"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the intriguing life story of Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her seven marriages to an unknown writer, Monique. The novel delves into Evelyn's glamorous yet tumultuous journey through Hollywood, filled with scandals, surprises, and unexpected twists. Readers are captivated by Evelyn's unapologetic nature, complex character, and the lessons learned from her unconventional life choices. The writing style is described as beautifully written, engaging, and fast-paced, making it a page-turner that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include discussions of domestic abuse, substance abuse, homophobia, and implications of suicide.
Has Romance?
The romance is present and influential but complicated by external societal factors, focusing on the key love story between Evelyn and another woman alongside her marriages.
From The Publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"If you're looking for a book to take on holiday this summer, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has got all the glitz and glamour to make it a perfect beach read." -Bustle
From the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six-an entrancing and "wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet" (PopSugar) as she 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.
"Heartbreaking, yet beautiful" (Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is "Tinseltown drama at its finest" (Redbook): a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means-and what it costs-to face the truth.
Ratings (724)
Incredible (157) | |
Loved It (283) | |
Liked It (152) | |
It Was OK (66) | |
Did Not Like (49) | |
Hated It (17) |
Reader Stats (1252):
Read It (730) | |
Currently Reading (18) | |
Want To Read (344) | |
Did Not Finish (32) | |
Not Interested (128) |
22 comment(s)
4 ⭐️
This was one of those TikTok books that I didn’t know much about going into. I knew it was popular and well liked but not much else.
I was pleasantly surprised to see it was a literary fiction novel told in a semi-interview format switching between the past and the present.
I really enjoyed this novel. Usually character studies like this I find kind of boring but Evelyn was as captivating as she was supposed to be. Her story of old Hollywood, racism, homophobia, and being queer in an era that wouldn’t allow it was so interesting. This story has really changed how I view famous people and celebrity culture. There are excerpts from news stories about Evelyn throughout the book that we see are exaggerated, false, or manipulated. I always knew tabloids and paparazzi are awful but seeing from the point of view of a celebrity impacted me more than I would’ve thought.
I think this could’ve been a 5 star read for me if the interviewer had a larger impact on the story. There was an attempt to tie the lessons from the Evelyn flashbacks to the interviewer’s life but it didn’t click the way I wanted it to. I was tempted to give 4.5 stars but decided not to because of this aspect of the book.
Evelyn is exactly as badass and confident as I aspire to be and I loved hearing about her life (even if it wasn’t real).
I loved this. I think I have found myself a new fave author and I want to read everything she has wrote. I love the old Hollywood style stories and couldn’t put this down. Such depth and rawness in the writing. Love love loved it.
I read this book for the first time in 2019 and still thought of it and been meaning to pick it back up for the longest time. Reading about Evelyn was like getting back in touch with an old friend. Think I enjoyed it a bit more this time around. Sadly I hadn't had such good luck with her other books. But might need rereading Daisy Jones soon
This book revels the story of Evelyn Hugo, actress, sexpot and covert trailblazer. I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but I think between trying to figure out Evelyn and Monique’s connection as well as the addition of new articles reflecting events in Evelyn’s life made the book that much more believable.
I liked the overall way in which Evelyn shares her story with Monique yet like any good actress, she teases the audience until the very end.
LOVED.
Awesome book - quick read :)
Wow! This is a complicated story about a complicated person. I didn't get hooked the first time I picked it up, but a few months later I opened it again and *wow*, once Evelyn started telling her life story I really couldn't put it down.
Masterfully written and goes above and beyond the hype. An instant classic and favorite
This book came highly recommended, but it was too soap opera and unrealistic for me, especially the main character. She came across very stereotypical of old school Hollywood cliches & the dialogue had me rolling my eyes.
Oh my goodness. I just had to finish this tonight. I'm still digesting, but ALL THE FEELS. I had no idea if this book would be for me, and I'm so glad I read it. Hopefully I'll be able to add a better review later, but I'm adding all of TJR's books to my TBR pile NOW.
The audiobook was just fantastic--the narrator did a fabulous job. Highly recommended.
What can you read after
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
About the Author:
Taylor Jenkins Reid lives in Los Angeles and is the acclaimed author of Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & the Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. To learn more, visit TaylorJenkinsReid.com.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
