The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Synopsis/Summary:

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I am convinced that this book will reach everyone’s hearts, no matter which genres they like reading the most. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will destroy all your preconceived notions on fame and love and engulf you in this enthralling world of glamour and falseness. And who are we kidding? We are all intrigued by celebs. Well, this is a game-changer on those matters.

This novel has become a trending book in the last couple of months, and I did not want to be behind, so I bought it. It deals with an actress of the 50s-80s named Evelyn Hugo that has become an icon because of her seven husbands and her epochal Hollywood movies. One day, Evelyn unexpectedly asks for Monique Grant, an unknown magazine reporter, to write the biography of her glamorous life. Monique finds herself confused by the idea that one of the most known actresses requested her for the job. Either way, Monique does not pass on on the opportunity. Throughout the book, you will be getting to know Evelyn’s life; full of lies, ambition, friendships, and forbidden love, only to find that all the questions Monique had on why Evelyn had chosen her, had an answer. A really shocking one.

This book is one of those filled with girl power and development in such an organic way it is impossible not to feel inspired and encouraged. I would certainly recommend it to those who need that little push of confidence. Evelyn Hugo transmits that and so much more. I, for one, felt absolutely empowered.

I don’t know how to express the idolization I feel towards a fictional character. Evelyn Hugo managed to become my favorite one, taking into account all the books I read. She has a powerful voice that I believe will resonate inside every type of reader, no matter the age or gender. Her character arc is well developed because we get to witness the span of her life in its entirety since she is 16 years old girl living in Hell Gate, the place where her mother has died and is left with her abusive father. A place she can no longer call home. Until the present, where she is a grown-up woman in her late 70's, where there is no one left for her, except the truth that has to come out. Her characterization was exquisitely portrayed and her scandalous life so well executed that I had to make use of Google to confirm that she was not real, but fictional. Monique, also learns from Evelyn’s actions and thoughts, to become a woman who is more confident of herself and stands for what she wants even if it implies taking huge risks.

You learn about the seven husbands and the exclusive part they take on Evelyn’s life. Each one of them influences her and helps her become what she is in the present day. Not only the seven husbands but everyone who has an appearance in the book will leave a mark on it and on you.

This novel is full of redemption, treason, lies, love, and aaaaghhh you are not able to stop. You will never get bored. It is very fluid and there are no moments in which the story goes slow and the reading becomes dull. Moreover, when it comes to the end, I think it is a good closing to the story but, in my opinion, in no way it is the best part of the book as some say.

To conclude, I am absolutely in love with this book and Evelyn Hugo herself. I am looking forward to re-reading it any time soon since it has become one of my best reads of 2021.

Iconic quotes from Mrs. Hugo (spoiler-free):

-“I know the whole world prefers a woman who doesn’t know her power, but I’m sick of all that.”

-“Heartbreak is a loss. Divorce is a piece of paper.”

-“If I want things to change, I have to change how I do things. And probably drastically.”

- “forgiveness is different from absolution.”