Book review - the seven husbands of evelyn hugo

I had promised that I would do a review of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and here it finally is. It took me a while, because I felt like this book needed to sit with me for a little bit before I could offer a frank review. Now, a couple months later, I can truthfully say that this was one of my best reads of 2020 – if not THE best. 

​I originally picked up this book because I kept hearing about it. People were publishing raving reviews and the title seemed to be on everyone’s lips. My fear of missing out kicked in and I started to feel seriously out of the loop. I ended up throwing it in my virtual cart at the end of an Indigo shopping session (my favorite self-care). Even after receiving it, I placed it in my bookshelf and it took several weeks before I finally picked it up and started reading it. Truth be told, I shamelessly judge a book by its cover (I know, I know!) and this cover isn’t the most interesting or artistic. 

​However, once I opened the book and actually started reading it instead of treating it like a painting, I was blown away. Taylor Jenkins Reid has a writing style that sucks you in the minute you lay your eyes on the page. 

Evelyn Hugo, a well-known actress, hires young journalist Monique to document her life story. Unsure of what is expected of her and why the Hollywood star chose her specifically, Monique embarks on a journey that would take her back to Old Hollywood, when Evelyn Hugo’s name was being made. The story is told based on Evelyn’s seven marriages, each of them shaping her life and contributing to the whirlwind of gossips she lives in.

​I got very involved in the story – probably more than I should have. The book is divided in 7 sections, one for each husband, and after each fragment, I would do a little recap for my fiancé – who got really involved in the story as well. We talked about Evelyn Hugo’s crazy stories like she was a real person. It’s one of the great things about this book: the characters, the locations, the situations… Everything seems so real. There is no doubt in my mind that the characters in this book truly exist somewhere. You get terribly attached to some of these characters, because they are described like real, complex people. My favorite was by far Harry; his singular union with Evelyn made me cry more than once. I think this book is a beautifully tragic representation of the types of sacrifices actors have to make. Even without fully knowing what goes on in Hollywood, you can safely assume that these situations, taken separately, have all happened to multiple people evolving in the glamorous world of movie-making. 

​Obviously, since Evelyn is recounting her life story, the book involved a whole lot of flashbacks, which I’m not usually a fan of. I usually get lost in them, or I have way more interest in the modern storyline. However, time is used beautifully in this novel. The flashbacks are where most of the story takes place, so they almost feel like present times. In addition to that, Monique – who evolves solely in the present – is mysterious enough that you want to know more about her. Both eras have a crucial importance in the story; they complement each other instead of fighting for attention. This book is crafted with such care, the time transitions are seamless and effortless. 

​The ending of this incredible story is part of what makes this novel one of a kind. All the puzzle pieces come together, but at the same time everything seems to fall apart. As Evelyn makes her ultimate confession, Monique becomes the star of the story, with a heavy burden on her shoulders. When you finally close the book for the last time, you have a lot to think about, with black and white images swirling around in your head. 

​This is not a tough read by any means. While some topics can be quite heavy, it is written in a way that feels warm and inviting. This story is told like real life is; with nuances and grey areas, good guys that become bad guys, and bad guys that become good. To me, this was a great reminder that everything that happens to you is part of a bigger picture. All the elements of our lives can influence each other, and the best part is that we get to decide what we make of them. I find comfort in knowing that no matter your story, you can make it beautiful.

​This book was a 5 stars for me. I’m sure that I’ll read it over and over, and I bet that I’ll find something different in it every time. Finally, I think this book would make a great movie, because it is jam-packed with action, but also with moments of serendipity that make you want to keep on watching.

​That being said, until Evelyn Hugo makes it to the big screen, we’ll keep on reading.

Much love,

I want to hear from you! Let me know your thoughts down below. Have you read this book? What did you think?