I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid
To understand Evelyn Hugo, think about the gorgeous stars from the golden age of Hollywood—Mariyln Monroe, Audrey Hepburn—whose existence and allure have in time turned them into true icons, household names, dorm room posters, everlasting symbols of something greater. That is what Evelyn Hugo is. Everyone knows who she is. Her scandals, seven husbands, every photoshoot, and every film are all public, but much like her nearly nude scene in Boute-en-Train, everyone wants to see more. Now, at 79 years old, Evelyn is ready to tell all. Monique Grant, a journalist for Vivant magazine, doesn’t know why Evelyn wants her specifically to tell Evelyn’s story, but the opportunity is too big to pass up.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a historical fiction that tells Evelyn Hugo’s life story while also capturing a critical moment in Monique’s life. In present day Monique interviews Evelyn over a series of days, asking the questions that millions of Evelyn’s fans have clamored to know for decades. For instance, of the seven men Evelyn married, which was the love of her life? Evelyn recounts the full scope of her career and personal life, the public scandals, and heartbreaks behind closed doors. And let me tell you, this work of fiction read like the juiciest, richest tell-all that would quench even the nosiest of us.
Reid accomplished multiple feats with this book. She told one of the most fantastically dramatic and enthralling books I’ve read, but she also told a grounded human story, examining the complicated intersection of ambition and love. Evelyn did not secure her success without sacrifices, strategy, and doggedly bringing her goals to fruition. There is no narrative lull to be found, the plot is packed to the brim and nearly impossible to predict what happens next. I finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in a day and still couldn’t bear to move on, so I re-read it until I could. Reading a tell-all about a fictional person, scratches the itch of wanting to know all the sordid details without the shame of intruding on a person’s life. And if that sounds like your cup of tea then get sipping!