Book review-The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Action. Drama. Plot. Twists.

This latest read with an exciting title, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, was the perfect “time pass” novel. I found this book to be un-put-downable, addictive, heartfelt time travel in Hollywood—a story of Old Hollywood that's simultaneously gossipy and poignant.

Ready to share her life story, recluse Evelyn Hugo chooses unknown and unconfident reporter Monique Grant to write her biography full of Hollywood glamour and scandal. Invited to Evelyn’s home, Monique listens to Evelyn recall her life of fame, fortune, failed relationships, the journey of deceit, humiliation, friendship, and forbidden love. As Evelyn nears the end of her story, her life crosses with Monique’s heartbreakingly.

The book is written in mixed prose, varying from Monique’s point of view to flashbacks as Evelyn recalls past events. The novel also includes ‘articles’, which makes it feel like the reader is living in that time, reading a celebrity gossip page.

I recommend this book to those ready to be overwhelmed with the joy and privilege of encountering an exquisite and familiar yet uncommon story like this and being swept up in its magic.

Quotes of my liking from the book

“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”

“It’s always fascinated me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a beautifully selfless way while serving themselves ruthlessly.”

“When you're allowed to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn't give things; you take things.”

“No one is just a victim or a victor. Everyone is somewhere in between. People who go around casting themselves as one or the other are not only kidding themselves but also painfully unoriginal.”

“But accepting that something is true isn't the same as thinking it is just.”