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

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a genius, and there's no other way to say it. This book is one of the finest I have ever read and it kept me hooked till the last chapter.

Somehow, the author managed to portray the dark side of hollywood, racial struggles, loss of cultural heritage and identity, lgbt+ struggles, best friend love, struggles of an actor, fighting with yourself, parent-child relationships, women rights, self empowerment and what not at the same time so beautifully, without making anything looked rushed or clumsy.

Everything was so wonderful. Evelyn was truly one of the smartest, the way she rose to fame, the way she knew how to play her cards, the things she did to protect Celia, Harry, her daughter, herself... She was truly an icon, hearing her speak was like being in the mind of someone truly influential and crazy, but in a genius way.

I truly fell in love with the side characters. Celia and Evelyn had such a true love, that despite the years apart, despite the breakups, they ended up together. How they proved marriage doesn't need anyone's approval. Harry being the most wonderful friend Evelyn could ever get, Connor brightening up their lives etc.

This book had the ability to make you feel emotions. The shock when you find out about Monique's father, the pain you feel for Celia when Evelyn slept with Max and had a daughter with Harry, the motivation you feel when Evelyn kept rising because instead of panicking, she thought properly, the ache to cry when John died, when he wasn't even a significant character, and everytime Evelyn talked about her emotions and understanding of the world, it felt like an intellectual speaking.

Her seven husbands... Their portrayals were so interesting and each one of them had a story behind them (Except Mick Riva, I believe) and so much.

When you think of someone meant to be famous, Evelyn Hugo is definitely the name to strike your head.

I said, “Doesn’t it bother you? That your husbands have become such a headline story, so often mentioned, that they have nearly eclipsed your work and yourself? That all anyone talks about when they talk about you are the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo?”

And her answer was quintessential Evelyn.

“No,” she told me. “Because they are just husbands. I am Evelyn Hugo. And anyway, I think once people know the truth, they will be much more interested in my wife.”