The title alone had us intrigued The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.  Immediately Elizabeth Taylor came to mind (but she actually married eight times – married Richard Burton twice).  Plus, we had read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel Malibu Rising last spring and enjoyed it. When we like a book, we look at other novels that author has written. And just like the first book we were smitten.

When Evelyn Hugo, an aging star, who can still work a room, a movie set, and anything else she so desires, wants you to write her memoir – what’s a journalist to do?  Monique Grant is shocked when Evelyn asks her to not only write her memoir but to keep all proceeds from its sale. Monique is just starting her career and not a well-known entertainment journalist or author. Anyone would jump at this astounding offer, and she does with apprehension. Why me? (Of course, there is a reason – you’ll find out at the end).

Evelyn is all charm but with an edge. We follow her on her journey to stardom. As her darkest secrets are laid bare and the story concludes we are once again shown that no one has it all. We all suffer. We all grieve. We all do not get what we want. It’s about making the best of your live regardless.

We really liked this book.  We had fun visiting old Hollywood.  And appreciated how hard it must have been for so many to live their authentic lives. We talked about Elizabeth Taylor and about the tragedy of Marilyn Moore, among others.  We loved the fact that Evelyn wasn’t perfect. She did some stupid things. Some bad things. Who doesn’t have flaws?

And by the way:  Our book club has absolutely picked Harry as our hands down favorite husband.  Although….(don’t want to ruin the story).

Enjoyable.

Rating: 8.0

Photo by Vlad Bagacian on Unsplash