The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Book Review
Some books completely take over the book world — and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid did exactly that when it was first published. It seems like everyone has read it, loved it, and still can’t stop talking about it... and I completely understand why. Taylor Jenkins Reid has a gift for creating unforgettable characters, but Evelyn Hugo feels like something entirely different. She’s bold, complicated, glamorous, messy, and unforgettable. Set against the backdrop of glitzy Old Hollywood, Evelyn’s story is filled with love, loss, sacrifice, and scandal — everything you could want in a juicy, character-driven novel.
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Quick Look
- perfect for fans of Classic Hollywood
- LGBTQIA romance
- full of glitz and glamour
- great for bookclubs
Published June 13, 2017
Publisher's Synopsis
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.
My Thoughts
Taylor Jenkins Reid can truly do no wrong. Every one of her novels feels like an instant standout, but none shine quite as brightly for me as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Evelyn herself is one of the most complex, controversial, and captivating characters I’ve ever read. She’s flawed, bold, unapologetic — and absolutely unforgettable. But what really sets this book apart is the incredible attention to detail and the depth of research that went into crafting her world. Reid doesn’t just tell a story — she builds an entire universe that feels so authentic, you’ll forget Evelyn Hugo isn’t a real Hollywood legend.
If you’re a fan of Old Hollywood glamour, scandal, and secrets, this book is an absolute must-read. Loosely inspired by icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, and Ava Gardner, Evelyn’s story reads like a lost chapter of Hollywood history — dazzling, messy, heartbreaking, and completely unforgettable.
My Review
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of those rare books that completely lives up to the hype — and then some. It’s glamorous, heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully written. Taylor Jenkins Reid doesn’t just tell Evelyn’s story — she breathes life into her, crafting a character so real and layered that you’ll find yourself googling to make sure she didn’t actually exist. If you love stories about complicated women, forbidden love, Hollywood scandals, and the price of fame, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
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