The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel

‘My heart was never in the craft of acting, only in the proving. Proving my power, proving my worth, proving my talent.’ CW: domestic abuse, death/grief, homophobia/biphobia, racism, abortion & suicide I struggle to write reviews for a book I really love because instead of giving you all the information you need to get you to pick this book up, all I can do is very messily gush about it and it’s characters The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is such a remarkable novel and one of my favourites of the year. This is a very well developed character driven story told by Evelyn herself while she is being interviewed by Monique. We get insight into her life, from being just an ordinary young girl with dreams to becoming a Hollywood star, and let’s not forget her seven husbands. Evelyn Hugo is such an exquisite character that you will never forget and it’s so intriguing to learn about her life as a Cuban bisexual making her way to the top in Hollywood, especially in the time era it’s set within. Along the way you learn about the ups and downs of Evelyn’s life and also learn about each individual husband who some you will loathe and some you will totally adore *cough* Cameron. ‘I’m bisexual. Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box’ There is also a little sneaky plot twist at the end that completely caught me by surprise which added to the whole enjoyment of the story, not that it needed it because Evelyn’s life is so intriguing and if they ever turned this book into a show I would so want to play Evelyn Hugo and have a little taste of the life she lived Taylor Jenkins Reid did and amazing job with this story and her writing is so good and enjoyable. Her prose is so beautiful and descriptive and I did not get bored throughout the whole time reading it. I would definitely be up to reading more of her works in the very near future and see what other amazing characters she has created.

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved every page of this book! The story spans several decades, and it’s set against the backdrop of the glittery Hollywood film industry. But all that glitters is not gold! Recluse Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, we learn more about her seven husbands along the way! The burning question and one everyone wants the answer to is, ‘who was the love of her life?’ Evelyn Hugo insists that Monique a journalist, will be the one to write her tell-all biography, but why? And what connects the two? Most of the narrative is from Evelyn POV as she reminisces about her past and chapters interspersed with the present, where we learn more about Monique. The narrative and the characters are second to none. TJR captures the very essence of her characters. I convinced myself that this was a real life Hollywood star! Evelyn is flawed, ruthless, she’s manipulative and very selfish, but I loved her! She frustrated me; she made me angry, my heart broke for her, but she is unforgettable! And as each husband comes and goes, you love her a little more. The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing, and kept me guessing all the way to the dramatic revelation. There are so many characters that made this book a joy to read. Some will worm their way into your heart, others will leave you cold, but each one adds a depth to the story that made this book such a joy to read. I adored reading Evelyn’s rag to riches story, the glitz and glamour, the scandals, the heartbreak and her incredible forbidden love story. Highly recommended.

I liked the book but it didn't seem to have any wow moments to me. I thought it was leading up to something big but that never happened.

This book completely worked for me. I loved the old Hollywood atmosphere, all the smoke and mirrors, the glamour, the parties and the carefully managed scandals. It really captures what I imagine that classic film era would have been like. Evelyn Hugo is everything. She feels real. Flawed, morally grey and unapologetic. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I understood them, which made her story compelling and believable. From the first chapter I knew I was going to enjoy this. The writing is confident and engaging right from the start and the story flows easily while still carrying emotional weight. Overall, a beautifully told story about fame, ambition, love and the cost of success. An easy five stars for me.

Truly one of the most captivating and enjoyable reads I have ever had the pleasure of losing myself in. Incredible writing and very clever concept. Will not be a one-time read for sure!

Wow! Where do I start with this book! I enjoyed EVERY. SINGLE. WORD! It was hard to put down and when I did I couldn’t wait to pick it back up again! An historical love story with a bisexual narrator, a famous old Hollywood actress, and all of her seven marriages. It tells the story of Evelyn, who wants to be famous, who learns early on in life that to get what she wants she has to play the part in every sense of the word. Now in her seventies Evelyn wants to share her life story with journalist Monique who has been personally picked by Evelyn. A tell all memoir about her life and her rise to fame. The glitz and glam of old Hollywood, the manipulation, the scandal, Hollywood cover ups, having to conform to society norms of the time and what it meant to be gay/bisexual during that time period. It felt like non fiction. Like I was reading about Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor. Everything was so detailed. All the characters felt so real. Evelyn is flawed, ambitious and strong. A completely unapologetic character, manipulative and selfish who I loved! There are times she will frustrate you as a reader, but she is compelling and unforgettable! And with each husband she captivated me more with her spell. The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing and kept me hooked in the present day story telling. Evelyn’s rollercoaster life flows chronologically over the years and covers topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, female empowerment, sexuality, found family, motherhood and love. It is as much a story about Evelyn as it is about Harry and Celia’s life too. These two characters completely had my heart. I went on as much of an emotional journey with them as I did with Evelyn. Taylor Jenkins Reid is without a doubt, a fantastic story teller. The way she writes her characters and their lives is addictive and very special. Enough of my gushing. Remember. Life is short. Life is precious. Live life without regret. Hold loved ones tightly. Love who you love. Make memories to last a life time. Laugh. But most of all be unapologetically you! Always! ❤️

I picked a copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo up years ago when it was first published. I am not sure where I have been or what I have been doing, but I am sad to say that the book has been sat on my bookcase collecting dust until recently. I am in no way exaggerating when I say that The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a masterpiece. I fell in love with the characters, the writing, the story building, and the pace of the book. Seemingly modelled after movie legend Marilyn Monroe, Evelyn feels dynamic and authentic. She is a woman who dominates the page and draws you into her life with the promise of glamour, sex, romance, and sacrifice. Through Evelyn we gain an unabashed insight into the often dark and exploitative world of Hollywood and the silent suffering of women who dare to venture within. Sexual exploitation and domestic violence are topics Reid does not shy away from. Exploring Evelyn’s rise to fame is anything but glamorous or endorsed. It showcases the real and raw, the often difficult methods women have to implore to reach the top, as their male counterparts benefit from their exploitation. The book deals with serious issues both women in the 1950’s and in todays society face, and it does so in a manner that’s impactful and sensitive. The plot is broken down and revealed in various parts of Evelyn’s life, all of which begins with the marriage to one of her husbands. When it comes to men, Evelyn’s not had much luck. However, the men are not the main romantic subplot in this book. It’s the love story that’s going on between Evelyn and her co-star Celia. The title of the novel purposely misleads you to think that Evelyn is a promiscuous dater and a serial monogamist. However, we learn that the opposite is in fact true. The reader watches as Evelyn and Celia navigate the restrictions of a queer relationship in the 1950’s as they hide their love for each other from one another and the watchful eye of the public. I absolutely love that there is lesbian and bisexual representation in this novel and how it has not shied away from bringing queer issues up to the surface. Even to this day, I still think about Evelyn and her memorable life. The book helped me realise that life is too short to do what other people expect from you. You should always go after what you want, and do what makes you happy. You should also tell all your loved ones how much you love them, before it’s too late. The book almost feels like a life-lesson from a famous and well-known fictional actress, who seemingly has it all, but in the end, has nothing, and she knows it.

I read this book after seeing it many times in bookshops and always feeling drawn to it. I found the story predictable, and it left me feeling very underwhelmed, I had a similar feeling when I read Daisy Jones and the six. It was however a good palette cleanser for in between other books that I have enjoyed. At least it won’t be taunting me in bookshops and I don’t think I’ll be returning to this author as a result.

It made me cry so much. The book is so passionate, romantic, and beautiful. I recommend it!! 100%!!

Moving and captivating. Heartbreaking and real. The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a joy to read. I loved getting to know the main character and how her and the other characters’ stories unfolded. Taylor Jenkins Reid really captured the magnificence of Evelyn Hugo so brilliantly, I was completely bewitched by the character, just as I imagined her fans were with her in the book.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an opulent tale of love, ambition, and fame set against the glitz and shadows of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It tells the story of the glamorous yet fiercely independent Evelyn Hugo, a starlet whose personal journey spans decades, marriages, and profound self-transformation. What makes this novel truly unforgettable is Evelyn herself: flawed, fiercely human, and unapologetically bold. Reid crafts a devilishly compelling character who remains relatable even as she makes morally complex decisions. The framing device—a journalist named Monique, chosen to tell Evelyn’s story—adds intrigue and layers of poignancy, ultimately linking their lives in unexpected ways. Reid’s lush yet accessible prose divides the story into sections corresponding to Evelyn’s seven husbands, each representing a phase in her evolution. Through these relationships, the novel explores societal norms, personal sacrifices, and the cost of survival in an unforgiving world. While the glittering world of Hollywood serves as the novel’s backdrop, its core themes are universal: the pursuit of love in all its forms, the search for identity, and the toll of ambition. The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships is heartfelt and beautifully written, offering voices to stories often erased from history. If there’s a slight drawback, it’s that Monique’s storyline feels less developed compared to Evelyn’s richly detailed narrative. Still, this minor issue doesn’t detract from the book’s overall impact. In summary, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a haunting and unforgettable read that will stay with you long after the final page. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, richly drawn characters, and poignant love stories.

A gun and quick read. The author leaves you guessing throughout the chapters so I found I just HAD to keep reading to find out what happens next!

I love it so much omg