A review by lastingliterature
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

 I was very late to the game with this one, and I was missing out! I have mixed feelings about TJR books, but I am trying to love her like everyone else! 
 
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this one. The story is centered on Old Hollywood as Evelyn Hugo navigates the patriarchal world of fame as a sexual, attractive female. Along the way, she marries seven men as she keeps one very large secret from the world. 
 
Compelling is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this story. I was immediately enraptured in Evelyn’s story through her loves, heartbreaks, pain, and mistakes. A character like her is so fun to read! Evelyn is a wonderful example of a gray character—she’s very likable, but she is also not a very good person. She learns early on that while she loves men, she also loves a woman named Celia, but this is a time where homosexuality was dangerous. And as a woman whose sole goal is to be the most famous actress and have the most money, she is not willing to let anything get in the way. Instead, Evelyn grapples with what to put first: the greatest love of her life and her happiness or fame. 
 
When reading the title of this story, you may assume it is centered on seven men and their romances. You would be wrong. The story is Evelyn, as simple as that. She is multifaceted, complex, dynamic, enigmatic. The men only serve as pieces for Evelyn to survive and thrive in a world that tells her she is not enough or doing too much for a woman. 
 
While I waited much too long to read this, I am so glad I did. I now understand why people say this is one of their favorites of all time, and it may be one of mine, too! 
 
So if you’re like me and have been putting this one off, give it a try. 
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐