The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Cover image and synopsis from Goodreads:

From Taylor Jenkins Reid comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film actress’s relentless rise to the top—the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

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 in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Filled with emotional insight and written with Reid’s signature talent, this is a fascinating journey through the splendor of Old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it takes—to face the truth.

I’ve only read one of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous books (After I Do), and I really liked it. So when I heard she had a new book coming out this year, I was intrigued. And when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it!

Old Hollywood/the Golden Age of Hollywood is so interesting to me, and I loved reading about Evelyn’s rise to fame. And as I was reading this book, I was pausing to look up classic film clips online. Evelyn’s story was full of highs and lows, and I was fully invested in its outcome.

I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t talk about the plot. But Taylor Jenkins Reid shows how complex the relationships are between friends, family, lovers and spouses.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a wonderful, well-written, moving story. This is definitely my favourite of the two Taylor Jenkins Reid books I’ve read. Highly recommended!!

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