Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses an unknown magazine reporter to writer her story, no one is more astounded that Monique herself. Determined to use this opportunity to jump-start her career, Monique listens in fascination. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950's to leaving show business in the '80s - and of course seven husbands along the way - Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. But as Evelyn's story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways. ~~~~ This book hooked me from the beginning. I won't say I like the character of Evelyn Hugo, and I certainly didn't like the lifestyle she lived. A bisexual woman who married men to cover up her secrets. Monique has been invited to write Evelyn Hugo's biography on the condition she not publish it until she dies. But why Monique? I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Why the no-name blog writer Monique Grant? Monique constantly questions this throughout all their interviews and Evelyn Hugo (a kind of Elizabeth Taylor character) says all her questions will be answered at the end of her story. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop? Why Monique? There had to be some connection, but what? It was enough to keep me reading. Hollywood, show business, bi-s3xuality and h0m0s3xuality, physical abuse (though in no way descriptive only implied), and multiple (loveless) marriages are at the forefront of this novel. And to be honest, I didn't like Evelyn Hugo. But I loved the story. I heard all the hype about this book and kept in on my shelf for probably well over a year. I'm sorry I waited so long to read this great story.