The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid

Today's review is of a massive hit here on the internet. In all honesty, this book has been reviewed so many times that I'm unlikely to say anything very original about it, but here come my thoughts nonetheless...

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows Monique Grant, a junior writer for magazine The Vivant who is approached by legendary but reclusive Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo, now an elderly lady, to write an exclusive piece about her life. After Hugo's years of silence, Monique is flabbergasted to be chosen for this huge honour - why would a film star choose a junior writer, with whom she has no known link, to tell her tale to the world?

Through Monique, we are provided with an in-depth portrait of Hugo's outrageous life and career spanning several decades, and seven notorious husbands. Interspersed within the memoirs are the tribulations Monique faces in her own life and relationships, which hearing Evelyn's story helps her to navigate. There are no shortage of plot twists, cliffhangers and surprises within the pages of this book and readers are definitely kept on the edge of their seats.

As this is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, I was unsure what to expect. I am often wary of hugely hyped books like this one in fear of being disappointed, yet this did not let me down. It comprises both the glamour, scandal and luxury of the Hollywood film industry in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, whilst tackling very relevant issues of domestic abuse and LGBTQ+ rights.

Despite the book's title which can seem to suggest a straightforward narrative, this really does have something for everyone - and I would highly recommend it!