The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-audio- by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

My thoughts

I listened to the audio of this book. 

While the story was very good it took me a bit to get into it. I agree with another reviewer that it kind of dragged and Monique's narrator sounded to old for her part. But it did pick up and was a very interesting read for me. There is a lot going on but not so much that you will get lost. Evelyn's words were wonderful. Her narrator did a great job and the story that she is telling is both interesting and at times heartbreaking. For it's time some of the things that Evelyn went through were so sad. She couldn't live the life she wanted because at that time it was taboo. She had a reputation for devouring men but that was pretty much expected in old Hollywood. At least from her. 

This book will take you deep into Evelyn Hugo's life. Into her thoughts and dreams. Her loves and losses. Her forbidden love. The one true love of her life and the one true best friend she had. To many losses that are just so sad. She lived a life that possibly a few in her business would envy. But if they knew some of the things she endured they might choose a different way. Who knows. I think this is pretty much how things were and may still be in Hollywood. How you are expected to do things. Being a woman in old Hollywood had to be the hardest job ever unless you were willing to sell your soul to your job. Evelyn did things on her terms pretty much but she also had a few secrets. I admire her resilience and tenacity for life, love, loss and friendship. Her way of doing things. 

I feel this book was written with one actress in mind but I won't say which. That is for you to determine if you read or listen to it. 

The ending chapters really brought out the tears for me. How she got over such things had to be the hardest job she ever faced. Not being able to admit who she truly loved was unfair. Sometimes life is just written for others.

3.5 stars and only because it was slow getting started and I didn't care so much for Monique's narrator. Other than that I do highly recommend this book/audio. 

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

Narrators: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles