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

Synopsis:

Ageing 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 jumpstart 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 a 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.

Review:

Taylor Jenkins Reid, you have done it again. Every time she manages to rip my heart out but I’m ok with it. Her books have some strange hold over me that means no matter how sad they make me I still adore them. This is only my third read of hers but I’m yet to give her a rating of less than four and a half stars.

Evelyn Hugo, you are an incredible (devious) woman and I love you. Her character was so raw and real, something that Taylor excels at. Every time I read one of her books I find myself questioning constantly if they are based on real-life people and events. They never are but you could have fooled me. There’s something so immersive about her writing style that I literally lap up anything she tells me.

It’s so hard for me to explain why I loved this book so much. It just made me feel things, you know? The characters were so easy to connect with and at times I really felt like I was there. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style has a personable quality to it that makes it seem like she is writing this book just for you.

The twists and turns in this are not ones that I would have ever guessed and Evelyn really did keep everyone in her life on their toes at all times. She was very complex and you never knew what she was thinking.

One part I really liked was how Monique started making changes in her life after meeting Evelyn. She was on the fence about whether or not to leave her husband but after hearing about Evelyn’s failed marriages she finally found the courage to do what she wanted. Monique was a really interesting character and I would love to see more from her.

Although I adored The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo I’m going to put it in second place in terms of Taylor’s works. I’m not sure anything will beat Daisy Jones & The Six for me but here’s to future releases giving it a good go. I can’t wait to check out Carrie Soto Is Back when it releases next week.