The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Book Review

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Pages: 389

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 nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Buy it on Barnes & Noble or Amazon    

My Thoughts

Journalist Monique is chosen by the icon actress Evelyn Hugo to finally sit down and write out her life's story. Everyone is surprised though, because why Monique out of everyone else in the writing world?

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.

As Monique begins her interactions with Evelyn, she discovers the many layers the actress hides, how she carefully crafts this amazing figure for the public all while hiding parts of herself in the process. Soon, Monique is transported into the stories about all seven husbands of Evelyn's life, including the ultimate lover of her life as she continues to interview Evelyn.

You do not know how fast you have been running, how hard you have been working, how truly exhausted you are, until somewhat stands behind you and says, “It’s OK, you can fall down now. I’ll catch you.

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4)

Wow that plot twist omg; I didn't see it coming from a mile away. Monique I loved, how observant she was when listening to Evelyn when she told her story. But Evelyn herself, she was interesting, but the ending (no spoilers!) I didn't love her as much as I would have liked to.

Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a great book, but in my opinion, a little over-hyped. I was so engaged while reading it and just couldn't put it down but after I finished it was just... good. However, I'm still so excited to read Reid's other books!

About the Author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their daughter.