Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
The story begins with the reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo reaching out to an unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant to give out an exclusive. It is meant to be a memoir detailing her glamorous life with all its shenanigans, scandals, and the lows.
Monique, who is still reeling with the shock of getting a stepping stone that would jump-start her sluggish career, begins to listen to the almost 80-year-old woman.
Evelyn bares her soul recounting her journey from Hell’s Kitchen to LA in the 1950s to leaving it all in the 1980s. The highlight of it was the seven husbands in the sojourn. She unravels the truth behind each relationship and more. Her story gives an insight into her colorful and eventful life filled with romance, betrayal, struggles, and her tryst with bisexuality. At a time when being queer was considered blasphemous, the narrative brings out the quest for survival by those in the realm. It also brings forth the reality of the casting couch we shun talking about.
But as a reader, I was in awe of the woman who had no regrets despite what she did. Whether baring it all for a hit or sleeping around for getting a part in a movie. She also lost everyone she loved, but her resilience won in the end, to tell the tale.
The finale of the book points towards the intersection of Evelyn’s life with Monique’s past. Though this was meant to be a hard-hitting turning point, as a reader, I was a bit disappointed. It wasn’t that impactful. Especially after an intrigue-filled narrative till that part.
However, I would still recommend this one for an interesting read!
