Will I love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?

I don’t usually like commercial fiction, but as an L.A. filmmaker, I found this story of a scandalous actress in Hollywood and her love affairs with men and women irresistible.

Told partly through the eyes of a young journalist interviewing a fading star, and partly through Evelyn Hugo’s own words, the intergenerational relationship also intrigued me: Would Evelyn’s influence on the younger, ambitious woman be beneficial, or lead to disaster?

I thoroughly enjoyed the many unexpected twists and turns between husbands and lovers in Evelyn Hugo’s life.

I was completely captivated by Evelyn Hugo’s ferocious determination to build her empire on her own terms.

I adore how she unapologetically uses the patriarchal systems of old Hollywood against themselves, wielding her beauty and marriages as calculated weapons to protect the women she truly loves. I couldn't put it down because Evelyn is so flawed yet brilliantly commanding; she never asks for permission or forgiveness.

It deeply moved me to see a story that celebrates female ambition and the unshakeable bonds between women, proving that true power comes from owning your own truth.

Nothing is accidental. Every word that you think is throwaway is part of the character build. Nothing is told. You have to link it. You have diverse characters without commentary. You have an understanding of motivation. You have illicit love. You have a challenging protagonist. What you think is true may not be true. You may glimpse real people, but you cannot say for sure. Unspoken truths. Secrets. Sex. Glamor.

Written from alternative viewpoints, it rounds out the real-life aspect that there is no truth because everyone’s truth is colored by their own bias. Again, it's unexpected and a fast… show more.

Visions of Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe danced in my head as I devoured this tale of romance and glamor set in Old Hollywood. Both a mystery and an epic love story, I found myself ravenous to know which one of Evelyn Hugo’s seven husbands was the love of her life. And why so many?

When the secret is revealed, I let out a little cry. Because, as you know, I am a sucker for forbidden love …

I couldn’t help but recommend this captivating book. Evelyn Hugo emerges as an extraordinarily complex figure, her life story both remarkable and inspiring. I have always been drawn to narratives of women fiercely pursuing their dreams, and Evenlyn’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success—achieved by any means necessary—is nothing short of riveting.

Reid’s masterful prose conveys every emotion with striking clarity, immersing me in the depths of grief and the warmth of love with each loss portrayed. This story celebrates the powerful bonds among women and reveals the profound beauty that such connections can create. Moreover, the… show more.

I loved how it immersed me in a time and place.

Simply the most original and compelling book I've read this year. Taylor Jenkins Reid creates a time machine that toggles back and forth from the present day to old Hollywood. Because of all the vivid characters and details, I honestly kept forgetting that this is a work of fiction. Although I was rooting for the narrator, I fell in love with Evelyn, which I think is the whole point of the book. Everyone falls in love with her. I especially enjoyed the tabloid healdines/articles that are peppered throughout the book. But beyond that I was struck by how Jenkins Reid… show more.

This book made me think about what it would be like to be a famous actress—the scandals, the romance, and the idea of constantly being watched. Taylor paints an impressive image of what a woman such as Evelyn Hugo would go through to make it in such a cutthroat world.

One wrong move could cause you to lose everything you worked so hard to achieve. The story had me hooked from the beginning, and I greatly enjoyed the little mystery she tossed in with Evelyn and why she chose Monique as her reporter. Scandal and mystery are always a… show more.

I love the way the book's two timelines run parallel until the two narratives kiss at the end. The intertwined plots move at a breakneck speed, which means that I didn’t have time to get ahead of the narrative.

Yes, the book has a big twist at the end, but I was invested in the characters long before I got there, which is so important for me to feel truly satisfied by the book.

The title alone had me intrigued. Who is Evelyn Hugo, and seriously…seven husbands?! We are transported back into the life of this legendary Hollywood actress as she decides, after living a reclusive life, to give a rare interview.

I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say this: there are secrets and struggles that provide the reader with a poignant look into what real forbidden love looks like and at what cost.