Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 19/05/2023
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio
ISBN: 9781508236610
Cover:
This simple design is easy to like, especially with the striking image of Evelyn Hugo in her trademark green. However, there is little pointing to Evelyn’s complex and scandalous life, plus I am not a fan of the brown background.
Writing:
The smooth writing style laced with heart and foreboding was very engaging. Besides this, time jumps between and within past and present events are flawlessly done. I also loved the news articles distributed within the story, as these were a fun way of presenting information.
People are messy and love can be ugly.
Storyline:
The character-driven storyline quickly and creatively introduces the two main characters before delving into their lives. The tale that unfolds is compelling and touching, with many complex themes, including abuse, fame, and sexuality, being explored. A few great twists and shocking moments are even weaved into the storyline, making it hard to put down.
Main character:
Even at a young age, Evelyn is shown to be brutally ambitious and pragmatic, but she is also loving and flawed. This captivating complexity, and her growth throughout her life, made Evelyn irresistible despite some questionable decisions. Equally fascinating is Monique’s character, and I loved her growth as she learnt to believe in and fight for herself.
Never let anyone make you feel ordinary
Secondary characters:
Evelyn’s seven husbands have a marked impact on her life, and each possesses a distinct, complex relationship with her that is nicely explored. While there is one more character who has a relationship with Evelyn and a massive impact on her life, I am still undecided about my feelings towards them. Other characters like Connor and Grace are skillfully used to enhance the complexity of the protagonists, even with their minor roles.
Romance:
Despite some cute moments, Evelyn’s calculated approach to her marriages and relationships made it hard to remain invested in them. However, this did not make the relationships any less compelling, especially as various themes are explored through them.
Narration & Audio:
Julia Whelan, Alma Cuervo and Robin Miles do a great job narrating this story. The vocal changes done for the different characters and narratives made the grand storyline easy to follow and enhanced the nuance of the characters.
On the whole, I was swept away by the intriguing lives of Evelyn and Monique. The gripping story is deftly brought to life through the terrific audiobook narration and enchanting writing. I would recommend The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab for those who loved this, as it is another story that details the life of a captivating female protagonist.
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[…] themes in a pretty, engaging package. Another compelling read to check out if you enjoyed this is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins […]