Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library share their thoughts on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

About The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:

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.

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Book group review:

This is a very readable book, slow in the beginning but then picks up pace. It presents as being a focus on Hollywood glamour in the 50s and 60s, but as the story develops, it reveals the falseness and manipulation of the Hollywood set up, and the intricacies made to cover up secrets of personal life while maintaining public image.

The setting is American, but not the language. It shows the control of the film companies in their heyday with the main character having to deny her Cuban origins, change her name and her appearance. In also denying her sexuality, her whole life became an act with few genuine relationships.

Both female characters are strong women with weak male characters, other than Harry who was well-crafted. We thought that the relationship between Evelyn and Monique could have been further developed although Monique grows in confidence and maturity through her interactions with Evelyn.

Some of us found the book sad, but not very moving. For the secret revealed towards the end of the book, we all anticipated something different, but not the final twist.

Recommendation: Enjoyable read with many levels, not easily pigeon-holed in genre as it combines elements of mystery, exploring sexuality and a love story, but all of which stimulated discussion.

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