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.
Over 63,000 reviews. 4.5 stars. Gotta be a good book, huh? Well, depends on your perspective. The 1-star reviews on Amazon reflect more of my opinion. I learned that a book with many reviews and a high rating is not necessarily a book for everyone. To truly know if you will like a book, read a few 1-star reviews to see if there is content that you choose not to read. This was a book club book so at least I didn’t voluntarily choose it. 😂
So here are my thoughts… (no direct spoilers but “big picture” thoughts)
- Although this is an easy read, there are no redemptive qualities of the main character. She is selfish, disgusting, entitled, and prideful. There is seriously nothing to like about her. She sees marriage as a “means to an end.” It is “business” for her with a selfish goal. There is nothing that signifies the sanctity of marriage as God created it (not only through the 7 marriages but the “love of her life.” I don’t want to spoil the book so stopping there.)
- In regards to the main character (Evelyn Hugo), I see so much irony in how she used men but “blew up” when she was used. The author made it totally justified for a woman to do that but demonized the man which leads to my next point…
- This has nothing but a political/cultural agenda. If I wanted to read a book with a political agenda, I would read one. When someone picks up a fictional novel to read, they expect to read a fictional work of art. I read one review that said this was historical fiction. Um, no. Below are my thoughts why there is so much “agenda” in this book…
- First, heterosexual men are all characterized as being a womanizer (abusive, selfish, cheater, etc.). The only men that are represented in a positive manner were homosexual men. Also, as mentioned above, heterosexual men treating her one way was portrayed as wrong; however, as a female, she could justify doing the same thing. If she used them – justified (she would say it isn’t right but needed to be done). If a man used her – awful. If a man cheated on her – devastating. If she cheated on a man – emotionally justified. See my point…
- Second, I personally do not enjoy reading sexually graphic encounters between heterosexual or homosexual people. I know this doesn’t bother many, but heads up if you prefer not to read about sexual encounters.
- Third, the main character had an abortion and never regretted ending the life of a child (at that time nor years later). Again, agenda.
I really do not see why there is so much hype with this book. Honestly, the layout of the book closely resembles one of my favorites – The Thirteenth Tale. It is hard to believe that this book was not written with that book in mind. They both revolve around a main character with secrets to tell and a journalist with personal issues to resolve.
I have read multiple blogs and reviews of this book. Maybe it is just me but don’t waste your money on this book. There is nothing about this book that makes you want to keep reading. There is nothing that is redemptive. I made myself just skim through towards the end just to see what happens. Sorry but not sorry… next. ✔
