Book review : The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Book Summary

On the brink of her eightieth birthday, legendary Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she insists on sharing her story with Monique Grant — a relatively unknown journalist working for a small magazine — no one understands her choice.

Monique, eager to seize this unexpected opportunity to boost her career, agrees. She listens with fascination as Evelyn recounts her life, including her seven marriages. What unfolds is a story of ambition, friendship, and forbidden love.

As the interviews progress, Monique gradually realizes that their lives may be more deeply connected than she ever imagined…

Book Review :  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I recently read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. For once, I have to say that BookTok did not disappoint. Although I’m often let down by overly hyped books, this one truly lived up to the buzz. The novel is simply brilliant!

It’s a story deeply rooted in themes of love, identity, secrecy, and fame.

Evelyn Hugo, a former Hollywood icon, opens up about her turbulent life and her many marriages. She was married seven times — yes, just like the title suggests. And that alone is already a fascinating premise. But what makes it even more intriguing is that she chooses to reveal the secrets of these marriages to Monique Grant, a journalist.

Evelyn’s decision to entrust her story to Monique — a relatively unknown journalist instead of a famous biographer — also introduces a compelling secondary narrative.

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The Themes Explored

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is not just a story of glamour and scandal. It also tackles deep and meaningful themes such as identity, love in all its forms, and the cost of fame. The book reminds us that behind every celebrity lies a person with their own struggles... and sacrifices.

The novel also explores sexual and ethnic diversity. Evelyn, who is of Cuban descent, faces a Hollywood ruled by narrow and exclusive beauty standards.

At that time, she is forced to hide her background and navigate her bisexuality in an industry that was highly intolerant.

As a reader with little experience in LGBTQ+ romances, I found that the author portrayed these relationships with great respect and intelligence, without relying on clichés — making the story engaging from start to finish. I felt just as immersed as I would have been in a traditional man-woman romance, and the narrative kept me hooked all the way through.

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Character Development

Evelyn Hugo is a complex character, masterfully portrayed. Her many marriages reveal different facets of her personality and motivations, with each husband adding a new layer to her life and the decisions she makes — often driven by her career and the need to survive in the ruthless world of Hollywood.

Monique, though more discreet, plays a crucial role in Evelyn’s story. Her personal growth is closely tied to the book’s final revelation, making her journey just as important and impactful.

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Writing Style

This was my first time reading a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I must say, her writing style is incredibly smooth and engaging. The chapters are short and beautifully paced, which made me eager to explore more of her work.

The main character, Evelyn, is refreshingly bold — fully aware of her charm and worth. The book goes far beyond a simple Hollywood saga and dives deep into the dynamics of power and ambition. The storytelling is so sharp, so realistic, that by the end, you can’t help but wonder if it was based on a true story.

That’s exactly what happened to me — I ended up doing a little Google search...

Is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo based on a true story?

It appears the book is loosely inspired by the life of Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, who, like Evelyn, had seven husbands and eight marriages (she married one of them twice). Of course, the author likely drew inspiration from multiple sources, but Elizabeth Taylor seems to be the most obvious reference.

Evelyn Hugo lived so many lives that her story could be a movie in itself...

Film Adaptation

Speaking of movies — yes, Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt the book. While I wasn’t sure at first whether it would be a film or a series (I could totally picture one episode per husband!), it turns out it will be a feature film (source: Allociné).

Given the length of the book, a film makes sense, but its structure could have made for a fantastic series.

Either way, I’m excited to see who will be cast and how this incredible book will be brought to life on screen.

Note: As of now, no official casting announcements have been made and no release date has been confirmed.

Conclusion

All in all, this book is a solid 10/10. If you're looking for your next great read, don’t miss out on this one!

And if you're always on the hunt for new book recommendations, check out our app Rovelia.io — with just a swipe, you can discover your next favorite read!

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