Book Review : 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I really loved this book. It's great to find a novel that you can't put down. I was intrigued to find out what the plot twist was at the end. Like a car crash waiting to happen you could feel something was coming.

The book follows the story of Evelyn Hugo, a legendary actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood, as she recounts her life and career to an unknown journalist named Monique Grant.

The novel is structured around Evelyn's seven marriages, each one revealing more about her personality, motives, and desires. Through Evelyn's eyes, readers are transported to the glamorous world of Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s, where power, money, and scandal are commonplace. Reid does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the era, and her vivid descriptions of the costumes, sets, and parties bring the story to life. I was shocked to find out that, even back then, marriages and relationships were almost pre-arranged in order to increase fame and fortune, and barely anything to do with love.

One of the strengths of the novel is its complex and layered characters. Evelyn Hugo is a flawed but compelling protagonist, whose drive and ambition mask a deep sense of loneliness and vulnerability. Monique Grant, the journalist who interviews Evelyn, is also a well-rounded character, struggling to come to terms with her own personal and professional challenges.

Evelyn's relationships with her husbands, who come from different ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations, shed light on the struggles and discrimination faced by marginalized communities in the entertainment industry. The novel also explores the societal pressures placed on women in Hollywood, and the sacrifices they are forced to make to maintain their careers.

Overall, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Reid's writing is emotive and powerful, and her characters are authentic and relatable. The novel is a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood and a reflection on the complexities of fame, love, and the human condition. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, and drama.