The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Audiobook)

 Hey Everyone!

Better late than never, but I'm so unbelievably behind on reviews, and there is just no way that I'm catching up this point, so I'm just going to start anew, and start reviewing again what I read.  I might go back and fill in reviews for books I read this year, later on, just so they can be added to my reviewed page. But that is for a later time. 

Due to my recovery, I'm having more downtime, and I am getting some serious reading in this last week of 2022.  I ended up getting in a last minute book that I honestly almost didn't read after finally getting it from the waitlist at my local library; but am so glad I gave it a chance, because the ending made it become one of my favorites of 2022.

So here is my review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

From Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six- an entrancing and "wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet" (PopSugar) as she reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

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

"Heartbreaking, yet beautiful" (Jamie Blynn, US Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is "Tinseltown drama at its finest" (Redbook): 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.

My Thoughts: 

First off, I am going to be honest and say, this is not my usual read.  I am not usually a fan of adult fiction with multiple timelines, historical elements, and honestly like this book...usually. But The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo held my fascination as the story went on, and by the end I was beyond mesmerized.  

I have always been interested in old Hollywood, especially in the life story of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.  I started reading about Marilyn starting in middle school, checking out many books from the library and reading a ton of online articles (using my dial-up internet back in the day).  Old Hollywood is a fascinating time, and there were so many elements not practiced anymore, and for good reason.  

For instance, back then studios would sign contracts with actors where the actors were essentially owned by those studios, for years, and not a guarantee they would get work, if they didn't prove they were good.  It was tough times.  Not only was Hollywood different but the world was different, and not so open to views as it has been shown to be more now a days, at least in certain parts of the world.  

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo showed some these different pieces of the world, that isn't talked about very much, or at least wasn't before a few years ago.  

A really fascinating story, that I would definitely recommend to anyone into Hollywood, old Hollywood, and looking for a good book with a good insane twist at the end!  

That twist was crazy! I figured it out before it was said, but it still caught me by surprise, and added a really good element to the book.  

Overall Rating: 

Definitely check this one, if you haven't already.  I know I am late to the game, because this one was released in 2017.  I just felt the need to write about this one, because it spoke to me in many ways.  There is a subject that is rarely talked about in this, (I can't say what it is, because it gives away the twist at the end), but it is something that resonates with me a lot.  My family went through this with my grandma, and it hit close to home.  

The Romance Bookie

PS: Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!  I am not sure if I'll be writing another post before the new year, so just wanted to say it now!