“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
I loved this book. Truly one of my favourites this year. Evelyn Hugo is an enigma. She’s fascinating and complex and such an intriguing character.
I didn’t know much when I picked up this book but the story was an amazing surprise. I really loved the writing style. It’s addicting and has some of the best quotes I’ve ever read.
The romance was simply beautiful. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at once. It’s complicated and flawed and perfect at the same time.
“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.”
I adored Evelyn’s friendship with Harry. I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it to everyone. Also it has one of the best bisexual rep I’ve ever read.
They are just husbands. I am Evelyn Hugo. And anyway, I think once people know the truth, they will be much more interested in my wife.
Amazing!!! Wow! what a life journey of Evelyn Hugo and even if I wanted to, I just can’t dislike Evelyn. She’s a very human character and how much she’s willing to do for her family. How, even if she admits doing some things that are wrong and are sorry for it, she will do it again and again for her family. And don’t even get me started on the chemistry and love between Evelyn and Celia. They are literally soulmates and their love is maybe messy but at the same time so pure. What a great read!
This book has made me fall in love with reading all over again. Originally I was kicking myself for not reading it sooner but then I realized it was meant to be that I picked it up just when I did.
This book was beautifully written. I was drawn to the glamour that was dripping from the pages and captivated by the story Evelyn was telling about the scandalous details of her life and the cost of her fame.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Wonderful historical fiction. Fast-paced and thoroughly engaging.
It was beautifully written!
I felt as if I was a part of every era along with Evelyn Hugo.
My first read from Taylor Jenkins Reid but definitely won’t be my last!
There’s nothing I can say about this book that hasn’t been said before, but I’d still like to be just one more voice urging you to read it. I’ve loved all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work, but this was such a remarkable turning point for her. Like all of her books, it demands to be devoured in a day, but there is also a remarkable depth ad expansiveness to it, and I’m blown away by how she manages to bring each character vividly to life and create such an intimacy with a story that spans decades (not to mention seven husbands). Evelyn, Celia, Harry, Connor–they are so real, and after reading this, your heart will ache for them for days.
Get ready to ugly cry! The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is quite the emotional roller coaster and a ride I never wanted to end.
Sweet baby Jesus, this book WRECKED me. I stayed up until almost 1 AM to finish the audio and I don’t regret it. I really wish I hadn’t waited so long to pull it off my shelf, but I’m so glad that I finally decided to read it with a buddy read group on Instagram.
There isn’t one single thing I didn’t like about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , and I was positively sobbing by the end. I was honestly glad I did the audio because there’s no way I could have seen printed words through my crying. TJR is a masterful storyteller and I now fully understand why readers love her books so much. The concept was very unique, and I love that it’s different from other books I have read. She takes a lot of heavy topics and infuses them with light and humor, while also giving them the seriousness they deserve.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo hooked me immediately and I finished the audio in just a couple of days because I couldn’t wait to read more. The audiobook was stunning and all three narrators amazing, but I especially loved Alma Cuervo as Evelyn Hugo and Julia Whelan voicing the tabloids dotted throughout. I was a huge fan of the old Hollywood and gossip aspects of the book, and I was never bored for even a second. Scandal, love, pain, death – it’s all in here and more. While I was captivated with Evelyn Hugo, I also really liked Monique (voiced by Robin Miles) as well. It always brings me such joy when I like the main character/s of a book and I definitely did here.
I would give The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo a million stars if I could, that’s how much I really, truly loved it. And you can probably tell from this long-winded review! Evelyn may not have always been perfect, but she is the type of woman others aspire to be, and in a lot of ways the strongest, most beautiful character I have ever read. Given the fact I was bawling at the end of this book I’m not sure I would call it a great beach read (who wants to cry at the beach?), but it’s definitely a must read so I’d recommend reading it whenever and wherever you can!
I adored TJR’s writing and the way it really immersed me in the world of the book. I felt everything the characters were feeling and it’s definitely not every day that happens for me. I’m so glad that this is just the beginning for me and that TJR has a backlist I can tackle now. I can easily say she is an instant favorite for me, and I will be buying ALL her books!
I don’t know how Taylor Jenkins Reid does it, but once again she has created these totally believable characters that make you forget you are reading fiction. This story of movie star Evelyn Hugo (reminded me of Elizabeth Taylor in some aspects…especially when it came to multiple husbands!) reflecting back on her life and career was unputdownable (is that a word? If not it should be!). I laughed, I cried…I just loved it and didn’t want it to end!
I’m quite torn up about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. On the one hand it was a good read and it was easy to just keep turning the pages to continue the story but on the other hand it wasn’t that good, you know. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed by it in general. I had just expected more from this book, I guess.
I thought I would’ve loved this book, that it even could’ve been 5 star material. It also wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. See how I am torn up? If anything, I was more disappointed by the writing style than the story. I did enjoy the story and reading about Evelyn’s life. It also took me a good 150 pages to get into the story and I wanted to be hooked from the start. So that was unfortunate as well.
Almost none of the characters were very likable. Evelyn certainly wasn’t and from her I didn’t really mind it because it was her story. If there was one character I just couldn’t stand it was Monique, the woman Evelyn was telling her story too. She just kinda bugged me. Also some of the story was starting to get to be a little of the same thing over and over again towards the end.
I do want to say one more thing, though. In some less possitive reviews I’ve seen reviewers mention that they were blindsided by the LGBT themes which seems like a weird thing to say, in my eyes. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, of course but would those reviewers say the same thing about a book with straight romances? I think not. I’m sorry but that just kinda made me mad. The LGBT themes is exactly what made this book enjoyable to me. I’m sure that otherwise it would’ve been a 1 or 2 star read for me.
I found myself thinking about this story when I’d lay down at night. My mom got me interested in black and white films and I fell in love with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Evelyn Hugo wasn’t a real person, but TJD did a damn good job at making her seem as alive as I am. I loved reading about her rise to fame and how behind the scenes, fame is not as pretty as we would assume. She did some things that most people wouldn’t be proud of, but I loved how she took what she wanted and made no apologies for it. Great read.
Spoiled me for months…kept searching for it’s equal. Favorite book of 2019
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“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is ‘you’re safe with me’- that’s intimacy.”
When I started listening to this book , I was hooked from the first chapter .
Taylor Jenkins Reid has a gripping and completely entertaining writing style .
Her characters were realistic , interesting and different .
This Book discussed Important topics like , The struggles of Homosexual people during the previous years , the fame obsession , the importance of choosing your loved ones over everything , Women sexuality and rights and the complication of the human’s action , mind and soul .
Trigger warning : Please if you have any issues with these topics , avoid this book .
“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
Evelyn was an amazing character , not because it was good or had done heroic things . On the contrary , her character was realistic , imperfect , independent , selfish , ruthless , strong and loving. She was a human , who made mistakes , learned lessons , failed and got up every single time.
“It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.”
This story was heartbreaking and extremely touching . Worth every single second I spent listening to it .
I loved the Audiobook Narration , it was excellent , I didn’t feel bored at all . Highly recommended .
“…do yourself a favor and learn to grab life by the balls, dear. Don’t be so tied up in trying to do the right thing when the smart thing is so painfully clear.”
A deliciously gossipy and heartbreakingly tender page-turner. Glamorous, ruthless, stunning. I loved it. Highly recommended.
I force everyone to read this book because it is that impactful and that good. I read it in six hours without stopping.
Reading this novel was like devouring hundreds of gossip columns, mostly about the same person. We see how Evelyn Hugo, a beautiful, sexy, confrontational actress got to be famous and how the “love of her life” played a big part. This is not a traditional love story, however, and Evelyn is much more self aware than you would expect her to be. Her brutal honesty, both about her negative aspects and those she encounters in other people, is sometimes humorous and sometimes shocking, but always refreshing amidst the phony world that surrounds her. The story of her seven husbands is interesting but not as fascinating as how she stayed relevant in her very long career. This is also an enticing mystery that will keep you guessing until the end about why she chose to tell her story to a neophyte reporter. A fun read!
This book really sticks with you. I couldn’t put it down and even brought it to work to read in the the bathroom on breaks. I became so invested in Evelyn and Monique. They were real to me and I couldn’t decide how I felt about Evelyn. Eventually i just decided they were both human and no infallible. Just an emotional roller coaster that you never want to end.
This is the story of a fictional famous actress named Evelyn Hugo. Married seven times over the course of her life, she decided before she dies she wants to tell the truth of her life. She reached out to a young journalist named Monique to write her biography. Monique has no idea why Evelyn has chosen her for such an honor, but she jumps at the chance to get to know the reclusive star more intimately.
Over the course of a few weeks, Monique listens as Evelyn replays her entire life and all the people she has loved. She tells Monique how she became an actress, and how she became ruthless in her persuit to becomes famous. Monique tries to ask Evelyn questions, but Evelyn promises her that once she is done – all of Monique’s questions will be answered. What Monique doesn’t know is where that ending will leave her.
This was a pretty good book. I never know how these popular books I see on instagram will be, but I really liked this one. It is very well written, and the story flows nicely. The ending was a good one – I didn’t see it coming. (although I probably should have). Evelyn’s reasons for what she did, why she married so many times, and why now she wants to reveal the truth become a marvelous story that I could not stop listening to. I was glad I found this one.
Amazing read! If you love old Hollywood Glamour and the decades of fame and fortune from legendary leading ladies this book is for you. It’s riveting, intriguing and keeps you hooked. A must have for any collection.
I rarely choose a book to read without first perusing the synopsis. However, because of its gorgeous cover and provocative title, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has been on my To-Be-Read List for a while now. After a friend shared that it was one of the best books she had read this year, I decided to make it my next read. Now that I have finished, I am sad that I waited so long to and bereft because I have completely finished reading it.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has completely upended everything I thought I needed to thoroughly enjoy a reading experience. Turns out all I really need is unadulterated honesty and a fascinating story written in a clear consistent manner to be completely brought to my metaphorical knees. This book is the pinnacle of sheer genius.
There is so much to admire and outright love about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I enjoyed the first-person point-of-view in which the story is told. There are two female voices that related the events of the story which fluctuates between present and past events. I adore the fact that Ms. Jenkins Reid never felt the need to label each chapter with the speakers’ name. She never questions the intelligence of her reader or her ability clearly distinguish which character is telling the story at any given time. The story flows seamlessly to the most fascinating of places without there ever being a doubt of which character is relating it.
This book, which I had pre-judged as eye-candy has a substance and soul which left me crying on my couch when I was done reading it. There is not another book I have ever read which so completely details what it means to be truly human. It is a chronicle of what it takes to overcome life’s circumstances and discover what is essential for living one’s best life, regardless of sex, race, economics, or social class. This book a candid and uncensored statement of raw humanity. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Taylor Jenkins Reid are now fixtures on my books and authors to recommend list.
I guess it’s more accurate to assign this one 3.5 stars. It was a fast and enjoyable read, with no heavy lifting.
Reclusive Evelyn Hugo is a legend, whose fame in Hollywood stretched across three decades (1950s – 1980s) and seven marriages. Now, nearly 80, she engineers a meeting with a young, little-known reporter named Monique Grant and offers her a chance to publish Evelyn’s “true” biography. Which is quite a different story from the one the public knows. Monique, recently separated from her own husband and with ambitions of her own, signs on. And the two women begin a series of long meetings where Evelyn talks and Monique takes notes.
The story begins like many Hollywood success stories we’ve read. Initially, Evelyn’s fame rests primarily on her exotic beauty, which attracts the lust of nearly every actor, producer, and director she meets. Though acting talent also emerges over the years, it turns out Evelyn’s success is much more the result of her own steely determination. She has been willing to do ANYTHING to get ahead.
The stories behind her seven marriages are not what you might expect. This is not the story of an optimistic woman searching for love, but being continually disappointed. Because Evelyn DOES have one “deep romantic love” throughout most of her life. Only that has little to do with her marriages.
It’s not a very flattering picture of Hollywood which gets characterized as a gathering place for ruthless, self-seeking human misfits. There are a few additional themes touched upon: alcoholism, physical abuse, childhood rebellion to name a few. And one, late-in-the-day, plot surprise. But this is not a deeply thoughtful novel with nuance or finesse. Bottom line: a good beach read.