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book_world_walker 's review for:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.5
emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

After seeing this book everywhere and since I loved Daisy Jones & The Six, I figured it was about time I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I finished this book in 2 days; that’s how captivating it is, sucking you into Evelyn’s story and her connection to Monique. It’s really a wonderfully written book with complex characters and an intriguing story that definitely lives up to the hype.

The Atmosphere

- Evelyn’s story transported me to Old Hollywood, picturing the likes of Rita Moreno, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. Every word painted a picture of the glitz and glam of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Whenever the chapter returned to the interview setting, I felt like I was Monique, immersed in capturing Evelyn’s story and not wanting her to stop talking.

The Plot

- The plot is satisfying, and the reveals are worth the journey. The only reason I knocked half a star off is because I realized the plot twist early on, and I missed the enjoyment of being completely surprised when the big reveal of why Evelyn chose Monique happened. I still enjoyed it and the resolution.
- This is the second book of Taylor Jenkin Reids that I have read, and I just love her storytelling through an interview format. It really makes the reveals so much juicer.

The Characters

Evelyn Hugo
From her early struggles to her meteoric rise to stardom, Evelyn's character is both flawed and compelling, making her journey one that I couldn’t help but become invested in. She’s unapologetically ambitious, willing to do whatever and whoever it takes to achieve her goals. While on the outside she exudes glamor and confidence, on the inside she is grappling with the inner turmoil of her insecurities and self-identity. Evelyn's seven marriages reveals different facets of her personality and motivations, shedding light on the complexities of love, desire, and the pursuit of happiness.

Monique Grant
A young journalist hungry to prove herself and make a name for herself as a journalist, which drives her to accept the interview with Evelyn. As Monique delves deeper into Evelyn’s past, she finds herself confronted by her own insecurities and vulnerabilities. Monique becomes empowered by Evelyn’s story, by the fact that she was chosen to share this enigmatic Hollywood icon’s legacy, and realizes the power that gives her to propel her career.


Important Secondary Characters

- Harry Cameron is a pivotal character in Evelyn’s story. He proves that soulmate connections come in not only romantic partners but friends too.

- Celia St. James the most influential person in shaping Evelyn’s life. While her own desires and aspirations often conflict with Evelyn’s, their relationship spans decades and withstood many hardships.