“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 very complicated woman with a lot of secrets to tell. Her seven husbands are all very different and very distinct characters. Evelyn herself is flawed, selfish, beautiful, and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and could relate to so much in her life despite the fact that I’m the furthest thing from a screen siren.
I really liked the voice and pace of this novel. I enjoyed the premise as well. Reid writes Hollywood well – I was curious about this novel after having enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six! It is a great portrayal of the price of fame, and also the rendering of a character who chooses fame over much else. The novel was structured well, and I admired the author’s technique as much as I did her writing. You are told there is going to be a big payout early on and then read like heck to get there. It delivers!
Great story that felt like it could be real.
Not sure how I missed this in 2017. I enjoyed this book. A Golden Age movie star trip down memory lane. Lifes ups and down, loves, losses with a twist at the end…
Well written. A major question raised in the beginning of the novel was finally answered at the very end.
Crying book. I found myself crying and crying. Grab a box of tissues before you start reading.
Loved this book! So worth the read!! Captivating story about Old Hollywood and the decisions made there that still echo today
Different to what I expected, but another great read from TJR.
~ Claire
Bawling. Perfection. After finishing Daisy Jones, I knew I had to meet Evelyn who was sitting on my Kindle for too long. I’m truly blown away by TJR’s talent and ability to craft such compelling, remarkable stories. Easily my now favorite go-to author. Speechless.
I just had to find out what connection evelyn had with her biographer.
This is not at all the kind of book I normally read, and it took me a little while to get into it, but by the end I was in love with the story (and a little bit in love with Evelyn Hugo too.) It portrays a stunning and realistic look at a queer woman’s journey through Hollywood, with lovely takes on romance, sex, and sexuality, as well as a couple beautiful instances of queer non-traditional/polyamorous families. I’m very happy I decided to pick it up.
After reading Daisy Jones and the Six and hearing all kinds of accolades for this book that proceeded it I was ready to read another book by this author. TaylorJenkins Reid is an excellent storyteller and character developer! I was surprised several times in this book which is always fun and exciting. Slightly on the romance novel chick book shelf but worth reading. Reading this book also gave me a glimpse into how this book could have laced the pathway for the unique style of her next book, Daisy Jones and the Six.
Shocking
Unexpected twists. Scandalous. Enlightening. This book was a great read. I enjoyed the characters, and the drama. It felt like Evelyn’s life could have actually been lived.
Really enjoyed getting lost in the fantastic world this author created of old Hollywood. The characters are so flawed, yet so recognizable. Just a wonderful read.
The story telling in this book is sublime.
There is something so mesmerising about the great age of Hollywood. The style icons. The bravado. The glitz and glamour. Dietrich. Monroe. Bardot. Evelyn Hugo is the blonde bombshell that women wanted to look like and men wanted to own. She’s alluring, enticing and enchanting.
Dominique Grant is plucked from her mediocre journalist job to write Evelyn’s warts and all biography. The stories of her marriages, the loves of her life. The pain of separation and the giddy heights of falling in love.
The story weaves between Evelyn’s recounting of her past, with press releases of her marital exploits and her divorces and the story of her getting to know Dominique. It all works together like magic.
It’s breathtaking and heartbreaking. I want to buy an Evelyn Hugo gown and wear it to the premier of the film. Catherine Deneuve must, must, must play the older Evelyn.
Most definitely a 5 star, Oscar worthy book.
3.5 stars
I don’t give half stars but I think this one is more than a 3 but not quite a 4 star for me.
The writing is fantastic but the story was not what I expected. It’s okay. I enjoyed it.
My favourite book this year, so far
A supurbly entertaining page turner that still managed to thoughtfully and sensitively deal with complex issues of sexuality and death. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Read this twice and still got teary-eyed after. A really good summer read!
I’m a sucker for Hollywood and romance (ahem, 738 DAYS and STARLIGHT NIGHTS), and this book…I just didn’t want it to end. I loved it that much. I wanted to open the pages and walk in, and it’s been awhile since a book made me feel that way.
I absolutely loved every part of this story line! I loved the writing style and the character development .