Goodreads Summary– 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.
- Evelyn Hugo– Evelyn has quickly become one of my all time favourite characters. She is a flawed person, she’s knows it, and she is not ashamed. She is one of the most dynamic characters I have ever read about.
- Touching and powerful story- I found myself tearing up, and I was truly moved. I was not expecting this book to have such a powerful message.
- The setting- The majority of the story occurs in Hollywood during the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. It is such a glamorous and mysterious time period and I was completely fascinated by it.
- The romance- I do not want to say too much here as it would be a major spoiler, but I adored the romance. It has been a long time since I was this invested in a fictitious relationship.
- Diversity– Evelyn Hugo is Cuban, Monique is biracial, and there are gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters.
“I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.”
“But no medium can capture what it is to be in someone’s presence, certainly not someone like her Someone who made you feel important simply because she’s choosing to look at you.”
“How silly is it that I thought that if I ever found myself in a movie star’s dressing room, that meant I’d have no troubles?”
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo blew me away! I was not expecting to adore this book as much as I do! I have a feeling that it will be on every favourite list I write for many years to come. Taylor Jenkins Reid is an excellent writer, and I have now added all her other books to my TBR on goodreads.
Great review, Kristin…This book looks awesome. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you! It really is awesome!! 😎
Every review I read gets me closer to giving up on the library’s waiting list and just going to the bookstore…
Well I’d hate to encourage you to spend money but it is really really great!! How long is the list?
I think I’m now third in line, so max 9 weeks. But still, max NINE WEEKS.
This book is literally everywhere right now and there isn’t a bad word said about it – I think it needs to go on my wish list!!
Ahh you’ll love it!!! You should read it so we can talk about it!
This sounds so interesting!! I added it to my TBR 🙂
Awesome! It’s really good!
I ended up DNF-ing this because I hated Evelyn. Everyone else keeps telling me to give it another shot, though. I’m just not sure if it’s for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though.
I can understand why you wouldn’t like her. I enjoyed that she is flawed! I never force myself to finish books that I wasn’t loving though!
I adored this book..it might be my favorite book so far this year!! Love your review!! I might just read it again ❤❤
It is one of my favourite as well! Thank you Stephanie! 😊
You are welcome! And I hope you enjoy the rest of her books! I’m a diehard Taylor Jenkins Reid fan, and I love all of her books! You need a tissue for every one!
I got this book in my BOTM subscription. I scrolled down to read the paragraph to decide if I should get to it now or later and I think I’m going to start it tomorrow! I will come back and read this post as soon as I finish 😀👌🏻
That is awesome! I can’t wait to see what you think of it!
This sounds really awesome!! Great review!
Thank you! It’s so good!!!!
You’re welcome!!
I loved it too….my review mirrors some of your thoughts..especially the fact that Evelyn will be one of my favorite characters that I’ll remember for a long long time
Evelyn is fantastic! I will have to check out your review!