A Romance novel mixed with a little bit of historical and psychological fiction

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” written by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a fictional telling of an old Hollywood star named Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn Hugo, a world renowned movie star was known for her unforgettable performances, daring sensual appeal and craziest of all, her seven husbands. 

Evelyn Hugo, truly known as Evelyn Herrera was a Cuban actress who was known for her silk green gowns, beautifully tan skin and bright blond hair. Her looks and aesthetics blew people away. At an extremely young age, Evelyn learned what it took to become famous in Hollywood and she was ambitious about it without regard to the dangers of entertainment. By her late teens, she was already a star. 

The story is set in both the eyes of Evelyn Hugo herself and Monique Grant, a young, ambitious journalist working for a corporate newspaper. Monique is sent by her newspaper company to write a short piece about Evelyn’s recent decision to auction off some of her famous gowns in order to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. When Monique arrives at Evelyn’s, she is presented with an entirely new idea. Evelyn wants Monique to write a biography spilling the secrets of her fame and true self, something completely unexpected. Monique is left shocked and confused but jumps into the project. Given such a rare opportunity, Monique spends every waking minute listening to Evelyn’s story and what makes her so special, but Monique remains suspicious of why she of all journalists and writers in the world would be chosen. 

This story takes place from the 1950’s all the way to present time and it jumps from each year of her story to the time she is telling it. Within each layer of Evelyn’s story, she reveals her past husbands and her experiences in those marriages. Nearing 80 years old, Evelyn wants the world to know her true story and her true love. 

To say I loved this book is a huge understatement. On a personal note, I have never read a book quite like this. I went into reading this book unaware of the plot. I was silly to have simply seen my name on the cover of this book and picked it out. Though once I had started the book, I realized how understandable and clear Reid’s writing is and why people love it. There is a rave on this book for a reason.

While reading, I fell in love with Evelyn’s character. She is extremely complicated and I found myself trying to pick apart each piece of her personality and reason for her actions. She is unapologetic, confident and ruthless and although she is not real, I admire her deeply. Even though she seemed so perfect and ravishing, she was incredibly human. She had her faults, and she wasn’t always the kindest. Still, I think one of the reasons this book stood out to me was because I felt very connected to Evelyn. One of Taylor Reid’s magical talents. 

I became really invested in Evelyn’s story and her growth. This isn’t exactly your classic romance novel. Evelyn married seven men and divorced frequently, almost as if it were nothing. Some marriages were real love, others were platonic and reading this will help you to figure out who her true love was. Believe me, you’ll want to know. 

Through all of Evelyn’s best times and worst times I learned not to be afraid and to do what it takes to achieve what I want. This book taught a lot of lessons. Evelyn Hugo was a bold and fierce woman. She wanted what she wanted and always took it by the hand. In some ways, she was very blunt but not the type to upset someone. Her words always made people rethink themselves and change for the better. 

It was pretty incredible to read about someone’s entire life and finish those last pages realizing it wasn’t real, but the one thing that I realized is very real about this novel is the feelings you will experience when flipping from page to page. In all honesty, I’d like to believe that Evelyn Hugo does exist. 

I try not to be too dramatic about this novel, but of every book I have ever picked up in my life, I think this one will stick with me the most. Evelyn Hugo’s character represents ambition, resilience and drive. All qualities of a strong woman. This book is powerful and moving, and I honestly believe that anyone who reads this will truly love it to the core.

…

Rating: 10/10

Favorite Quotes: 

“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”

“When you’re given the opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn’t give things, you take things.”

“I spent half of my life loving her, and half of my life hiding how much I loved her.”

“Show me the real you, then, and I’ll make sure the world understands.”