The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo cover
Good Books rating 3.94
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1282
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9781501139246
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-06-13
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

Aging Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, known for her glamour and multiple marriages, chooses an obscure journalist, Monique Grant, to write her biography. As Evelyn recounts her journey from a young immigrant to a famous actress, she reveals the sacrifices, loves, and secrets that shaped her life. Monique becomes deeply connected to Evelyn's story, only to discover that their lives are intertwined in ways she never imagined. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the price of fame, blending the allure of old Hollywood with the harsh realities of the present day.

Reviews
She's Becoming Bookish · 2025-05-11
sweeping 4.75

The story is described as sweeping and emotional, with a lasting impact on the reader. The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to pull the reader in and leave a lasting impression.

The reviewer describes The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as a deeply emotional and sweeping narrative that stays with the reader long after the final page. They appreciate the book's ability to create a strong emotional connection and its exploration of themes such as love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The reviewer also notes the book's vivid and descriptive prose, which enhances the overall reading experience. The novel is seen as a powerful and unforgettable story that resonates on multiple levels.

Quick quotes

    The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a sweeping, emotional story that will pull you in and stay with you long after the last page.

    Taylor Jenkins Reid is an immensely talented author. Her prose is beautiful, vivid, and descriptive.

    I really enjoyed the format of this book, split between the events of the modern day in Monique's real life and her sessions with Evelyn Hugo.

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2024-02-04
enjoyable 3.50

The book is enjoyable and easy to read, but some readers found it lacking in deeper meaning.

This Reddit discussion highlights the book's accessibility and ease of reading, making it a pleasant experience for many. However, some users felt that the story lacked deeper themes or significant impact. Despite this, the book is generally well-received for its engaging narrative and relatable characters.

Quick quotes

    It is not the next great American novel but that being said, it was very enjoyable for me!

    I really enjoy easily read books without a ton of deeper meaning.

    I read it easily enough, but it's just....fine for me.

Lighthouse Writers · 2023-04-26
heartbreaking 4.50

The novel explores Evelyn's complex identity as a Cuban bisexual woman in a repressive culture, highlighting the societal challenges she faced.

This review delves into Evelyn's journey, emphasizing how her cultural and sexual identity shaped her experiences. The reviewer appreciates the depth of her struggles and the nuanced portrayal of her life. They also highlight how the novel effectively captures the essence of living in a repressive society, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    The novel covers the span of Evelyn's seven marriages, focusing much of its attention on how being both Cuban and bisexual in a repressive culture affected her.

    Taylor Jenkins Reid doesn't just tell Evelyn's story — she breathes life into her.

    It's glamorous, heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully written.

The Lit Bitch · 2022-09-01
mixed 3.00

The reviewer had mixed feelings about Evelyn but appreciated the twist on her husbands, which added depth to the story.

The reviewer found Evelyn Hugo to be a complex character, with whom they had a difficult relationship throughout the book. However, they were intrigued by the unique twists on her marriages, which added layers to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciated the exploration of Evelyn's humanity, making her a more relatable and flawed character.

Quick quotes

    I had a really hard time with her overall.

    I liked the twist on her husbands though.

    Without giving too much away there is one very big reason...

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