The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Released: June 13, 2017 | Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, LGBT
-
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.
-
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was inspired by the real-life memoirs of Hollywood star Ava Gardner, who revealed intimate details of her life in conversations with a journalist. Taylor Jenkins Reid was so fascinated by the idea of a glamorous actress finally telling her own story that she built an entire fictional Hollywood legend around it.
REVIEW
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
OMG, this book is a MASTERPIECE! 🤩👍
Previously, in my review of Project Hail Mary: No book is perfect.
I take that back. This book is perfect.
It had been on my TBR list since before it even hit shelves. I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) months ahead of release, fully intending to read it, and for some reason, I didn’t. Then, year after year, I kept hearing how incredible it was. And year after year, I kept putting it off.
Well, I finally read it… and let me tell you: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo deserves every bit of the hype.
It’s the only book that’s ever made me fight back tears, and it’s now a strong contender for my favorite love story of all time.
“When you’re given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn’t give things, you take things. If you learn one thing from me, it should probably be that.”
An unforgettable journey through time and a raw look at what many people are willing to do for fame, but never loses sight of what is most important.
“When you write the ending, Monique, make sure the reader understands that all I was ever really looking for was family. Make sure it’s clear that I found it. Make sure they know that I am heartbroken without it.”
At its heart, this isn’t a story about seven husbands. That’s what pulls you in, but by the time you reach the final chapter, those husbands are just moments in Evelyn’s life. What truly stays with you is her journey, her complexity, and her one true love.
The slow-burn mystery of why Evelyn chooses Monique to write her life story adds another layer of intrigue, and when the reveal finally comes, it hits hard. It’s powerful, it’s earned, and it ties everything together beautifully.
The last line of this book? Absolute perfection. A quiet mic drop that reframes everything you just read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is not only one of the most compelling fictional biographies I’ve ever read, it’s also a stunning love letter to the LGBT community.
When I do my 2022 wrap-up, there’s no question, this will be my pick for the best book I read all year.
