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A review by lovelymisanthrope
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my third book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and a book I have had on my physical TBR for years. I finally got the push to pick it up because it is BookswithCholoe's Patreon book club pick for the month of June, and all I have to say is: why did it take me so long to pick up this book?!?
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" follows Monique, a young woman who is trying to make a name for herself in the journalism world. Evelyn Hugo is arguably the biggest Hollywood star of her time, and now, in her elderly years she is ready to share her life story, but only if Monique is willing to write it. Now, Monique is tasked with writing the most sought-after story: who was Evelyn Hugo and who was the greatest love of her life?
This novel was impeccably written and paced perfectly. We got all of Evelyn's life story, but it was never too much or too little. Evelyn's story is entirely intoxicating while still being devastating. Evelyn had a very tough life, but she always seemed to push through and make herself and her image better from the experience. What I found most interesting was how Evelyn used marriage as a means to propel herself forward in Hollywood. Although not all of her marriages were purely strategy, it was amazing how she used each marriage and subsequent separation to form her narrative and propel her further into the spot life. I do not doubt that this is something that happens in Hollywood, it was a bit of a jarring plot point for someone who believes in a purer marriage ideal.
Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed seeing was the LGBTQ+ representation. Being out, especially in Hollywood, during the early to mid 1900's was like a death sentence to your career. It is a heartbreaking, but unfortunate truth of our world's history. Seeing Evelyn and those around her navigate this was infuriating, because it should not be this way! But I also felt it was a very realistic portrayal.
This is by far new favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book!
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" follows Monique, a young woman who is trying to make a name for herself in the journalism world. Evelyn Hugo is arguably the biggest Hollywood star of her time, and now, in her elderly years she is ready to share her life story, but only if Monique is willing to write it. Now, Monique is tasked with writing the most sought-after story: who was Evelyn Hugo and who was the greatest love of her life?
This novel was impeccably written and paced perfectly. We got all of Evelyn's life story, but it was never too much or too little. Evelyn's story is entirely intoxicating while still being devastating. Evelyn had a very tough life, but she always seemed to push through and make herself and her image better from the experience. What I found most interesting was how Evelyn used marriage as a means to propel herself forward in Hollywood. Although not all of her marriages were purely strategy, it was amazing how she used each marriage and subsequent separation to form her narrative and propel her further into the spot life. I do not doubt that this is something that happens in Hollywood, it was a bit of a jarring plot point for someone who believes in a purer marriage ideal.
Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed seeing was the LGBTQ+ representation. Being out, especially in Hollywood, during the early to mid 1900's was like a death sentence to your career. It is a heartbreaking, but unfortunate truth of our world's history. Seeing Evelyn and those around her navigate this was infuriating, because it should not be this way! But I also felt it was a very realistic portrayal.
This is by far new favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Cancer, Suicide, and Suicide attempt