The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a best-selling book about a Hollywood icon’s life. Read my review.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo through interviews with a young journalist. As she reflects on her life, she details out the seven marriages that defined it. Read a synopsis and my three-star review below:

What is the book about?

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. [goodreads.com]

My review

Everyone loves this 2017 novel… so why didn’t I? The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was entertaining, and I liked the overall themes, but in the end, I felt it was just okay. I certainly didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t a page-turner either. At least not in my opinion.

Some of the storylines intrigued me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, but the book sometimes seemed to meander. The beginning hooked me, and the ending was excellent, but the middle occasionally bored me. Now, there are a lot of readers who disagree with me, and I can understand why. But, like many of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels, I think I would enjoy this more as a movie or series (which is rumored to be happening on Netflix soon!).

In this case, I recommend reading some other reviews before you decide to read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It’s a best-seller for a reason, and many fans are out there. Just because I found it middle-of-the-road doesn’t mean you will.

An Evening with Taylor Jenkins Reid:

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