“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
TJR did a commendable job of developing Evelyn Hugo. It was Evelyn’s Old Hollywood chapters I was most eager to read as HER-story unfolded. The actual protagonist’s character was wallpaper by comparison until the big reveal finally arrived. But that’s okay; I immensely enjoyed this book and it remains my fave TJR novel to date.
This is another of those books that I saw advertised all over the place when it was released in 2017, and while it piqued my interest, I let it slide. However, after reading her “Daisy Jones & The Six” I knew that I had to get myself a copy of this book, and see what all the fuss was about – mostly because I realized with Daisy Jones, the fuss was very well deserved. Yes, I knew that some reviewers liked this better than Daisy Jones, while others found this the lesser novel. But you know me; I have to make up my own mind, and all the hype in the world isn’t going to sway me one way or another! So… here’s what I found.
Let’s start with the writing here, since a good story is only as good as how the author tells it, and Reid has a knack of drawing her readers in from the first lines. As I mentioned before, Reid’s style of writing is subtle, and straightforward, with just enough descriptive passages to set the mood. What fascinates me is that from there, she just seemingly lets the rest of the story tell itself. The whole book feels like it was effortless to write, since it flowed so naturally. Of course, we know that’s probably not how it happened, but I totally envy how unforced Reid’s prose feels in her novels. This doesn’t mean that her style is boring, but that it has just enough color to it, to ensure that there’s the right atmosphere, and then doesn’t get in the way of the action. Probably the best way to describe it would be perfectly balanced.
Using this, Reid then tells us this story, and although there is one major plot – that of the title of the book – there’s a subplot here as well. By this I mean that on the one hand, we have Evelyn telling her life story to Monique, while on the other hand we have Monique’s story, that includes her own personal life as well as the relationship that she develops with Evelyn throughout the interviewing process. Once again, Reid shows just the right amount of restraint regarding Monique, so that her story remains just enough in the background so that Evelyn’s story can be front and center. Of course, Reid could just as easily have written Evelyn’s story without the interview and Monique sections, but you’ll see how important Monique is to the story when you reach the end of the book.
All this said, the real heart of this book is Evelyn herself, and her story. Obviously, this sounds like it is a character driven novel, and in general, I wouldn’t argue too much with that assessment. However, so much goes on in Evelyn’s life – you have to be doing something or going somewhere to meet seven men to marry, right – that the plot here is also prominent, and no one can accuse this book of having “nothing happening.” The thing is, Evelyn’s evolving personality, all of her failures, all of her successes, and all of her sacrifices, are inexorably entwined in this book. What this means is that once again, I have to say that Reid has perfectly balanced these two driving elements – character and plot – which fuels the “can’t put down” feeling I got while reading this book.
Now, to say that this book is perfect would, however, be incorrect. While I liked how Reid ended this book, with concision and a good twist that was unexpected, I’m afraid that the character of Lilah and Evelyn’s relationship with her was uneven. Not that it wasn’t plausible, because it was; it just didn’t feel significant enough to me. Despite this, I have to admit that she did make me cry, so that’s something in this book’s favor (but I’m unsure if everyone will get as emotional at the thing that brought tears to my eyes). Also, I realize that Evelyn’s ethnicity and Reid’s are the same, but the dilemmas that this should have caused, seemed to fade into the background too easily, and there were only a few passages where it came through. Finally, because I’m totally straight, I’m unsure if Reid got Evelyn’s bisexuality right, but certainly the parts that involved Celia and Hollywood’s changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community over these time periods rang true to me (but I hope the lesbians and bisexuals who have read this novel will correct me if I’m wrong).
All told, this novel was just excellent, although I have to say that I did like Daisy Jones a touch bit more, especially because the ending of that book smacked me in the face, while this one just had me only mildly surprised. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more books by Reid, and I can therefore warmly recommend this book with a very healthy four and a half stars out of five!
Compelling (adj.): evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
I’ve used this word in many of my book reviews. But now, I’m compelled (ironically) to go back and remove it from my previous reviews, because this novel has set a new benchmark for this word’s literary meaning and definition.
I’m the type of reader who usually gets lured into a book by some attractive plot point or probing question. And while both of these elements find their way into the narrative over the course of this story, it’s not what initially caught my attention. It was the two main characters, Monique and Evelyn.
They are different yet so much alike, and I found myself equally enamored with both POVs in this novel. Ms. Reid creates a uniquely distinctive voice for each of these women. Both begin on seemingly opposite ends of the emotional spectrum but find their way, albeit indirectly, to a meeting place in the middle where neither seems able to move forward without the other.
I didn’t care what happened next. I wasn’t hanging on discovering an inevitable plot twist or dissecting the thoughts and opinions of Monique and Evelyn. I simply relished being in their presence, experiencing the private life that straddled glamorous and monotonous in a, you guessed it, compelling way. I was lost inside these characters and their world, feeling the elation and pain with every well-crafted word from the author.
In hindsight, I realize things never made sense… until they did. But again, it didn’t matter. And when that moment of realization struck me, when the truth about both individual’s lives became apparent, all those deep emotions experienced over the course of the novel intensified ten times over, just as the characters’ did. It’s another element of the story that Ms. Reid has captured so well through her engaging writing style.
This is not my typical lighthearted romantic read. There are deep and controversial topics that keep the reader thinking while considering their own stance on societal issues and norms. And as reading often does, it has helped shape my desire to work more of these thought-provoking aspects into my own writing. While there is language and sexual undertones to much of this novel, it is done in a respectful manner that adds to the tone and depth of the story instead of detracting from it.
The novel itself finished in a satisfying manner. But, to be honest, as a selfish reader and as strange as it sounds, I wish that Evelyn Hugo had 14 husbands, because I could have continued reading ad infinitum about these two characters and their story. For now, I’ll have to settle (gratefully) for the backlist of other offerings from this author.
If you’re looking for a story that helps to find yourself amidst the chaos of everyday life, Evelyn Hugo and Monique Grant, through the compelling storytelling prowess of Ms. Reid, might just give you a peek behind the curtain you hadn’t thought to look behind.
I love this book I cannot explain and I don’t have no words to describe how wonderful this book was. I couldn’t put it down and there was not a single dull moment in this book I recommend this to everyone
This book made me realize that the things happening in the story were probably happening in real life, and maybe still are. Sad, but true. Good story, something I’ve never read about before… but Monique’s storyline felt a bit underdeveloped for my taste. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this!
I loved this book. I am always happy if you can surprise me with a twist. Main character is so very flawed, but in the end you have compassion for her. Well written.
I think this is the most complex and human portrayal of a character that I have read in a long time. That it was written about a movie star is stunning. I definitely recommend this book. On an interesting note- I didn’t finish Daisy Jones despite loving the premise and voice. But this book kept me mesmerized. Just goes to show that you can’t judge an author by one book!
This was my favorite book of 2019!! Highly recommended it.
review on my blog
https://www.emilythebooknerd.com/2019/09/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo.html
This book gave me the Marilyn Monroe vibes big time!
Evelyn Hugo is basically her in a nutshell. The old Hollywood vibes made me smile. I love that time period. It’s so interesting to me. Taylor Jenkins Reid has easily become one of my new favorite authors. Her writing style and descriptive writing are out of this world and so beautiful! Not to mention her characterization, like wow!! I instantly became engrossed in the story.
The book was very emotional but in a good way. It discusses the troubles of being gay/bisexual in a time period where many people had to hide. It was absolutely heartbreaking for me to read because this used to be a very real thing. The book has a lot of scandalous content and lots of Hollywood type gossip. I absolutely loved it!
The book reads a lot like a memoir and I found that to be very unique. Especially considering it was fiction. Not one page was boring in the slightest. From the very start, I needed to know how the main interviewer, Monique is connected to Evelyn Hugo’s story and account of her life. I did not see the ending coming at all.
The book does a perfect job of displaying how fame can get to someone’s head. How celebrities will do anything to stay in the spotlight. How Hollywood cover-ups are a very real thing. If you haven’t read this book yet… You are missing out plain and simple. Easily one of my new favorite books! I still cannot get over it. This is a story that I will be thinking about for a long time.
This book is very well written. It hooked me from the beginning and Evelyn kept me guessing as to the reason that she chose Monique to write her life story until the end. I thought that I had an idea, but I turned out to be wrong. Also, Evelyn’s story was so intriguing in itself with all of the ups and downs that she experienced in both her career and her love life. She was very smart and looked at all of the angles and played them to her greatest advantage. This story was so real that it made me feel like Evelyn had been a real Hollywood starlet. I can see why this book made so many must-read lists.
One of the best books I have ever read in my whole life. It was beautifully written.
I miss Evelyn. What an incredibly strong and passionate woman.
It’s not often that I get so caught up in a novel that I actually wish it was a true story but here I truly found myself thinking if Evelyn Hugo wasn’t a real person, I really wished she was. Complex, cruel, ambitious, cut-throat, stubborn… kind, strong, generous, loving, brave, ground-breaking – Evelyn is the best kind of character, believable yet extraordinary. This is a novel with great depth, but also humor, glamor and a tantalizing secret. What’s not to love?
I loved this book! It was tremendously engaging and kept me wanting more the whole time!
One of my favorites this year. All I wanted to do was read this book and when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about reading it. It was very different from anything I’ve read before and I loved the characters and their development. It was creative and addicting and so, so good.
Probably about a 1/4 of a way into this audiobook I had the feeling – why do I even try? When books like this exist, why bother writing something new that could distract readers from this story!
It didn’t maintain that level of awe in me throughout, but remained a consistently engaging, thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable listen. I was disappointed that I figured out ‘the twist’ pretty early on… but I guess the author DOES need to leave hints for it to be believable. So I’ll forgive that.
I highly recommend! I may even revisit it in print rather than audio in a few years.
If you go through life making all the right decisions, you’ll never know when you made the wrong ones. And that makes the right ones mean so much more in the end.
I couldn’t stop listening to this book. Set in Hollywood during the sixties, Evelyn Hugo marries seven times but never to the love of her life. When she hires an unknown journalist to write her biography, Evelyn baffles everyone. Fantastic plot with relatable characters this book not only immerses us in the lives of starlets and producers, it grounds us in the truths of today. Jenkins Reid is a master at crafting page turners that make fiction feel like reality.
Hollywood crazy but fun. Some people just can’t stop loving other people. Interesting story lines. Very fun and sad at the same time. Quick page turner
I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up way too late several nights wanting to know how Evelyn’s tale would end. Yes, it’s a fictional Hollywood Tell-All, but more than that, it’s the story of what one woman does to get ahead–from her escape from Hell’s Kitchen to starting out in Hollywood in the 50s. Is she simply coldheartd and calculating? Does she have a heart? Does she make sacrifices? Does she use people and get used too? It may be the story of a star, but it has some parallels for what woman endure no matter the industry. No, I didn’t witness quite this drama in my corporate career, but I certainly witnessed some women throwing others under the bus!!