Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Pages: 388 pages
Release Date: June 13th, 2017
Source: Hardcover from Book of the Month
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5 stars
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?I find it extremely refreshing to step away from the Young Adult genre I'm so used to reading. I always find it so comforting to come back to writing reviews after taking a semi-long hiatus. I don't think I'll ever forget how to write reviews, however, if I did I'd trust that you'd call me out on it.
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.
Written with Reid's signature talent for creating "complex, likable characters" (Real Simple), this is a mesmerizing 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 costs—to face the truth.
Buy now!
I don't really know why I decided to start this book. I had heard a tremendous amount of buzz when it first came out, but it all kind of died down after that. Now this book is regarded as a cult classic and only those who have read it will ever know of its greatness. As soon as I started reading, I was captivated. I guess you could say I was as captivated with this book as the whole world was captivated with Evelyn Hugo (well in the book). Reid wastes no time getting into the story. This book is truly a testament to exquisite writing. I found it incredible how she could fit Evelyn's entire life story into 388 pages.
It's safe to say that this book has made me fall in love with historical fiction all over again. The last time I read historical fiction was when I read Secrets of Nanreath Hall by Alix Rickloff, and that was at the beginning of 2017. I am a stranger to this genre. I don't know how Reid makes old Hollywood look so illustrious and also so mysterious like you desperately want to be a part of it. This book will have you panting for answers because the book hints at this massive reveal at the end of the book but it literally doesn't get revealed until the last few pages. I hate that I had to wait so long, but I love how a book made me feel that way; like I couldn't physically put it down. I was tortured every time I had an assignment and it kept me from reading. It's also the whole lure of entering the glamorous and secretive world of Hollywood. This book is incredibly addicting.
Evelyn Hugo is one of the most complex characters I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. At some points, I just wanted to scream through the pages and throw this book on the floor in frustration at her. In others, I wanted to console her. Either way, Evelyn Hugo is a fucking legend. She's a badass woman who was very misunderstood, but this book gives you all the information and lets you make the final call about what kind of person she was. I loved that!
Yes, everything that everyone's saying about this book is true. Don't you just want to read it and be apart of the club that has experienced this book's magic? With a dazzling and diverse cast of characters in a secretive world of Hollywood, this book is likely to change the way you think about historical fiction novels. To put it simply, if there was such a thing as the Book Oscars, this book would go home with Best Novel. I can't wait to see what else Reid has in store for historical fiction.
