The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid has trended as one of the hottest books on #Booktok for nearly a year. As someone who used to work in a bookstore, I can attest that there were never enough copies of this book available. The gripping novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid takes place simultaneously in the present and the past.
As a small-time journalist in the Big Apple (NYC), Monique Grant often finds herself undervalued at work. That is, until she lands the story of a lifetime. Entrusted by old Hollywood movie star Evelyn Hugo, Monique gets the task of telling Evelyn’s life story. Spanning from the 1950s to 2017, Monique retells the most intimate details of Evelyn’s life. Most unforgettably, the stories of how she married seven husbands and how she lost them. The complexities of the characters make for a fascinating dynamic as the story unfolds. The world that thought it knew Evelyn’s story in truth did not know her at all.
The most engaging aspect of this novel is how it deals with social issues that are relevant to this day. Historically, racial minorities, the LGBTQ+ community and women have been mistreated and underrepresented. The story does not shy away from these issues but rather exemplifies them. The characters depict the pain of silence while knowing it’s the only option that they have. Jenkins Reid has a wonderful way of discussing these issues without making them a meaningless side plot. Unironically, the only part that I did not love about the novel was how short it was.
In all honesty, this book is not what you think you’re getting as a part of the “historical fiction” genre, but the journey is well worth it. The story revolves around how short life is and how easily love can slip away.
“The story revolves around how short life is, and how easily love can slip away.”
Note to readers: once you hit Chapter 56, do not stop reading. Set aside some time when you can sit, distraction-free, and finish out the book. The last few chapters will take you on an emotional roller coaster and you’ll want to have a fluffy blanket and a few tissues within arm’s reach. I am usually hesitant about trendy #Booktok novels, but the hype about Evelyn Hugo is spot on.