Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Book Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Number of Pages: 391

Audiobook Narrated by: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan and Robin Miles

Listening Length: 12 hours and 10 minutes

Goodreads rating: 4.41 (2,073,957 ratings)

Published in: 2017

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Summary

New York Times Bestseller
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Historical Fiction (2017)
2018 Audie Award Finalist for Multi-Voiced Performance

In this entrancing novel “that speaks to Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

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 jump-start 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 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.

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Praise for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:

“Riveting, heart-wrenching, and full of Old Hollywood glamour, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of the most captivating reads of 2017.”

“If you’re looking for a book to take on holiday this summer, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has got all the glitz and glamour to make it a perfect beach read.” —Bustle

“The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every female reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama.” — PopSugar

Quotes from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:

“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”

People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is ‘you’re safe with me’- that’s intimacy.

“It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.”

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo The Creative Muggle Review

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From the chapter itself, I was completely drawn into Evelyn’s story. The story of a great Hollywood star from the young age of fourteen to seventy-nine is so vivid and compelling. The interesting part about Reid’s writing is her ability to intricately develop her characters, allowing us to connect with them easily.

Another fascinating in the novel which really stood out for me was how Reid handled themes of love, loss, betrayal, and identity in a way that is both sensitive and honest.

And perhaps the best part about the book is the Hollywood glamour of the 1950s and 60s. Reid did an incredible job of of immersing the reader in the captivating world of old Hollywood.

Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an emotional, captivating and glamorous novel that will stay with you for a very long time. It’s definitely one of the top five books I have ever read.

I absolutely recommend the audio version of the book. This full cast narration was a treat to listen to. You can get a 60 days free trial on Scribd or get free trial on Audible to listen the book.

The Creative Muggle Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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What to read after The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?

If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo like me and looking for novels set in old Hollywood, or the similar glitz and glamour here are a few suggestions.

Explore more similar books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in here : 16 Books Like The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

About the Author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,and Malibu Rising. Her latest novel is Carrie Soto Is Back. Explore The Complete Book List of Taylor Jenkins Reid ( in order )