The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Late to the party again, I had heard a lot about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but it never really appealed to me. Then I decided to give it a go before they make it into a film. I got my paperback copy second hand from Vinted.

The Blurb

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.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means and what it costs to face the truth.

My Review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Ok, hands up, I’m not one for reading about the life of stars or Hollywood or glamorous lifestyles which is probably why I never read this before. But I’m so glad I decided to give it a go because I found it so hard to put down.

The mysterious Evelyn Hugo, now in her late 70s has chosen a particular writer to do a piece for a magazine. When Monique Grant turns up for the interview, Evelyn confesses she actually wants her to write her biography.

Then we learn all about Evelyn’s life and her seven husbands. Monique asks quite early on who the love of her life was, but Evelyn doesn’t answer to the end. But of course it is obvious as the story evolves.

But why did Evelyn pick Monique to write her biography? Was there an ulterior motive? This enters your mind instantly but you tend to forget as you get strung along in life of Evelyn and you really can’t see any connection. Maybe it really was because she liked the article that Monique wrote ??? I’m not giving it away.

Meanwhile Monique has her own problems, her boss is expecting an article while she’s writing a biography. She has to think of a solution and uses what she’s learnt from Evelyn to come up with one. Monique’s own marriage has ended in less than a year and she has to come to terms with that. And then there is her mother who is coming to visit. Monique is obviously very fond of her mother who brought her up alone since her father died when she was just seven years old.

There is a lot of homosexuality and homophobia in this book so it may not appeal to some.

I have to say though, I devoured this book, I just HAD to know what Evelyn was going to do next and I really wanted to know the ending. (no skipping) I wish I’d read it sooner.

Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?

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