☆ the seven husbands of evelyn hugo (a smol book review) ☆

☆ the seven husbands of evelyn hugo: a small book review ☆

----- spoilers ahead!! -----

title ☆ the seven husbands of evelyn hugo

author ☆ taylor jenkins reid

page count ☆ 389

genre ☆ romance, historical fiction

trigger warnings in the book ☆ sex, sexual assault, domestic abuse, homophobia, suicide, cheating, death, car accident

"Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways."

this book was absolutely stunning! the way it was written - a biography of a fictional character, and the story of a journalist writing it - was very unique and i have never read anything like it. it was entertaining, fast paced, and never boring. most of the characters were very likeable and well written.

although i was expecting seven husbands (hence the book title), i was not expecting one wife. evelyn hugo is revealed to be bisexual about halfway through the book. the love of her life was not, in fact, one of her husbands, but rather her "wife". its tragic because they could never get married, it simply wasnt socially acceptable, nor legal during the story (it takes place from the 50's to present). 

the ending is what really got me, though. the way the plot twisted in so many directions had me doubting if it would be tied together in the end. but the story did not turn into a torn and twisted ribbon, it was tied into a beautiful bow. overall, this book was great, i definitely recommend it!

my star rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

☆ i love how evelyn isnt constantly portrayed as perfect, and how she sacrificed love for her reputation, fame, and money. in the end, she had those three, but it could never amount to love.