Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box.”
Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Series? N/A
My Rating: ★★★★★
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fiction
Age Range: Adult
Publication: 13 June 2017 (Atria Books)
CW: domestic abuse, biphobia, death, abuse, cancer, suicide
Are you even on BookTok if you haven’t heard about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel has taken the world by storm in the years since its release. Everyone and their mother raves on and on about it, and of course, I’m not one to be left out of the fun. When it first hit the online book community, before the days of TikTok, I ran to the store. Suffice it to say, the praise was well-earned.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo spins an Elizabeth Taylor-esque story about an iconic Hollywood starlet. Evelyn Hugo is one of the greats. With decades of film credits and accolades tucked under her belt, she is ready to share her story — the real one — for the very first time. To do so, she elects a young journalist, Monique, to help her.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has an uncanny ability to make you believe in a story.
There is a reason why the top Google searches for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo are debunking myths that the story is, in fact, nonfiction. She is able to create multidimensional characters and highly researched stories that are honest and vulnerable. Often, I had to remind myself I wasn’t reading about Evelyn Hugo, the Hollywood starlet, but Evelyn Hugo, the fictional character.
Sometimes I loved Evelyn and sometimes I hated her. Sometimes I rooted for her and sometimes I wished she would fall flat on her face. Evelyn Hugo is a massively complex character which makes her all the more authentic, not to mention interesting to read about. If she were wholly good, well then, ask yourself, what story would there be to tell?
If I’m honest, Monique’s story fell a little flat to me.
Typically, I find that dual narratives are a hit or miss. It can be really difficult to nail it. In some cases, they are exceptionally well done with both characters receiving equally interesting stories. In this case, however, Monique’s story couldn’t measure up to Evelyn’s, in my opinion. And frankly, how could it?
On the whole, Monique was mostly used as a vessel for Evelyn’s story. As a result, I found myself skimming through her parts in order to get back into Evelyn’s world.
Regardless, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an incredible novel. Its lifelike characterization and incredible exposition made it an unputdownable read. And the representation of not only LGBTQIA2S+ characters, but more specifically, a bisexual protagonist, was extremely important to many readers, including myself.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo wins every award in my books.
Synopsis: Reclusive Hollywood 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 to write her story, no one is more astounded than Monique herself.
Determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career, Monique listens in fascination. 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. But as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Written with Reid’s signature talent for creating “complex, likeable characters” (Real Simple), this is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of Old Hollywood into the sobering realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means – and what it costs – to face the truth.
Did The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo resonate with you? Let me know in the comments.
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