Released: 13th June 2017
Reclusive Hollywood 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 to write her story, no one is more astounded than Monique herself.
Determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career, Monique listens in fascination. 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. But as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Written with Reid’s signature talent for creating “complex, likeable characters” (Real Simple), this is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of Old Hollywood into the sobering realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means – and what it costs – to face the truth.
This book popped up for request on Netgalley and I thought I’d give it a go after all of the hype and good reviews. This isn’t a book I’d typically go for myself but after reading so much fantasy lately I thought it would be a nice change-up. Before getting in to it I only knew the very basics of what the story was about and was pleasantly surprised at how much more there was to it.
I actually decided to listen to the audio book for it as it was available on scridb and I had heard that the audiobook was really well done as most of the story is interview-style and I’m really glad I did. It didn’t take long before I was completely immersed in these characters and this story telling it was hard to believe that this wasn’t a real autobiography. I really wanted to know about Evelyn’s life and the people in it but I was not prepared for how emotionally draining at times it could be. With domestic and sexual abuse and deaths, it was a real rollercoaster and had me tearing up several times.
There were quite a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting but life just isn’t straight forward, movie star or not. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story even if it was hard at times, I liked how it ended even if it was somewhat controversial, I was satisfied with it and am interested in picking up Taylor’s new book ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ which is also interview-style. I would recommend everyone read this book.
You know people keep talking about this book soo much. Gosh I need to read that…
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I needed a reread of this book just after 6 months. That says enough right? I heard snippets of the audiobook for Daisy Jones as I got it on Audible and it sounds like a good one! I guess that that book will be done the most justice as audiobook as well.
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