Without a doubt, this is my favourite book of all time now. The extended question as to why Grant was specifically chosen for the job of writing for Hugo is a continued undercurrent with a moment of realisation that is impossible to predict, leaving readers hooked right until the final pages. Although the reader is often taken out of Hugo’s story back to the present day to follow Grant, there is no moment where the intensity and emotional impact falters as a result. The story of Monique Grant, the journalist recruited by Hugo to write for her, is equally as compelling. The most interwoven theme relating to Hugo’s life is sexuality, discussing the restrictions and concealment that queer women, especially in the public eye, had to endure. Sexual exploitation within the industry for career progression forms a harrowing backstory to Hugo’s rise to fame, an issue that has obviously transcended further than the time in which the book is set, and domestic violence behind the scenes offers more reflection on issues facing women both then and now. Very real issues facing women both generally and within the context of Hollywood stardom are discussed in depth, offering a darker emotional perspective to the story. The novel also deals with dark and important themes without making them seem as if they were thrown in for the sake of it.

She is neither a protagonist nor an antagonist, filling both roles at interchanging moments that make Hugo feel even more human and relatable. There are multiple points when the reader disapproves of Hugo’s choices or thoughts, a refreshing feeling when many books evoke unconditional support for the character being followed. Her relationships and attitudes towards people demonstrate that she is not the embodiment of perfection that Hollywood starlets are perceived to be. Most importantly though, Evelyn Hugo is flawed. Every relationship, both romantic and platonic that Hugo reflects upon is full of personality and charm, even when dark themes are discussed and exhibited.

As a character, she is immaculately fleshed out and developed without a single gap or fault, with very human feelings and thoughts that are often not addressed fully in other books.

The most striking thing about this book is how real Evelyn Hugo feels to the reader. The good, the bad, and the ugly are uncovered, weaving together to create a compelling narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Marilyn Monroe type figure, enlists journalist Monique to write her memoir a tell-all, documenting the entirety of her life and acting career, including the story behind her seven husbands. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a masterpiece, and since finishing it I have been begging everyone I know to read it also.

The song of the dodo by david quammen