The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Book Review

Some stories aren't meant to be told quietly. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of those stories - loud, messy, and impossible to ignore.

This book has been sitting on my phone bookshelf for a long time, quietly waiting it's turn. I only just got around reading it - and now I can't stop thinking about it. It's the life of a woman who refused to be anyone's idea of perfect and lived on her own terms, no matter the cost. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers a masterful exploration of fame, love, and the secrets we bury to survive.

Evelyn Hugo is a legendary Hollywood actress known as much as her beauty and talent as for the whirlwind of her personal life. Now in her seventies and living in relative seclusion, Evelyn surprises the world by choosing Monique Grant, a relatively unknown journalist, to share her story in a candid, no-holds-barred interview.

From the moment the book begins, you're pulled into a story within a story: Evelyn's vivid recollections of her seven marriages and the choices behind them, intertwined with Monique's own journey of self-discovery.

What makes The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo stand out is its refusal to paint Evelyn as a one-dimensional celebrity. She's fierce and ambitious, yes, but also flawed, vulnerable, and often morally ambiguous. Through Evelyn's eyes, we see a woman navigating a rigid, sexist Hollywood system that demands perfection while punishing those who stray from the norm. She uses her beauty, charm, and wit as tools to claim power in a world determined to keep her in a box.

One of the most compelling part of the book is its exploration of identity and love. Evelyn's relationships aren't just tabloid fodder - they're deeply personal and complex. Her story reveals the hidden struggles of queer love in a time when it had to be kept a secret, and the compromises people make to protect those they care about. This adds a poignant layer to the book, making it not just a tale of glamour and scandal but also of genuine heartache and courage.

Taylor Jenkins Reid writing is immersive and intimate. The narrative voice feels like a conversation, drawing you in as if you were Monique herself, peeling back the layers of Evelyn's carefully constructed life. The pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of reflection and raw emotion to shine through, making Evelyn's story feel both epic and personal.

For me, the book was a powerful reminder that success often comes with a cost - and that the lives we see on the surface are rarely the whole truth. Evelyn Hugo's story challenges readers to think about what it means to think authentically and what sacrifices that might require. It's a narrative about reclaiming control, even when the world expects you to conform.

Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a richly textured and emotionally resonant novel. It's perfect for readers who enjoy stories about complex female characters, historical settings, and the themes of love and identity that defy easy categorization. This book stayed with me long after I turned the last page, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that's as thought-provoking as its entertaining.

If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. And if you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts - did Evelyn's story surprise you? Which husband's chapter resonated the most?

Image is a screenshot from my e-library