Book Review | The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a master of her craft when it comes to writing about fictional superstars.
See Daisy Jones and The Six! This time, we follow Hollywood movie star and global icon, Evelyn Hugo.
"Preternaturally beautiful and a paragon of glamour and daring sexuality, Hugo has long been a source of fascination for moviegoers the world over".
And it's true, Evelyn Hugo is the epitome of glitz, glamour and glory. Women want to be her, and men want to be with her. In her prime and still today, she is a beauty to behold with a past which boasts several blockbuster movies, several front-page scandals and several husbands – seven, to be exact.
Magazines would do anything to get an interview with Evelyn, which is why the prestige Vivant count their lucky stars as Evelyn agrees to do a feature. All on one condition and much to competitor's dismay, she will only specifically speak with Vivant's Monique Grant.
Monique is puzzled as to why she's cast as the chosen one to write such an exclusive feature. After a few meetings with Evelyn, she is given more than just a magazine article, in fact, a lifechanging opportunity arises as Evelyn request she writes her autobiography. But why did she chose Monique out of a bountiful talent pool of writers? What makes her so special?
Evelyn promises the answers will follow, and believe me, they do! In an addictive and enticing fashion, what follows is a delicious, juicy, and riveting tell-all on all things Evelyn Hugo. From Husbands, scandals and sex, to love, heartbreak and guilt - we get the whole lot.
Much like with Daisy Jones and The Six, I had to do a quick google search of Evelyn Hugo. She is purely fictional, which I already knew, but yikes Taylor Jenkins Reid does a fine job of creating such convincing characters.
I adored Evelyn Hugo! I cried for Evelyn Hugo, I smiled for Evelyn Hugo. I felt so much emotion for her. While Monique kicks off the novel, I was reading it for Evelyn, desperate to peel back all the intriguing layers that make up this unique, captivating and effortlessly chic lady.
This is the second book by Jenkins Reid that’s plot revolves around interviews and such, where the main stars of the show – in all their fame and fortune - are slowly revealed via peripheral characters, thus to the reader. I love this unique style as it really adds to the exclusive feel of Hollywood and its stars.
We hear how Evelyn married for many different reasons, but only two were really for love. One of which being public knowledge, resembling an unbreakable alliance with someone so dear. The other ‘forbidden’ love was strictly secret. Both of which were my absolute favorite for Jenkins Reid beautifully portrays the authenticity of Evelyn in love albeit in an era when the world is not quite ready for it. She is a human being, like us, with a lot of love to give.
“Please never forget that the sun rises and sets with your smile. At least to me it does. You’re the only thing on this planet worth worshipping.”
Reid, simply put, is an outstanding writer. I have read two books so far and both of which I could not put down. As tears were shed with this one, I felt incredibly moved and overall thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Evelyn Hugo – husbands and all. This work of romance promises to please and I bet you’ll be adding it to your top few too.