In every era, there is a literary genius, who stands out among his/her contemporaries. In the 21st century, along with some other authors, Taylor Jenkins is becoming a public and critics favourite. Today, we at Daastan are telling you all you need to know about Taylor Jenkins Reid. Taylor currently resides in Los Angeles where she is pursuing her career as a fiction writer. Her books “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “Malibu Rising” – are all bestsellers.
Even though writing is her niche, Taylor started out her career in film production. Moreover, she also worked as a casting assistant before landing her first book deal. In 2020, Taylor received Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award.
Taylor Jenkins Reid – A Godsend to the world of historical fiction
Historical fiction is a literary genre in which the story is set in the past. By this definition, many ‘books’ can claim to fall under this genre. However, a historical novel is not just a book about past, rather it is a portal transporting one to the past. It is because, historical fiction is rich in world building that mimics the real cultural, social, political and religious context of an era.
Among the literary giants who are proficient in writing historical fiction, we have Leo Tolstoy, Sir Walter Scott, William Faulkner, Erin Morgenstern, Tracy Chevalier and Mark Zusak. But in the last five years, there’s been another person who’s making her place in the world of historical fiction. She is none other than Taylor Jenkins Reid. Currently her historical fiction novels are not only in the process of being adapted for television but have also made it to the Reese Witherspoon reading club.
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Starting from 2017, Taylor released her historical romance novel “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. Even though it is marketed as a romance, the book is much more than that. The novels traces the life of an actress Evelyn in the 1950’s. In her old age, Evelyn decides to share the story of her life with the world. For that task she chooses Monique Grant, a magazine reporter who herself is caught up in existential crisis.
Furthermore, the book not only captures the glamorous life of Hollywood but it also talks about misogyny, exploitation, heart break and being queer in a world that wants you to conform. Through her vivid descriptions, Taylor has brought to life the once known charm of Hollywood.
“Please never forget that the sun rises and sets with your smile. At least to me it does. You’re the only thing on this planet worth worshipping.”
Daisy Jones and the Six
So what if you couldn’t live your rockstar dreams 1960’s LA? We have just the book for you! Set in 1960s Los Angeles, “Daisy Jones and the Six” is novel paying tribute to the rock n roll era. Daisy and Billy, two rockstars are put together by a producer for a collaboration of the lifetime. Soon, the producer’s doing proves to be fruitful as Daisy and Billy become legendary for decades and decades to come.
Another noteworthy element of this book is that it does not shy away from exploring taboos like drug addiction, sex and dark side of fame. Lastly, the book is a treat for the postmodern readers, as it features strong female characters.
“Men often think they deserve a sticker for treating women like people.”
Malibu Rising
It is not often that one finds a book that checks all the boxes. Well, we have a good news for you! Because Taylor Jenkins’ Malibu Rising‘ checks all the boxes. In August, 1983, 4 siblings throw a summer party in Malibu which ends up changing their lives. However, the question arises, “Does that summer change their lives for better or worse?”
“If summer could somehow fit into a book, then you’d find it in Malibu Rising”. — Oprah Daily.
Overwhelming emotions and gripping writing style of Taylor makes her books a page turner. There are many great summer reads available nowadays but they all reflect the contemporary world. However, Malibu Rising is your introduction to a summer of 1983. We are sure you have not experienced anything quite like it ever before.
“How were you supposed to change- in ways both big and small- when your family was always there to remind you of exactly the person you apparently signed an ironclad contract to be?”
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? Share with us your favourites from the genre. And for more literary goodness, stay tuned!
