Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
I finally jumped on the Evelyn Hugo bandwagon and she didn’t disappoint. I thought it was a fascinating story of career, love and trueness of self. I didn’t guess the twist exactly, but I had a feeling something was connected!
After I finished it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how, as humans, we truly have no idea what other people are going through unless they choose to tell us. It was a great reminder to take the media headlines with a grain of salt.
Almost immediately upon starting it, I really liked this book with it’s interesting, layered, diverse characters. Azere and Raphael’s chemistry was great from the start, especially when they reconnect at work.
The middle third of the book was hard to read. It is obvious that Azere respects her Nigerian culture, her mother and her late father, but also obvious that those things have a lot of boundaries and rules. At many points, her and her mom’s relationship was so toxic that it was uncomfortable to read about. I really wished Azere would have stood up for herself earlier on in the book.
Azere often goes back and forth in her thoughts about should she/shouldn’t she be with Rafael based on their cultures, race, ect, and that results in her and Raphael going back and forth in their relationship status. It takes both of their sisters and a best friend to encourage them to get their shit together and figure it out. And finally, she listens, and the scene when she confronts her mother is a turning point (but again, it felt like it happened too late in the book.)
The book ends hopeful, with strength and real connection. I recommend it.
Fiona Davis does it again! Her signature style of an impeccably-researched, dual perspective/timeline that eventually comes together answering all the many questions she has created through the story. I never fail to want to know more about the subject once I’ve finished reading, and the Frick Collection is no different.
I’ve read almost all her books (except the Address, but it’s on my shelf) and this wasn’t my fave fave of hers (those would be the Chelsea Girls and Lions of 5th Ave) but still such a good story with generous New York city history and big characters, like Lillian and Helen, who you want to know more about.
This book was a lot of things, and when I was done, I was sad it was over.
Greta has finally made it as a rock star when her mom suddenly passes away. Her mom was her biggest fan and closest friend. Her dad was neither of those things for Greta. But her dad is still here and they are both grieving, so she reluctantly joins him on what should have been her parents’ 40th anniversary cruise in Alaska.
This is a story of stories. Of how Greta got to where she was in her career, of her upbringing and relationships, and through the stories of her past she is able to see how she can forgive her dad now. And he does some work on himself, too. Their conversations towards the end made me tear up. Simple words, but big feelings and breakthroughs.
Great side characters, a little bit of just-met-you-on-a-cruise lust, and lots of gorgeous Alaskan scenery imagery.
