Welcome to my review of the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I didn’t expect to like this book at all, but if you read my review at the bottom, you’ll see that I loved it in the end!
From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six, an entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), in which a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her newest novel, Malibu Rising, is out now. She lives in Los Angeles.
You can follow her on Instagram @tjenkinsreid.
I saw this book all over social media and has mixed thoughts about reading it. Then I was in a bookstore, and someone recommended it to her daughter, so I decided to give it a chance. I didn’t expect much as I don’t like celebrity life.
Wow! This was unexpectedly amazing! A historical love story with an underlying hidden thread. This has a bisexual narrator and is a fascinating read of someone’s life which could be non-fiction. Evelyn is an award-winning movie star, and the story chronicles her life and many loves. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an emotional journey that also looks at the hypocrisy of Hollywood, the LGBTQ+ community and the changes over the decades.
Evelyn is unashamedly flawed, strong and ambitious. She is also manipulative and selfish, but I loved her. Monique is similar to Evelyn but less manipulative and selfish. Monique is strong and brave, especially in the last few chapters. Harry and Celia were probably my favourite characters overall.
The end few chapters completely changed the book for me. Of course, I enjoyed the rest, but I loved the ending.
I unexpectedly loved this book. I didn’t expect to enjoy it but wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The reviews were great, but I don’t enjoy celebrity life, as I said before. In fact, I can’t think of much worse!
However, despite being a celebrity, this was more about Evelyn’s life and challenges, with the biggest being Monique and her father.
This book will stay with me for a long time to come. The challenges, relationships, loss and compassion, made it an excellent read.
| Title | The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo |
| Author | Taylor Jenkins Reid |
| Series | N/A |
| Format | Kindle |
| Page Count | 400 Pages |
| Genre | Contemporary Romance |
| Publisher | Washington Square Press, UK Edition |
| Release Date | 2nd April 2020 |
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