Blurb:

From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six—an entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), in which a legendary film actress 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 near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Review:

When The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo was recommended to me by Jo at My Chestnut Reading Tree, I wasn’t sure that it would be my kind of book. If ever there was a lesson to listen to my fellow bloggers this was it: it’s absolutely fantastic!

This novel is told from the perspective of Monique, who in turn recounts her interview with Evelyn. There are moments of success  happiness and humour, but there are also moments of deep sadness and I immediately felt captivated by Evelyn’s story. It’s difficult to describe in detail without spoilers but Reid explores many different themes in great depth and I loved getting to know such a complex character.

I loved the chapters of the novel that were written in the form of excerpts from magazines. These were very effective at demonstrating how the media affected Evelyn’s life and brought me even further into her world.

I chose to listen to the audio version of The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo. At first it took me some time to get used to the American accents of the narrators, but I quickly grew to love the narration which drew me into the novel.

There is a twist at the end of The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo which I did not see coming. I loved it and the whole novel will stay with me for a long time.

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo is available from Amazon.