The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel Paperback – Unabridged, 31 May 2018

I recently finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and it was an enthralling read from start to finish. Here’s why this book stands out:Intriguing Plot: The novel follows the glamorous yet tumultuous life of Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress who recounts her seven marriages to a young journalist, Monique Grant. The story delves into Evelyn’s rise to fame, her personal sacrifices, and the secrets behind her high-profile marriages. The narrative is compelling and keeps you hooked as Evelyn’s true self gradually unfolds.Rich Character Development: Evelyn Hugo is a complex, multi-dimensional character. Her journey is depicted with such depth and nuance that you can’t help but become emotionally invested in her story. The exploration of her character reveals the price of fame, the pursuit of love, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Monique, as the interviewer, provides a contrast that adds depth and context to Evelyn’s reflections.Beautifully Written: Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing is elegant and evocative, capturing the glitz of Hollywood and the intimacy of personal struggles. The prose flows smoothly, making the book hard to put down. The dialogues are sharp and engaging, and the storytelling is both heartfelt and poignant.Themes of Identity and Resilience: The book explores themes of identity, love, and the quest for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Evelyn’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, and it challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and choices.Emotional Impact: The novel elicits a wide range of emotions, from sadness to admiration. The relationships and personal battles depicted are profoundly moving, and the twists and revelations throughout the book are expertly crafted to keep readers emotionally engaged.Engaging Structure: The dual narrative structure—Evelyn’s recounting of her life and Monique’s present-day story—adds layers to the plot and enhances the overall reading experience. It creates a dynamic interplay between past and present, enriching the storyline.Memorable and Thought-Provoking: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a memorable read that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of love, sacrifice, and the price of fame, wrapped in a captivating narrative.Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a brilliant novel that combines glamour, depth, and emotional resonance. Taylor Jenkins Reid has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling, character-driven read.

This book had been recommended several times to me and sometimes it works to go along with the crowd - I started cautiously but with high expectations.First published in 2017, this book has 385 pages, split into 69 chapters, interspersed with newspaper clippings.It is a novel but there are plenty of easy comparisons to reality from the start. Is Evelyn based on Elizabeth Taylor? Is Vivant really Vogue magazine? And who is Monique?The first person narrative works really well as it puts us into the heads of Evelyn and Monique. We feel their confusion and share their excitement.Of course, the reader is discovering Evelyn's life at the same time as Monique during the interviews. There are also many complications added by Monique life - she has to decide how to handle her employer whilst trying to work out why she has been given this opportunity.Hollywood has always been a machine and this book shines a light on a particular angle/period that reflects changes in society.The biographical sections allow for a complete absorption into Evelyn's life, it then comes as a surprise when Monique's world breaks in. Both the women are creating tension as the book progresses with the obvious question hanging in the air - why are they connected at all?I love the nostalgic look at Hollywood, being able to see both the glamour and the grime. A huge strength of this novel is the rhythm and the pace, keeping interest levels high and making the characters real.

I picked a copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo up years ago when it was first published. I am not sure where I have been or what I have been doing, but I am sad to say that the book has been sat on my bookcase collecting dust until recently.I am in no way exaggerating when I say that The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a masterpiece. I fell in love with the characters, the writing, the story building, and the pace of the book. Seemingly modelled after movie legend Marilyn Monroe, Evelyn feels dynamic and authentic. She is a woman who dominates the page and draws you into her life with the promise of glamour, sex, romance, and sacrifice.Through Evelyn we gain an unabashed insight into the often dark and exploitative world of Hollywood and the silent suffering of women who dare to venture within. Sexual exploitation and domestic violence are topics Reid does not shy away from. Exploring Evelyn’s rise to fame is anything but glamorous or endorsed. It showcases the real and raw, the often difficult methods women have to implore to reach the top, as their male counterparts benefit from their exploitation. The book deals with serious issues both women in the 1950’s and in todays society face, and it does so in a manner that’s impactful and sensitive.The plot is broken down and revealed in various parts of Evelyn’s life, all of which begins with the marriage to one of her husbands. When it comes to men, Evelyn’s not had much luck. However, the men are not the main romantic subplot in this book. It’s the love story that’s going on between Evelyn and her co-star Celia. The title of the novel purposely misleads you to think that Evelyn is a promiscuous dater and a serial monogamist. However, we learn that the opposite is in fact true. The reader watches as Evelyn and Celia navigate the restrictions of a queer relationship in the 1950’s as they hide their love for each other from one another and the watchful eye of the public. I absolutely love that there is lesbian and bisexual representation in this novel and how it has not shied away from bringing queer issues up to the surface.Even to this day, I still think about Evelyn and her memorable life. The book helped me realise that life is too short to do what other people expect from you. You should always go after what you want, and do what makes you happy. You should also tell all your loved ones how much you love them, before it’s too late. The book almost feels like a life-lesson from a famous and well-known fictional actress, who seemingly has it all, but in the end, has nothing, and she knows it.