The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2nd April 2020
Genres: Historical fiction, contemporary fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased (new)
Trigger warning: domestic violence
Synopsis
Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell her life story and spill the tea on those infamous seven marriages and countless scandals. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant to write the story, no one is more surprised than Monique herself. Monique’s personal and professional lives are going nowhere at the moment, so she jumps at this opportunity to make a name for herself as a writer.
Invited into Evelyn’s sumptuous apartment, Monique is quickly absorbed and fascinated by the actress’ incredible story. From poverty in Brooklyn to a life of fame and fortune in Los Angeles, Evelyn Hugo seems to have lived a charmed life. But her story is also one of ruthless ambition, fear, determination and forbidden love. As her story comes to a close, Evelyn’s reasons for choosing Monique become clear, as do her motives behind finally sharing her story.
My thoughts
What a great book! It was a recommendation from a lovely fellow bookstagrammer when I asked for suggestions for my 2021 Reading Women Challenge. I am so glad she suggested this book, I loved it!
The book really flows and I think this is because it is separated into parts, each focusing on one husband. I loved the descriptors used for each husband as well. For instance, “Goddamn Don Adler” and “Poor Ernie Diaz”. These gave me an idea of what to expect from each husband and really set up the chapters to come.
I also really enjoyed the inclusion of tabloid articles throughout the story, at moments when there was a particular scandal or event. I found that these really helped to tie the story together and made it come alive.
The title refers to Evelyn’s seven husbands, and that was one of the things she was most famous for. But how many of them were real, loving relationships? And what about the great secret love of her life, which she could not share with the world? These were all so beautifully and richly described, as was the wonderful relationship between Evelyn and her best friend Harry. I loved it.
The surprise twist at the end had been building from the very beginning. I had my suspicions about what it could be, but I was really a long way off!
I would highly recommend this book, one of my favourite reads of the year, and I hope to read more from Taylor Jenkins Reid in future.
My rating: 4/5