jjhina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Homophobia, Chronic illness, Grief, Car accident, Alcoholism, Suicide, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Alcohol
alanadostal's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Transphobia, Abortion, Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, Suicide, Self harm, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Violence, Car accident, Cursing, Grief, and Outing
potion96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Self harm, Violence, and Drug abuse
msqueendelasarre's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Death, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Lesbophobia
loup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Child death, Death, Violence, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Car accident, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Physical abuse, Lesbophobia, Suicide, Homophobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, and Self harm
Minor: Chronic illness, Drug abuse, and Drug use
saricostanzo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child death, Outing, Self harm, Sexism, Car accident, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, Terminal illness, Death, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Racism, Rape, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Abortion, Biphobia, Cancer, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
kaylab_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, Self harm, Abortion, and Cursing
barefootbetsy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Bullying, Car accident, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, Self harm, Suicide, Abortion, Sexism, Alcohol, Cancer, Misogyny, Child death, and Sexual content
thatswhatshanread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s quite shocking that it took me so long to read this, though I suspect a lot of it had to do with the fact that I had such high hopes and had heard so much unadulterated praise. Ever the pessimist, I was afraid it would disappoint me.
I’m VERY GLAD to report, that it did not disappoint me at all, and actually was much more than I hoped for. An incredible epic of a story-within-a-story, a biographical account of a fictional starlet with many marriages and headlines, but only one true love kept secret for most of her life.
I love TJR’s writing, her layered and complicated story building eclipsed only by the bold and complex characters she creates. Evelyn isn’t supposed to be someone you just love, but she is someone you absolutely root for, despite all her flaws. Because there’s Celia, the truth behind it all. (And Harry, whom I adored so much.)
One of the best novels I’ve ever read that accurately tackles the duality of humanity and fame, with a central focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Phenomenal.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Chronic illness, Classism, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Racism, Suicide, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, Drug use, Outing, Physical abuse, Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Grief, Medical trauma, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Self harm, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Sexism
Moderate: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Abortion, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, and Eating disorder
ellaticonstellation's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Spoiler
Wow, just wow! Even though there are many disturbing things about this book (aka domestic abuse, lying, violence, tampering with the crime scene, etc.) I loved how well-crafted the characters were. Evelyn Hugo did what she had to do to get what she wanted and succeed in life; it was truly inspiring as a woman. She was super flawed, which made her compelling. Her story inspired Monique to take what she deserved and live a fuller life. I hope people who read this don't misinterpret the message. That fame was expensive, and it wasn't for everyone. Fame looked glamorous because of the money, but there were a lot of darkness and sacrifices involved to stay at the top. Her freedom had limits, and it made me sad. Evelyn wanted to express her true self, but she couldn't easily do it. It was the curse of her status in life. Overall, this book was excellent and a potential reread. Thank you so much, Taylor, for writing this book! People, love as long as you can; we never know our end.✨Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Deadnaming, Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Abortion, Blood, Addiction, Alcohol, Car accident, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Bullying, Racism, and Self harm