The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a melodramatic and salacious tale filled with Old Hollywood glamour and twist you’ll never see coming.
I listened to the audiobook for Daisy Jones & The Six in 2020 and was absolutely blown away. Not only has that novel taken the spot of my favorite audiobook ever, but it was also a brilliant story (review can be found here). I knew I wanted to listen to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to compare and contrast the author’s work along with the audiobook quality.
This was such an easy read because it was really dramatic and entertaining. Almost like… listening to a movie? The day that I took down all of my Christmas decorations, I had this blasting through my speakers to keep me company. Let me tell you, I didn’t even realize how much time had passed when everything was in boxes and put away. I was thoroughly enjoying myself!
Let me tell you just why this book is so grand.
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Why You Should Read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Below you can find my full and honest review. [TW: suicide, substance abuse, drug use, infidelity, abusive relationships]
βItβs always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.β
the seven husbands of evelyn hugo
“Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. When she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. Summoned to Evelynβs Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelynβs life unfoldsβrevealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden loveβMonique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelynβs story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Moniqueβs own in tragic and irreversible ways.” (Goodreads Synopsis)
This story was incredible. From the second I began listening until the last few lines in the book, I was on the edge of my seat. Reid clearly knows how to write a furiously intoxicating leading lady. Although, I can’t be sure I’d even give the title of “lady” to Evelyn Hugo. She was monstrous in so many ways, but she admits to that early on, without any regrets. Or so it seems.
I found myself totally baffled as to why she hired nobody-journalist, Monique, to write her whole life into a really entertaining – though potentially unflattering – memoir. We learn some terrible secrets about Evelyn in the last few chapters of the book. Secrets that had me literally gasping with shock and turning to anybody to scream, “THAT PLOT TWIST!” This is when we learn how unabashedly ballsy Evelyn truly was and what she thinks of herself in her later years. Do we learn who her true love was? Yes, yes we do – but it’s not who you might think.
Was this book better than Daisy Jones? That was the question I was asked many times upon finishing it. I can’t be certain of the answer. It held similar elements of drama, lust, spite, and betrayal. It was definitely different enough to be on its own plane of existence, however. I have given them both five-star ratings. If you’re curious which is better, I’d just say to read them yourself, but don’t be surprised if you feel the same way as I do: that they’re equally INCREDIBLE but also very different from each other. Oh – and they’ll make your head spin.
Side note about the narration: it didn’t have a full cast as Daisy Jones did, but it didn’t need one. There weren’t nearly as many POVs to follow, so I think it was well done, though not quite as epic of a performance.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or any of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s other books?
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Claudia says
Let me guess — she hired Monique because she’s in love with her! Masking her sexuality because of being in the public eye… I don’t know why I thought this book was about someone in the 1700s but clearly I was far off. The 20s are my favourite!
Stephanie Whitman says
Hahaha that would be quite the plot twist (especially considering the really massive age-difference), but it’s not even close! π You’ll just have to read the book to find out what the plot twist actually is!
Caitlin says
AH! I had to skim your review because I have this book just waiting to be read on my bedside table – from the looks of it you enjoyed it and I really hope I do too! Always love your book reviews π
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh, there are no spoilers! I would’ve mentioned that at the beginning if there were π But I do hope you enjoy the book. It’s incredible!
Tanvi Rastogi says
I had read it last year. While I really enjoyed the story and the bold/strong characters I felt the ending was rushed and the twist was a little incomplete. But a great read nonetheless.
β₯ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so sorry to hear that you didn’t prefer the ending. I thought it was well-done (clearly), but everyone is entitled to their own opinions, of course! π
Katie says
I keep meaning to read this book, heard such great things about it!
Stephanie Whitman says
Well, clearly I love it and highly recommend it, so you can just add my “great things” to your list π
Lucy says
This book sounds like it has a lovely story and I like the sound of the main characters also! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s certainly a good book, but I wouldn’t say it’s very “lovely” as it’s a super intense and dramatic plot!
Kim says
I just finished a book and was a looking for a new one to read. I just added this one to my list! Thanks for the recommendation…It sounds right up my alley!
xoxo,
Kim
Stephanie Whitman says
Oooh glad my blog post could come at the perfect time! I highly recommend this one! It’s a phenomenal story.
Raji says
Sounds like you really enjoyed this book! I keep meaning to read it and I’m hoping to get to it in the next couple of months. Great review!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s amazing! Such a great story with a phenomenal plot twist that I totally wasn’t expecting (and I’m the type of person to see a plot twist coming from a mile away)!
Mykki says
Oooh, I bet good money I could figure out the plot twist in the first few chapters! I’ve already got some ideas but I won’t say them here in case I accidentally spoil it for anyone…
I thought, from the title, this would be a boring, average piece of literary fiction – but if its pace is like a Hollywood drama this might be worth checking out!
Stephanie Whitman says
See, that’s exactly how I usually am. I figure out the plot twist immediately, so I was shocked that this one surprised me as much as it did. I definitely wasn’t expecting it (and I’m the type of annoying person to be able to know a plot twist at the beginning of a series)! Haha! I hope you do read it π
Lizzie says
This book sounds totally up my alley! I love stories that take place in certain time periods. Putting this on my list!!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Aaaand it’s a great audiobook, so it’ll work perfectly if you decide to try those out at some point π
LoΓ―ne says
This review was incredible!!! You got me all high hopes for this book and I hope it will match my expectations!
Stephanie Whitman says
I sure hope that you end up loving it as much as I did!
Lee says
LOVE a good book with a complex, strong leading lady!
Stephanie Whitman says
Me too! Evelyn is certainly that. I loved her and hated her all at once (with lots of other emotions in-between haha)
Taylor says
I LOVED Daisy Jones (one of my top books of 2020) and I need to listen to this one. Putting the audio on hold from my library right now so I can listen to it soon!
Stephanie Whitman says
Daisy Jones was one of my top picks for 2020 and my favorite audiobook of all time! I definitely think if you enjoyed that you’ll enjoy this one too!!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
This sounds like a really interesting book! I may have to check it out! Also, I’ve only ever listened to one audiobook in my life. This review definitely makes me want to listen to more!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh! I love audiobooks with my whole heart, but I only try to recommend ones that are really well-done. This one has a great performance (not quite like Daisy Jones & The Six, but still good) and the story is AMAZING.
Rach says
This book has been on my TBR list for awhile now. I still need to read it! For sure will need to be read asap!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh! Yes, you definitely do need to read it! It’s so good!
Mica says
It sounds like an interesting book and it’s great you enjoyed it, although with those warnings it might be a bit too heavy for me! I got a book from the opshop once and was really enjoying it then right near the end one of the characters died and I was in tears! I had a horrible sleep that night, as I read before bed, it wasn’t the kind of relaxing unwinding read I needed, haha!
Hope that you are having a good weekend π Another hot one here!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s totally understandable. I’m very sensitive, especially to triggers related to death/suicide, but this book did a really good job of handling those elements. If you ever do check it out, let me know what you think. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Alexis Gauthier says
I’m so glad that you loved this! It seems like a lot of people love it, so maybe it’s finally time I give it a try? I’m always nervous with hyped up adult novels since I usually stick with YA!
Stephanie Whitman says
I can relate to that! Up until last year, I pretty much never read adult fiction, but TJR’s books have both been winners so far and I plan to read more of her work in the future. They’re just so well-written.
Stephani says
This sounds so intriguing!!! She hires Monique bc moniques husband left her for Evelyn?!?! Haha!! Iβll have to read/listen to this one!!
Xo, Steph
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! It’s fun to see what people think the plot twist is going to be before they read it. Now you definitely need to read to find out if you’re right or wrong π
Rebevca says
I read this one before I read Daisy Jones and I have to say I liked it better! It might be because Evelyn Hugo was for a book club and we had such fun discussing it. Love them both but this book just really got me for so many reasons!
Xx Reb // http://www.rebeccapiersol.me
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s such a great book. I can definitely see why it would be fun for a book club!
Deborah says
I’m on the waitlist at the library for this book because, like you, I REALLY loved Daisy Jones and the Six! I can’t wait to read it!
Stephanie Whitman says
Ooh I hope you enjoy this when you read it! Let me know what you think of the plot twist π
Sarah says
I read this book and loved it too! I thought it was very well done and quite different from any book Iβve read before. I loved how it went back and forth from the two different point of views. And I did not see that plot twist coming until a little before it was revealed!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s certainly a unique book. The author does an amazing job writing creative and dramatic stories. Have you also read Daisy Jones & The Six?
Greta says
I love all your book reviews. Adding this to my library list!
Stephanie Whitman says
I hope you love it when you do get a chance to read it. It’s phenomenal! And I highly recommend Daisy Jones & The Six as well π
Anita says
This seems like a really good book to read. I like the title and the plot. It seems interesting.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a wonderful book and clearly, I highly recommend it π I hope you do check it out in the near future.
Jenny in Neverland says
I haven’t read this book or anything from this author actually but I’ve heard SUCH great things so I’m definitely going to be adding it to my TBR list. I might treat myself for Valentine’s Day π xxx
Stephanie Whitman says
There’s a reason it’s so hyped. I’m not usually one to love a hyped book, if I’m honest, but this one lives up to it! I hope you do treat yourself!
Katie says
How have I not heard of this book? It sounds amazing!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m not sure! It’s really popular! But now I understand why – it’s seriously phenomenal. I definitely recommend it.
Amanda says
This was one of my absolute favorite reads from last year. The plot twist (twists?!) was so good and it was a well-written book all around. Iβm looking forward to reading Daisy Jones as I heard that is an excellent read as well.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s such an incredible book and so beautifully written. If you liked this, you’re definitely going to love Daisy Jones & The Six (I highly HIGHLY recommend the audiobook for that one)!
Jennifer L Prince says
I need to check into this! I love it when an audiobook can do the real book justice – sometimes audiobooks can be boring, but this sounds so good. So does Daisy Jones & The Six – I need to listen to them both!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m a huge fan of audiobooks and rarely find them boring. However, some are just far superior to others! Daisy Jones was definitely in the superior category, but Evelyn Hugo was just an all-around excellent book! I think it’d be great to enjoy in any format!
Gail says
Added this to my to-read list this year! I’ll also check out the audiobook. Tbh, I never tried audiobooks because I think it will make my mind wander while listening to it. But I was hooked when you said it seems like listening to a movie! Thank you for sharing this. π
Stephanie Whitman says
Audiobooks are phenomenal – but I know they can be challenging for some people. I highly recommend this one and Daisy Jones & The Six (my favorite audiobook EVER and often compared to a podcast) if you’re looking to get into audiobooks at all.