Reviews with content warning for Biphobia - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Oh my god, this is one hell of a story! I heard so much good about this book, and I finally got to read it myself. I'm not crazy over it, but I recognize it's a remarkable piece of literature, as word on the street said it was.

Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don't do that.

Evelyn Hugo is perhaps one of the more complex characters that I've had the pleasure of meeting in recent history. It's been absolutely lovely to get to know her story and the complexities of her life. I love that she doesn't fit in a box in more ways than one; she's a surprise. She is not necessarily "good" or "bad", but rather simply a human with her own motivations and reasons. We got to learn a lot about Hollywood, moral and emotional issues, and sexuality.

It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.

I quite enjoyed the sectionalization: how the 'smaller' chapters were paced and the 'bigger' sections had Evelyn's husbands as the titles. That was a smart way to do it, plus it gives you a chance to be more intimate with the other characters. I got to love Harry till the bittersweet end, he had me in his corner pretty early on.

But let's not forget Monique and her story! Even though she was mostly out of the picture, the times she did show up were well-fitted into the story. She didn't get lost or overshadowed by Evelyn (maybe a little, but come on, she's a star). It had a great unbalanced balance, if that makes sense. Most of the characters had a chance to shine in their moments. Nevertheless, strangely, the star of it all shone the most and the least - we got to know Evelyn like no one else, but she's still a total mystery. And that's intricate storytelling for you.

I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.

Content Warnings

depressed_cat07's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a reread from 2017 when I first read the book (which was also the time that the book was not that famous as it is now), and I feel that the book still holds up! I swear TJR laced this book with drugs- fast paced, easily readable, with a central character I couldn't take my attention away from, and heartbreaking too. Still has some sour spots here and there but overall a great book!

Content Warnings

asteria_6179's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

star_witch's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I borrowed the book from a friend, after she insisted I read it, and now I don't know if I'm supposed to thank her or make her pay for my therapy.

SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING:

I didn't even think I was going to cry.
I didn't cry when Harry died, or Celia, or Connor. Or even Evelyn.
I cried when Monique's mom started reminiscing about her husband (and Monique's father).

Content Warnings

ebreheny25's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book emotionally wrecked me and I don’t think I could be more grateful for it. You can tell it was made with so much heart and care for the characters. The only reason it’s not a 5-star is cause I found some of the pacing wonky and it took more time than anticipated to get into. But, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Content Warnings

hayleyw's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

More...