Author: Taylor Jenkins ReidJulia Whelan
2017
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 in
the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why
now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her,
and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write
her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her
career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn
unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her
decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven
husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing
a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden
love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as
Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life
intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
this to my TBR without knowing much about the plot. I knew that this was a story about an actress
in old Hollywood who, apparently, wore green and had seven husbands. That was it.
in a way I haven’t been in a long time, so I’m not going to go into detail
about the plot. I liked the pace, the
surprises, even the format. This book
was mostly told through flashbacks, but in the most enigmatic way. It’s hard for me to describe how much I enjoyed
this.
beautifully descriptive, weaving a thoughtful, poignant account of life and
love in Hollywood’s golden age. Again, I
say…
character. Most of the book is told from
her point of view. Honestly, I have
never rooted so much for such a flawed character. Almost every decision she makes in her life
requires context, and Evelyn is a master of providing context, whether true or
not.
the main character. However, I believe her
role in the book is vital. She’s also
extremely relatable, and we get to see her be unintentionally shaped by Evelyn’s
story.
Review…
pace is good, and the depth of feeling expressed is remarkable.
Line…
been working, how truly exhausted you are, until somewhat stands behind you and
says, “It’s OK, you can fall down now. I’ll catch you.”
simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how
someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving
themselves ruthlessly.”
simply waits, patiently, for you to run out of the energy it takes to deny it.”
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