The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo caught my attention with its astonishing social media presence. Although the novel was published nearly 6 years ago, it has still remained a best seller. Recently, when ravishing reviews and recommendations for Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel made its way into my TikTok for you page, I knew I had to get my hands on it. To my surprise, the first page I read pulled me in until the last.

SUMMARY

EVELYN HUGO, now in her late 70s, was a Hollywood bombshell actress known for her famous films, her beauty and for being married seven times to seven different husbands. After stepping out of the limelight many years ago, Evelyn is finally ready to share her scandalous, glamorous and yet un-glamorous, life story. She makes an interesting choice in choosing Monique Grant, an unknown writer, to write her biography. Despite the confusion on why she was chosen, Monique jumps at the opportunity and listens to Evelyn's captivating past. From show business to reclusiveness, Evelyn shares her daring past of ambition, friendships and immense love. As Evelyn's story concludes, it is clear why she choose Monique as their lives share a particular something.

MY REVIEW

5/5 Stars ★★★★★

DISCLAIMER: This review will have no spoilers what-so-ever because I want everyone to discover this story on their own and also... Netflix is adapting it into a film. Needless to say if you won’t read it at least watch it.

• DISTRACTION~ A good book makes you forget your surroundings and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo did just that for me. Part of this distraction comes from Reid's incredible writing style of short chapters, softness and flow. The book took me to a different reality of old Hollywood glamour.

• REALIZATION~ The story line of Evelyn's past allowed me to discover a new type of love that doesn't involve cliché lust. The writing portrayed how "the one" can come from a strong and platonic friendship. The book allowed me to see that a "soul sister" or "twin flame" or "soul mate" can come from someone other than a romantic relation. Evelyn also shows that this type of love can be happier and more worth while than a romantic partner.

• SELFISHNESS & SELFLESSNESS~ Reid has Evelyn convey how ambition and guilt can go hand in hand. Evelyn's ambition and desire for fame leads her into disputes with who she loves, sticky situations and complex thoughts of perfectionism. Some of Evelyn's ambitious journeys caused her to have internal regret, which connects to the audience in a universal way as everyone can feel this.

• LUCK~ Luck is an apparent theme in this story and has caused me to wonder if luck and fate are the same or two different things. Throughout the novel, Evelyn states she was lucky -- everything happened from her luck. But it is up to our interpretation to decide if what's happened to her was fate, bad luck or good luck. The novel portrays that maybe good things can come from bad luck.

END

Evelyn's story takes readers on an emotional journey that is hard to leave without finishing the book. This book is now on my favorites list and will most likely stay there. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about the entertainment industry, enjoys a love story and a little mystery.

--- Victoria Trax