The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid

After reading quite a heavy book (Sadie by Courtney Summers), I decided to find a book that I thought maybe a little lighter. Hence my fourth read of the year, The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

However, this novel definitely was not a super light read. 

We start with a journalist, who is struggling in her life with a recent separation from her husband and her career seems to have already peaked a while ago. She has little motivation and flare in the work she produces and her boss is all too aware of her weaknesses.

To her surprise, she lands what at first is called an interview with classic Hollywood star Miss Evelyn Hugo. Taylor Jenkins Reid writes Hugo exceptionally well. We can instantly feel her powerful presence in the book before the character is properly introduced. Evelyn Hugo is now a matured lady, but she is known for her limelight in 50s Hollywood. 

Journalist, Monique, is beyond blown away that the Evelyn Hugo has asked her specifically for her interview. Her peers and the press are equally surprised, as there are far more famous journalists at Hugo's dispense. Everyone is baffled. Hugo hasn't done an interview in years. She is deeply secretive, but her past is recorded scandalously by the press back in her prime - which we later learn, she is fully aware of and used to her advantage.

Upon first impressions, we don't particularly like Hugo's character. We know the rumours, the affairs and her unapologetic nature. All points we later discover is a huge misconception. 

Monique arrives to interview Hugo. When the pair meet, Hugo comes across as quite cold and cut off. However the intent is all revealed. Hugo does not want an interview with the magazine. She wants a biography, written and published by Monique. As the reader - even we are surprised. Hugo, for the first time in her life, wants a tell-all of her life story. The scandals, Hollywood and her seven husbands. But why Monique?

At their next session, the stakes are discussed, Monique will have to quit her job at the magazine to fulfil this work. The biography would be a huge success. Hugo decided it would be sold to the highest bidder and there had been an established worth - $12m. However, it is only to be sold after Hugo passes away. And at this point, we don't know enough about Hugo's character to know that she won't pull out. 

The interviewing persists, with this decision ongoing in the background. We tune into the beginning of Evelyn's life. We learn of her broken poor home upbringing and how when she hit 14, she realised she could utilise her gender and assets to her advantage. Her dream had always been Hollywood - so there, she climbed the ladder. 

Her foot into fame wasn't an innocent one. We learn of the dark side of Hollywood and how she had to be ruthless. 

Two husbands in, she meets gal pal Celia during her second (and abusive) marriage. At first, they use each other for fame and paint on a friendship for the press. After, Evelyn and Celia become close. Very close.

The reader can quickly pick up on the romantic tension between the two. This forbidden love does unfold at an afterparty, whilst her scummy husband is cheating on her. Evelyn cares more about where Celia is than what she knows her husband is up to. 

Evelyn is told by a friend that Celia is a lesbian. This ignites the realisation that Evelyn is in love with Celia. She finds her, they are alone in a cupboard, and they share a kiss. And so the forbidden affair starts.

Taylor Jenkins Reid perfectly captures the secrecy that was absolutely necessary about this romance. If they were found out, they would lose everything and even have to face the law. 

We see how this causes immense difficulty and frustration in their relationship. But their love for each other is extremely intense.

Hugo says Celia was her true love. We, as the reader we know it is true. 

Without spoiling everything. I will say this is an absolutely heart wrenching piece of work. This is not a cliche Hollywood tale. This is a story of life and death. It took me a few days to really get over this book. 

A five star out of five read.