The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

After reading and loving Daisy Jones and the Six, I had to try another book by Reid, andI was not disappointed with her writing. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was just as engrossing and descriptive as my first foray into this author’s work.  And as much as I transported into the music world of the 70s, Reid does wonders with Hollywood over the decades…

Evelyn Hugo is quite a character. After captivating audiences for decades, she had been out of the public eye for many years. But she reaches out to a virtually unknown journalist, and makes a deal with her to write her biography. Monique Grant is a woman who has paid her dues as a blogger to now writing at the very trendy magazine Vivant. Her personal life is on the rocks with a separation from her partner, and she knows that this deal with Hugo might be the career move she needs.  There’s a reason Hugo chose Grant… and that question provides some great tension throughout, along with the inevitable question: Why so many husbands?!?!?!

In their interview sessions Evelyn relates the story of her move out west from Hell’s Kitchen and her subsequent start in industry. From one film to the next, some are successes and some are flops, and with each part of the story, Reid/ Hugo relates a very poignant lesson or insight into life. It’s a rich narrative that dives into abuse, sexuality, and a drive for perfection and success. Each part of her life is broken up with articles from tabloids reporting her dalliances or her successes. This cuts to themes of storytelling and manipulation of the word. Many good layers to this one!

I think the big difference for me between these Daisy Jones and Seven Husbands is that I’m just not that big a fan of Hollywood. I don’t watch many films and have almost no interest in the actors and actresses of the big studio era of Hollywood. Yet, I have great love of rock music. And beyond Reid great writing, that is what connected me to Daisy Jones.

Recommended for those of a love of film, historical fiction, and truly fine writing.