2017
WISE Score
Amazon
A glamorous, high-stakes autopsy of Old Hollywood fame that proves the most interesting thing about Evelyn Hugo wasn't her husbands.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This isn't just a beach read; it's a gut-punch disguised as a celebrity memoir. It’s perfect for older teens who have outgrown YA and want something with more teeth, or for parents who want a book that actually moves fast.
It deals with some heavy stuff—abuse, loss, and the systemic homophobia of the 20th century—but it does so with a lot of heart. It's the kind of book that makes you want to Google people who don't actually exist because the world-building is that convincing.
This is a solid 'New Adult' or adult read. While a mature 15-year-old could handle the themes, it’s really written for an audience that can appreciate the complexities of a long life full of regrets.
It deals with heavy emotional truths, messy relationships, and the cost of ambition. While it's not 'clean'—there's plenty of lying and manipulation—it's grounded in a very human search for authentic love.
The 'interview' structure and the fictionalized history of Old Hollywood are incredibly vivid. It creates a world so believable that you'll find yourself wanting to Google Evelyn's old movies.
This is an adult novel. It contains descriptions of domestic abuse, sexual content, miscarriage, and a plot point involving assisted suicide. It's safe for its intended audience, but not for younger kids.
A fantastic exploration of identity, the history of the LGBTQ+ community in media, and the sacrifices women made to succeed in a sexist industry. It builds massive empathy.
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