48. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

listened on Libby
389 pgs.

2017
Adult HistFict
Finished 4.02
Goodreads rating: 4.02
My rating: 5
Setting: California

My comments: I've read lots and lots of rave comments about this book but was skeptical.  And then, I couldn't stop listening!  To create a personality with so many nuances must be done by a highly skilled writer.  Not only was the plot extraordinary, but the writing was pretty flawless.  I had no idea it was LGBTQ2+.  I'm guessing this will be one of the stories that I might remember much more than so many that I so quickly forget.....

Goodreads 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 nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.