A review by ed_moore
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

“Life doesn’t get easier simply because it gets more glamorous”

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ shows the good, the bad and the ugly of the Hollywood life and explores the scandal behind all the money and fame through the eyes of superstar actor Evelyn Hugo as she sacrifices her identity and sexuality for stardom. It is written from the perspective of a tell-all interview with Monique who Evelyn hires to write her biography that is requested to be published after she’s died. 

In a book with focus on a woman’s seven marriages, there are many scenes of sex and exploitation, but the book plays the primary hook to be who was Evelyn’s true love among all these men. The conclusion of this was however very predictable and I also worked out the later twists. Even knowing there were seven marriages to get through at times the in and outing of relationships also felt very messy. It was enthralling however nonetheless. 

Evelyn was the protagonist but not the narrator, Monique took this role and the narrative would occasionally look at Monique’s personal life that I found myself really not caring for, it was a mundane among all the intensity of Evelyn. It didn’t take up huge chunks of the story though so this wasn’t too bad. 

Jenkins Reid makes comment on how riches will never guarantee happiness, and the slippery slope of greed and corruption that comes from stardom, and the lack of remorse for all that are hurt along the way.

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