Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published: June 13, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction
Quick Thoughts: A glitzy, emotional, and beautifully written novel about identity, fame, and the hidden truths behind the life of a Hollywood icon. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo pulls you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let go.
I purchased this book myself. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating. All views are my own. I remain entirely impartial.
READER INFORMATION:
Perfect for fans of historical fiction, celebrity drama, and character-driven stories with emotional depth. Recommended for adult readers, especially those who enjoy layered storytelling with a strong female lead.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
At the heart of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is Evelyn herself, a glamorous yet guarded Hollywood legend who has chosen an unknown journalist, Monique, to write her life story. Monique is confused about why she was selected but agrees to hear Evelyn out. Through a series of intimate interviews, Evelyn opens up about her rise to fame, her relationships (including her seven husbands), and the truths she’s kept buried for decades.
The story moves fluidly between past and present, giving readers a vivid picture of Hollywood’s golden age while also exploring themes of sacrifice, identity, power, and love. And just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, the novel surprises you.
FIRST THOUGHTS
I originally picked this book through my Book of the Month subscription in June 2017—not because it stood out to me, but because I didn’t like any of the other options. I didn’t actually read it until November 2018 thanks to my never-ending TBR list (which I might post one day, since I refer to it often). But once I started, I couldn’t believe I’d waited so long. This is the kind of book that makes you want to recommend it to everyone.
MY BOOK REVIEW
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo felt so real that I had to remind myself multiple times it was fiction. Taylor Jenkins Reid masterfully brings Evelyn to life, making her feel like a true icon whose story needed to be told. The pacing is excellent, and the way Evelyn recounts her life makes every twist feel earned and believable.
I appreciated that the story held its biggest reveal until just the right moment. I was getting closer to the end and found myself getting a little anxious, wondering when and if we’d find out why Monique was chosen. That reveal was unexpected and incredibly satisfying. Reid does a great job of keeping the emotional stakes high while maintaining a steady tension that makes the book hard to put down.
This was my first book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but it definitely won’t be my last. The writing, character development, and emotional weight of this novel stayed with me long after I finished the last page. If this ever gets adapted into a film or miniseries, I’ll be the first in line to watch. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story about fame, love, and the truth behind the headlines.
