special journalist she has personally selected.
My Rating:
4/5
This is one of the best written books I have
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ever written however I just didn't feel like I personally connected with this story.Evelyn Hugo is a complex character who often makes choices purely based on her own self interest and with no regard for anyone else including the people she loves. I always understood her actions but I often thought those actions were the wrong ones. Evelyn isn't a character I could root for. Instead, she is a very human and very flawed character. I believe that is one reason so many people do connect so strongly with this book. Her flaws make her real and vibrant. She is so real that I felt like I could find her movies on the internet if I only typed them in my search engine. However, like many other actors in Hollywood, I wouldn't want to spend time with her in person. I think that lack of affection for her was the main thing that kept this book from being a favorite because I have very little to complain about where pacing, structure, plot, character, or setting are concerned. This book is a masterpiece. I could easily imagine it becoming classic literature.
There were several reveals near the end of the book. Some I guessed but several took me completely by surprise. Particularly, the mystery of why the specific journalist was chosen was not something that crossed my mind. I had thought it was because of another reason entirely. I will comment here that I wasn't sold on the journalist's reaction to the reveal. She was upset but I didn't necessarily think she was upset about what I would have been upset about if I were in her situation.
I think this is an important book. I think many topics of consequence are raised. I would recommend reading this book to pretty much everyone.
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LibraryThing member janismack
I was in the mood for something different and this fit the bill perfectly. An aging holywood legend/star contacts a writer to write her biography. She is now 80 years old and has not granted an interview in over 20 years. Her story unfolds and is packed with twists and turns, that I was always
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interested to read the whys of why she married 7 times and the other musteries of her life. The writing was ok, moved along nicely.....you learned a lot about Holywood in the 70’s and 80´s. Show Less
LibraryThing member SimplyKelina
I really was not sure if I was going to love this or not, as historical fiction can be hit or miss for me. However; I have been wanting to read more Taylor Jenkins Reid and I heard this was her best work yet.
As I was reading this, I thought this is just not normally something I would enjoy. But, I
I am loving everything I read from this author and need more.
As I was reading this, I thought this is just not normally something I would enjoy. But, I
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was loving it. TJR just has a way of telling a story, grabbing your attention and not letting you go. I just loved this story. It was funny and heartbreaking all at the same time. I am loving everything I read from this author and need more.
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LibraryThing member VhartPowers
It starts out with a young writer whose husband has left the state for a job. While interviewing an old actress, (snooze), for an auction of her dresses, the actress turns the job into something else.
The actress justifies her whoredom and quite frankly I'm not buying it. Then it goes from bad to
If I weren't reading this book for a book group it would already be in the fire pit. btw I'm on page 142
I couldn't finish this book fast enough...not because it's good, but because I wanted to hurry up and finish it for the book club and be able to defend why it's the worst book I've read this year. Quite possibly, the worst book I've read in my life time. spoilers
pg. 263 "these are simply things you do. These are kindnesses you extend to the person you love when you know that your job will entail the world seeing images of you having sex with another person.
Here's a thought, wild as it may seem, how about you only have sex with your spouse? (in her case, her husband!)
pg. 271 she tries to justify sex is just an act
pg 272 tries to say her lesbian relationship had sanctity.
pg 323 is worried about her teen daughter watching entertainment "news" or gossip columns, seeing her mother's sixth divorce, and if it's the best thing for her daughter. Right, because living through it isn't as bad?!
pg. 328 from one bad incident to another and how to cover it up.
Oh the tangled webs of sin.
the main character aparently worshiped one of her husbands, because the way the author describs it on pg. 353 it sounds like she should have been talking about God.
pg. 362, Monique tries to justify that her father didn't cause his own death, but in reality, yes, he did.
So what did I like about this book?
pg. 354"The media are going to tell whatever story they want to tell. They always have. They always will." I can't help but wonder if the people that enjoy this book are the people who follow the people of la-la land.
pg. 367 "No one is just a victim or a victor. Everyone is somewhere in between. People who go around casting themselves as one or the other are (not) only kidding themselves,"...
There are quite a few people in the real world who need this awakening.
The book is porn, it has lots of cussing and the characters are vapid. Quite frankly, I thought it was disgusting. But it should make great kindling. Yes, I'm serious, this isn't a type of book I could pass on.
The actress justifies her whoredom and quite frankly I'm not buying it. Then it goes from bad to
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worse. Including all the f-bombs from the author and honestly if she were a better writer it wouldn't be necessary. If I weren't reading this book for a book group it would already be in the fire pit. btw I'm on page 142
I couldn't finish this book fast enough...not because it's good, but because I wanted to hurry up and finish it for the book club and be able to defend why it's the worst book I've read this year. Quite possibly, the worst book I've read in my life time. spoilers
pg. 263 "these are simply things you do. These are kindnesses you extend to the person you love when you know that your job will entail the world seeing images of you having sex with another person.
Here's a thought, wild as it may seem, how about you only have sex with your spouse? (in her case, her husband!)
pg. 271 she tries to justify sex is just an act
pg 272 tries to say her lesbian relationship had sanctity.
pg 323 is worried about her teen daughter watching entertainment "news" or gossip columns, seeing her mother's sixth divorce, and if it's the best thing for her daughter. Right, because living through it isn't as bad?!
pg. 328 from one bad incident to another and how to cover it up.
Oh the tangled webs of sin.
the main character aparently worshiped one of her husbands, because the way the author describs it on pg. 353 it sounds like she should have been talking about God.
pg. 362, Monique tries to justify that her father didn't cause his own death, but in reality, yes, he did.
So what did I like about this book?
pg. 354"The media are going to tell whatever story they want to tell. They always have. They always will." I can't help but wonder if the people that enjoy this book are the people who follow the people of la-la land.
pg. 367 "No one is just a victim or a victor. Everyone is somewhere in between. People who go around casting themselves as one or the other are (not) only kidding themselves,"...
There are quite a few people in the real world who need this awakening.
The book is porn, it has lots of cussing and the characters are vapid. Quite frankly, I thought it was disgusting. But it should make great kindling. Yes, I'm serious, this isn't a type of book I could pass on.
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LibraryThing member Bookmarque
Engrossing and had some nice moments, but stop beating me over the head with how bad it was to be homosexual in decades past. It’s a good undercurrent, but it got overplayed in my mind. It derailed the story into becoming just a platform for the writer’s opinions. One fake marriage to cover
And Monique stayed out of reach for me. Her short, terminal marriage. Her hit-and-miss writing career. Her broken family. None of it seemed intrinsic to her nature or behavior. She kept moving past it or rising above it, giving credit to her exposure to Evelyn. I was compelled by Evelyn’s story and character and wished the Monique narrative frame was jettisoned.
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Evelyn’s and Celia’s relationship, but more than one is too many. One homosexual couple, maybe two, but there are more and it seemed a bit overstated. Forced. I understand and empathize already, let it go.And Monique stayed out of reach for me. Her short, terminal marriage. Her hit-and-miss writing career. Her broken family. None of it seemed intrinsic to her nature or behavior. She kept moving past it or rising above it, giving credit to her exposure to Evelyn. I was compelled by Evelyn’s story and character and wished the Monique narrative frame was jettisoned.
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Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2018)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — June 2017)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — 2017)
Language
Original publication date
2017-06-13
Physical description
389 p.; 7.8 inches
ISBN
1398515698 / 9781398515697