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

Publisher: Atria

Released: 2017

Source: Library

Pages: 391

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

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 in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways. 

My Thoughts:

Ever come across a book that you wish would pause time so you can just read? This was that book for me. I wanted to put every thing on hold, and just read. Evelyn Hugo's story was truly mesmerizing. I couldn't get enough. I was hooked! Warning: You will want to binge read this book. Evelyn has no one left, her daughter has passed and she's ready to finally tell her story. She's stayed out of the media, kept a low profile and Monique is summoned to write her biography. As we go through Evelyn's life, and each story, you get caught up in her world of glamour but also heartbreak. She came from nothing; when her mother passed away, she was desperate to get away from her abusive father. Her mother always told her Hollywood would be a way out, and Evelyn found her way out. She was ruthless and made sure that she got what she wanted.  There are many layers to this story, and each one is unique and nothing that you would expect as a reader. I felt like I was kept in the dark throughout the story, because I didn't know what was coming next.

Monique is essentially an unknown journalist and she can't figure out why Evelyn would request her. Why would Evelyn want her to write her biography? She could auction this for millions, and it doesn't make sense.  Monique's impending divorce also makes her story compelling. She gave up on her marriage because she couldn't give up on New York and being a writer. Was it all worth it? Monique doesn't know if she can trust Evelyn, and at times she's a very unlikable person and Monique has to decide what to do with this story. 

I've read a few Taylor Jenkins Reid books and I her books are fantastic. I love her style, her intricate stories force you to question the characters and their situations. If you've read Reid before, you won't be disappointed with this book. Sit down, get comfortable because you're in for a good ride.