SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO Paperback – 29 May 2018

It is a coincidence that I read this book during the Pride month this year! I had not planned on it, neither did I read the reviews (with spoilers) about what exactly the plot is about. And yet, this turned out to be a pleasantly surprising read – one that certainly exceeded my expectations. This is also the first time that I read Taylor Jenkins Reid and I happened to like the way she plots. Clever, definitely quite clever.The saga of Evelyn’s seven husbands evolve with the story and a chapter is dedicated to each of them, rather her period as a wife with each of them. I think it is fair to have had sections segregated to explain the plot chronologically, but I have just a qualm – one or perhaps two felt a little overkill.Regardless, it is a good book in most aspects about a story that needed to be told. It felt good to read that Evelyn and her friends contributed to the LGBTQ movements as early as the 1960s-70s, even if it is fiction.Recommended for readers of intense fiction.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an opulent tale of love, ambition, and fame set against the glitz and shadows of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It tells the story of the glamorous yet fiercely independent Evelyn Hugo, a starlet whose personal journey spans decades, marriages, and profound self-transformation.What makes this novel truly unforgettable is Evelyn herself: flawed, fiercely human, and unapologetically bold. Reid crafts a devilishly compelling character who remains relatable even as she makes morally complex decisions. The framing device—a journalist named Monique, chosen to tell Evelyn’s story—adds intrigue and layers of poignancy, ultimately linking their lives in unexpected ways.Reid’s lush yet accessible prose divides the story into sections corresponding to Evelyn’s seven husbands, each representing a phase in her evolution. Through these relationships, the novel explores societal norms, personal sacrifices, and the cost of survival in an unforgiving world.While the glittering world of Hollywood serves as the novel’s backdrop, its core themes are universal: the pursuit of love in all its forms, the search for identity, and the toll of ambition. The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships is heartfelt and beautifully written, offering voices to stories often erased from history.If there’s a slight drawback, it’s that Monique’s storyline feels less developed compared to Evelyn’s richly detailed narrative. Still, this minor issue doesn’t detract from the book’s overall impact.In summary, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a haunting and unforgettable read that will stay with you long after the final page. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, richly drawn characters, and poignant love stories.

A beautifully written book with strong female characters and a great story! I buddy-read this one, and we could not put it down once we started reading it. Evelyn Hugo is one of the best fictional characters I have read about in a long time.This is my second book from Taylor Jenkin’s Reid (TJR) and one thing I noticed in both books is how she writes various characters in depth and has a way of making them feel relatable. As a reader, I understood each character’s nature and the reason for their decisions. Evelyn Hugo is unapologetic, ambitious, and passionate and will do whatever she must to protect her career and the people she loves. As much as this book is about Evelyn, it is also about her relationships and the one defining relationship of her life. Each character develops and grows as the story moves forward, and I love how TJR has captured this in her writing.I enjoyed the historical fiction side of it, exploring the nature of Hollywood from the 1950s to the 1980s, how it was for women, and how it was for an LGBTQ+ person. The story is interspersed with tabloid articles of Evelyn from her time as an actress and the chapters she is narrating to Monique. It was amusing to read how far apart the tabloid gossip and the actual truth were.I haven’t mentioned anything about her seven husbands in the review because none of them stood out to me except Harry Cameron, and if you have read this book, let me know if you felt this too. This is a book about relationships, love, loss, and loyalty.I highly recommend this book to historical fiction and romance lovers! This is easily one of my top reads from 2022.

One of the most impacful book i have ever read, the charecters all feel so alive (but they are not) the moment i read it i cannot put it down. Suspenseful, heartwrenching and most of all an empathizing story. I absolutely love it!

Enjoyed reading it.. many pages made me think, laugh, cry.. each character was well built and so captivating.. good description for every emotions..Beautiful way to talk about love, cry, sadness, breakup, etc..