Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Book Review: Worth The Hype?
Hello reader friends! I’m proud to say that I’ve finally done it. I finally read the book. And today I’m going to be sharing my full The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo book review.
I had very little knowledge about what this book was about. Of course I knew the main character was Evelyn Hugo. But I thought that she was a famous society women (and actually, she’s an actress). And that’s about all I had to go off of. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The story was so much more emotional than I expected and I came to love every single one of the characters.
Except Don. He kind of sucked. Same with a lot of Evelyn’s husbands, but we’ll get to that.
Keep reading for my full The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo book review. And at the end I’ll share with you if I think that this book is worth all of the hype it receives!
And if you enjoy today’s review, you may enjoy these other blog posts as well!
What is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid About?
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.
Who is Taylor Jenkins Reid?
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of quite a few popular books. Her stories are filled with strong female leads who deal with difficult situations in their personal and professional lives. She’s the author of Daisy Jones and the Six, Malibu Rising, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, After I Do, Carrie Soto is Back, and many more. Each of her books features a strong plot with very complex characters.
Her book Daisy Jones and the Six was turned into a TV show last year that you can watch on Amazon Prime. The actors do a great job and the music is really fun! I definitely recommend if you’re not sure what show you want to binge next.
My Initial Thoughts
As I mentioned, I was not all that familiar with the plot before I started this book. I didn’t realize that it was going to be a retelling of Evelyn’s life. Evelyn meets with unknown journalist Monique Grant to tell her life story, and over the course of their many meetings she tells her life story in chronological order.
When Monique first arrives at Evelyn’s Upper East Side Apartment, t takes a bit for them to warm up to each other. Evelyn is very sure of what she wants and she has a hard time accepting that others won’t just do what she says. But can you blame her? Over the course of her life she’s seen it all and I’m sure once you get to a certain age, you’re not willing to put up with much anymore.
Monique is an interesting character because Evelyn has an enormous ask of her, and at first she isn’t sure what to do. But I’m glad that eventually she recognized her worth and decided to take her up on it. It was so refreshing to watch Monique grow into herself and make decisions that were truly right for her!
Evelyn’s Seven Husbands
I had some assumptions going into this novel, and I’m aware now that I was being judgmental. I had questions about why Evelyn went through so many husbands. i wanted to know why she couldn’t seem to make a marriage work. So I started reading and was immediately sucked into her story. This book taught me that true love doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes you have to keep trying to find your person. And other times, you must depend on your best friend to comfort you when times get tough.
This was a really fun book to read because a majority of it is historical fiction. As Evelyn recounts her life story and marriages, she gives us a glimpse into the past. It’s fun to peek into old Hollywood. It’s also fun to follow her story into the late 80s. Each decade of her life focuses on different topics and people. Just when you think she’s found the love of her life, you’re wrong.
Connections to other Taylor Jenkins Reid Books
One of the best parts of Taylor Jenkins Reid books is when she ties in another character or story that she has written about. According to wikipedia, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the first book in her famous women quartet. I loved how Evelyn’s story mentioned a character that we would find out about until quite a few books later. The only reason I understood the reference is because I read Malibu Rising a couple of years ago. I’m reading all of her books out of order!
Friendship is Everything
While romance is a big part of this novel, so is friendship. After her mother passed away, Evelyn had to grow up very quickly in order to escape her father and follow her dreams. But when she begins to find success, she meets many different people and is exposed to different things.
Her first best friend is Harry, who at first plays a big part in her career but eventually steps aside and takes the position of best friend and down the line husband. And then there’s Celia St James, a young woman who she meets while working on Little Women and eventually befriends and grows very close with.
Why is the book The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo so popular?
I think this book is popular because it gives an honest look at a women who lives a glamorous life, but also makes many mistakes. I wouldn’t say she’s a bad person, but I also wouldn’t say she’s a good person. Her character development is honest as both the good and bad decisions of her life are revealed.
I also think this book is popular because of the story that it tells. A big part of Evelyn’s story is that she can’t truly be herself because the paparazzi (and the whole world) is always watching. But she’s a movie star. She wants to be known for her large catalogue of work, and not for who she is currently married to at the time.
I did not realize this was going to be a gay story. Evelyn’s relationship with Celia is so complicated and messy. But there’s also beauty in the seasons of their relationship over the years.
What is the main message of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
The main message of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo revolves around the complexities of identity, the multifaceted nature of love, and the often harsh realities behind the glamour of fame. Evelyn works so hard to build her career and always works her way back up after she’s knocked down. She never gives up on love and I think that’s really admirable. We should all remember her determination and perseverance when it comes to relationships.
At its core, the novel emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself despite societal pressures and the sacrifices that come with personal and professional choices. Evelyn spends so much of her life hiding her true identity and I really loved how her goal with her biography was to reveal her true self to the world. She was so scared for such a long time and I bet that felt really freeing.
Is there anything inappropriate in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
I believe the The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is best suited for older high school kids and above. This story features many topics that may be difficult for younger kids to wrap their heads around. I wouldn’t call them inappropriate, but I would consider them mature. This book is about relationships and marriage, and containes scenes that are sexual in nature. This story discusses racism, discrimination, homophobia, as well as other topics that affect the characters daily lives.
Is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Worth The Hype?
Definitely! I’ve had this book on my TBR list for so long and I’m ashamed that it took me this long to read it. Evelyn’s story sucked me right in and I could not stop reading. I can’t stop recommending it to my friends and family. I even brought it up at family dinner this past week! It’s that good.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating and richly woven tale that delves into the complexities of love, fame, and identity. Through the life story of the enigmatic Evelyn Hugo, Reid not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the sacrifices and secrets that often accompany a life in the spotlight.
If you enjoy historical fiction, strong female characters, and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style, I think you’ll enjoy this book. Whether you are drawn to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the intimate struggles of its characters, this book offers a poignant exploration of the human experience that is timeless and unforgettable.
xo Marian
