Book Reviews

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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 jump start 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.

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This book has been all over instagram and I put off reading it for a long time. But if you follow me on instagram (if you don’t, you should– @abusybeas) you know I’ve been going through a bit of a Taylor Jenkins Reid phase. Her books are so captivating; once I read one, I knew I needed to read them all. I’ve read Daisy Jones & The Six and Malibu Rising. And while each has been an absolute pleasure, Evelyn Hugo’s story might just be my favorite…

If someone told me The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a true story, I would absolutely believe that. Taylor Jenkins Reid has an incredible talent for writing dynamic and fascinating characters. From the start, I was captured by both Evelyn and Monique and enjoyed their development throughout the book. This book ends up being more than what it seems. At the start, I assumed this to be an intriguing story of a woman in old Hollywood, but by the end I realize the true layers of the story and how brilliant the entire concept is.

Overall, this is going down as one of my favorite books of all time! It’s easily a 5 star read. If you are one of the few who hasn’t read it yet, you absolutely must! 

* Since reading, I’ve been inspired to dive into the lives and history of famous old Hollywood actresses including Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner, and more! If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to dig deeper after this book—I watched Judy, starring Renee Zellweger, and it was a stunningly beautiful yet heartbreaking story about the life of Judy Garland. I also plan to read Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations in which, she spoke with a journalist and revealed the secrets of her life.

PUBLICATION DETAILS: Atria Books; June 13th, 2017; 9781501139239; Historical Fiction/Contemporary Fiction/Romance