Score: 5/5 Bookmarks

I have no idea why it took me so long to read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, because it is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.

I completely fell in love with the characters and the book had me laughing and crying and wishing it would go on forever.

I won’t spoil it for you but there were twists I didn’t see coming and even when I had to put it down (because...life) I would find myself thinking about it.

I adored getting a glimpse into Hollywood in the ‘50s, and Reid paints such a wonderfully vivid picture you’ll almost think you were there.

I actually listened to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as an audiobook and while it wasn’t the best audio I’ve listened to this year (I’ve liked these narrators in other books but this performance felt disjointed, and like the volume levels and speed had been messed with in parts 🤷‍♀️) the story sucked me in enough that I didn’t care too much.

I really loved Daisy Jones and the Six (also by Taylor Jenkins Reid), and didn’t think it would be possible for me to love this one even more, but I do!

The book deals with issues of domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, and discrimination so be prepared if any of those are likely to be triggers for you.

Synopsis:

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. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means--and what it costs--to face the truth.