“Riveting, heart-wrenching, and full of Old Hollywood glamour, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of the most captivating reads of 2017.” –BuzzFeed “The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the … comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama.” —PopSugar
In this entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), 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.
“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.more
Evelyn Hugo is a really complex character, she is intriguing, beautiful, ambitious, talented, selfish, cunning and imperfect, and because of that… She is unforgettable.
She was an actress that married seven times for different reasons, she was poor and made hard and questionable decisions, she finally succeeded in Hollywood and then fell just to come back with more force, she won and lost it all…
This is definitely a must read, so do yourself a favor and pick this book.
I raced through this and read it in one sitting.
I’ve been a fan of old Hollywood for many years, especially Elizabeth Taylor, who wasn’t just a great actress, but a generous philanthropist and fascinating person. Which means The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is right up my street.
At first, I found it tricky to visualise Evelyn. I saw her as Elizabeth Taylor one minute, then Rita Hayworth or Anita Eckberg the next. I noticed where Taylor Jenkins Reid was inspired by real-life because I know a little bit about the era. When Evelyn is described as standing at her ex-husband’s grave, I couldn’t help but think of the video footage of Elizabeth Taylor at Richard Burton’s grave. Or when a photograph of Evelyn is described as being on the beach, I pictured Marilyn Monroe’s early pin-up poses. Rita Hayworth also shaved her widow’s peak to hide her Spanish features, and there are rumours of many Hollywood stars hiding their sexuality through phoney marriages.
But that didn’t last long, because Evelyn has a voice of her own and it came through loud and clear.
I read this book quickly because it’s a joy to read. Part of you longs to be in their glamorous world, though at the same time, it highlights the inequalities and the prejudices that are still relevant today. And it breaks your heart that some people were unable to live their fullest lives because of those prejudices.
It’s an emotionally raw book but entertaining throughout. I loved the characters and especially the love story at the heart of it. I can see why this book has so many ardent fans and count myself as one of them. I’m looking forward to diving into more books by Taylor Jenkins Reid!
I don’t even know what to say about this book except wow. This is the kind of epic tale that really stays with you, where the characters feel both larger than life but also like people you know. The kind of book that leaves you emotionally gutted but already wanting to reread it just to revisit the characters. It’s definitely going on my list of all time favorites.
And damnnnnnnn, I don’t think any book has ever had a more perfect last line.
Too bad you can’t give something 4.5 stars. This is a book that stays with you. Was it perfect? No – but as a writer I tend to nitpick. Was it important and memorable? Hell yes. Evelyn Hugo reminded me of Scarlett O’Hara in that she did what she had to do and if that meant exploiting herself, so be it. She’s not always likeable but she is immensely human.
The ending stuck with me for days.
I highly recommend this book.
Wow. What can you not say about this wonderful find. If ever a book has it all, its this one. An epic novel set in old hollywood which takes us through decades of mystery, intrigue and suspense covered in everything from romance, woman empowerment, sexism, fashion, idol-worshipping, friendship and tragedy. How Taylor Jenkins Reid fits all of this in, while delivering a compelling, entertaining, page-turner is a mystery. Every chapter presents a new treasure to be discovered as Evelyn Hugo remakes herself over and over to the point you think you know her only to be blindsided yet again. This is an amazing novel.
I loved this book!
This was a well-written and highly entertaining story. A sort of fictional celebrity tell-all full of scandal, secret trysts, and taboo love affairs.
I found that what I liked most about this story was how Evelyn Hugo knew her power, and she knew exactly how to use it and when. What a powerhouse of a woman! I loved how she saw people, circumstances, and things for what they were and adjusted her behavior and reactions accordingly and unapologetic.
The POV switched between a present-day journalist who plays more of a role in the story than we are first led to believe; Evelyn Hugo herself as she relives the sordid and entertaining years of her past; and the media outlets that post various articles throughout particular times of the past. Such a fun addition to see those little snippets!
And after everything – the story, the scandal, the losses and heartbreak (and there’s a lot of it!) – that very last line of the book… could not have been a more perfect end.
So much love for this book! I listened to the audiobook, the entire thing in one day. I had to. I could not let myself stop it. This would make a fantastic Book Club read. Lots of talking points, lots I think people could chat about. And I’m starting to see why people love Taylor Jenkins Reid.
The perfect beach read.
One of the best books I have ever read. Couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book to everyone.
Evelyn’s story takes place over several decades and falls into one of my favorite genres of books – the golden age of Hollywood. I love reading stories set in Hollywood from the ‘30s – ‘60s.
It is difficult to write about this book without giving away any spoilers. I want others to read this book and be just as surprised as I was when secret after secret is revealed, and with seven marriages against a scandalous Hollywood backdrop, there were plenty of secrets! I will say that this story tackles real issues of our time and the struggle of those who are just as human as the rest of us being forced to lie about themselves and hide who they really are.
There was a good twist to the ending of the story, although I had my suspicions about halfway through the book so it wasn’t a shocker. But still a good twist nonetheless.
I found myself immersed in Evelyn’s world, and I didn’t want to leave. If you enjoy this genre, you should give this book a try!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Read at: KaitsBookshelf.com
Monique Grant, a writer at Vivant Magazine, is tapped by movie star Evelyn Hugo to write about Evelyn. Monique’s editor sees this as a coup for the magazine, but can’t understand why Evelyn chose Monique, vs. a more established writer. Evelyn is firm–it’s Monique or no one.
When Monique meets Evelyn, and Evelyn begins her story, Monique realizes that this is more than an article, Evelyn wants Monique to write her biography.
Evelyn tells her life story, her drive to overcome her poor beginnings and to become a wealthy and famous actress. She also tells Monique the story of her marriages–all of them, as well as her friendships with other Hollywood elite, including the Oscar winning Celia St. James.
Finally, she tells Monique the reason that Monique was given the story.
Evelyn tells Monique the truth about her life.
I loved this book, I got so caught up in Evelyn’s story. Full of love and heartbreak, this story will stay with me.
I purchased this audio book because my bookclub is reading it.
I’m not sure what I was expecting but it surely wasn’t this. This story is an inside look into the life of someone who becomes who she says she is.
The narration was spot on. I actually couldn’t listen to it at bedtime because I would have stayed awake all night.
Over this story gets 5 stars. It was light when it was meant to be and heavy when appropriate. The last hour was an amazingly emotional journey.
I look forward to discussing this with my bookclub.
I absolutely loved this book. It wasn’t what I expected-but that was a good thing. If you love lgbt stories, you have to pick this one up. It was phenomenal.
I loved it. I was on pins and needles waiting for the twist of why Evelyn picked Monique but I was so caught up in the story that I almost forgot. I listened to this in audio and I loved the narrator.
The most off-brand thing about me is that I keep minimal books in my apartment. I read them and resell them, and that’s been the norm for years. But this book is going on the shelf. I’m keeping it forever.
I never write in my books. Not notes, not highlights, nothing. But this one is getting highlighted and annotated to hell.
I hate hardbacks. I find them annoying to hold while reading. The dust jackets are a pain in the butt. But I’m grateful my copy of this is hardback.
This is the kind of book that stays with you. The kind of bisexual representation I’ve never seen and had no idea I needed. The kind of book that alters your view of the world just enough to make you wonder if you really know anything at all.
“She liked to ignore it until the very moment she decided to be threatened by it. I was a lesbian when she loved me and a straight woman when she hated me.” Pg 239
“You don’t have to make yourself OK for a good mother; a good mother makes herself OK for you.” Pg 381
“Imagine if every single woman on the planet wanted something in exchange when she gave up her body. You’d all be ruling the place. An armed populace.” Pg 191
I really enjoyed this story. People are obsessed with celebrities, especially their love lives! This was a perfect story for our times! Very unexpected story as well! Evelyn Hugo had 7 husbands. She has survived them all and her only daughter. She is on her own and ready to tell her life story! When we meet Monique, she is dealing with her husband leaving and feeling somewhat unfulfilled in her life. This really is the assignment of a lifetime and it’s been dropped right in her lap! Evelyn will only speak to Monique! It turns out that Evelyn has chosen Monique for a very specific reason that she refuses to share. Evelyn makes it clear that only Monique can truly write Evelyn’s life story. Through Evelyn’s eyes, we learn about her relationships with each of her husbands. And just like a tabloid, Evelyn’s glamorous life looked one way but her reality was very different. I was spellbound by this book until the end. I definitely laughed and cried throughout this book.
I generally review a book before buying it; I at least want to know what I’m getting myself into. However, this was not the case with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I actually purchased it on a whim and dove right in, and wow, am I glad I did. Not knowing anything about what was coming was thrilling, shocking, and fun: way to go, Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I love the way Ms. Reid spun a bisexual experience into a time-sensitive era through an industry where impression and perception are everything. The characters were deep, believable, and intense. My only wish would have been a bit longer ending – it felt a little abrupt, but perhaps that was because I didn’t want the story to end.
In our current, pensive climate of set-in-stone “right and wrong,” this book could be an easy way to open eyes to how it is possible to be a lover of people, not necessarily just a lover of a gender. I highly recommend, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – do not let the bisexuality under theme distract you; the story is about the love of people.
OF NOTE (for those who are concerned): There are zero graphic sex scenes in this highly romantic story.
Fantastic read. Hands down the best book I’ve read lately.
This weekend, I decided to break out my copy of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and give it a read. After seeing it flood my TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram feeds, I knew it was time. Upon first picking up the book, I was hit with a wave of uncertainty. I think this tends to hit me when reading really popular books (see: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or A Cruel Prince by Holly Black).
Without further ado, here are my personal seven reasons to read this book;
1. The passion. This book was clearly a labor of love on Reid’s part. I found myself unable to put it down, in fear that I would miss out on the pages (even though I knew they weren’t going anywhere).
2. Evelyn Hugo’s character. Evelyn Hugo is a snarky, but lovable character. The kind of elderly woman who makes you feel utterly at home, but keeps you on your toes at the same time. While she is not always likable, she is utterly human.
3. The way Reid writes grief. Grief, as an experience, is so hard to write since it is highly personalized to each victim. However, Reid seems to understand this and writes the emotion in a way that is not sensationalized or over-dramatized.
4. Monique’s character growth (and her relationship with her mom). I am a sucker for mother-daughter relationships, so watching their relationship and how the two of them grow as adults and people really warmed my heart. Monique is a prime example of how to take the things she’s learned through her conversations with Evelyn and apply them to the parts of her life where she needs them most.
5. The bisexual representation. When I tell you I put the book down and screamed out of excitement. My partner ran in from the other room because he thought something was wrong. In my experience, it is pretty rare to find bisexual characters that are written in a thoughtful, yet non-tokenized way. If you are struggling with finding reads for Pride Month, this is the book for you.
6. The plot twists. Just when the reader thinks they have Evelyn Hugo figured out, she surprises us, and I love (and hate, just a little bit) that about her.
7. The writing itself. Taylor Jenkins Reid managed to create a story within a story. She pulls audiences in with the premise of Monique writing this story on Evelyn but then creates this beautiful narrative of a woman finding herself and finding peace.
Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? If so, tell me your thoughts, I’d love to hear them!
Overall Rating: 5/5
When Monique receives the opportunity to interview the mysterious and fabulous actress Evelyn Hugo, she knows it will be a career-defining moment. After all, it’s not every day you get to ask a movie star the true story behind her seven husbands and get a chance to find out which one–if any–was her true love. But when Monique sits down with Evelyn she gets a lot more than she was expecting and she quickly learns there’s much more to Evelyn than anyone ever expected.
The story started off a bit slow but once it got going I was hooked. I loved the characters and their plights and accomplishments. The story was fascinating and held my attention. I didn’t care for the sudden switching of narrators throughout the story, but other than than the book was perfection.