The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in Crazy Challenge Connection

May 06, 2022 Keli rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-5-rounded-to-4, now-i-know-what-the-hype-was-about, oooh-that-is-a-good-character, fun-and-engaging-main-character, ru2022, contemporary, historical-fiction

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 opportuni 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.

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.

Review- I liked this but I didn't love it. It was too obvious and Monique was grating. Evelyn was charming in that old Hollywood glamour game kind of way, but the real strength of the novel is Reid's ability to weave a story that feels so true. I read this continually thinking about who this could be based on. Of course though, it's not based on any one person but an amalgamation of the legends of the ladies and gents of old Hollywood. Reid has a real talent for evoking the period she is writing about. She did it superbly in Daisy Jones and the Six. However, this fails to provide as much joy, tension or excitement.
My big problem was Monique, she was very annoying and frustrating. I thought some of the decisions she made were not in keeping with a woman of her character or at least her character's intelligence and experience level. It seemed much more to be something that helped the plot.
The other letdown was the end "twist." I have only read two of Reid's books, so I might be a little premature comparing her M Night Shyamalan, but this book felt a bit like that. But not like the one and only good Shyamalan twist, but like all his other movies' twists, obvious and anticlimactic.
Aside from that it was thoroughly enjoyable, hence the four stars.

Rating - Four fabulously captured era stars. ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Really liked it, consumed within days
⭐⭐⭐ - Enjoyed a fair bit, better than average
⭐⭐ - Meh
⭐ - Absolute drivel ...more

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Jan 10, 2021 Jess Penhallow rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book was great and will make me look very differently at old Hollywood films!

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Aug 29, 2021 Kishore Kadapala rated it really liked it

Started as a normal beach read but had so much to share towards the end

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Mar 15, 2020 Jenn G rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2020, audiobooks, 5-stars

Evelyn was such a complex character. I loved how real she felt.

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Sep 24, 2020 Tina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-read-in-2020

I still can't believe that's it. I'm finished with the big story of Evelyn Hugo.

Absolutely amazing, amazing book! One of the greatest books which I had the chance to read! ...more

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