The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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💚 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Full Review + Spoilers

“Old Hollywood secrets, forbidden love, and seven husbands later… I finally get why everyone’s obsessed.”

⚠️ Trigger Warnings

Before diving in, here’s what you should know:

  • Abuse/domestic violence (emotional + physical)

  • Closeted queer relationships and homophobia

  • Death of loved ones (illness + accident)

  • Suicide (end-of-life choice)

  • Alcohol abuse

  • Infidelity + sham marriages

📚 Quick Facts

  • Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

  • Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

  • Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBTQ+ Romance / Mystery

  • Published: 2017

  • Vibe: Old Hollywood glitz meets heartbreaking confessions

  • My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

🚨 Spoiler Warning

This review contains full plot details (including Evelyn’s big reveal and Monique’s connection). If you want to be surprised, stop here and add to TBR — otherwise, grab your tissues and keep scrolling.

🎬 Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS)

“From Hell’s Kitchen to Hollywood royalty”

Monique Grant, a junior writer at Vivant magazine, is stunned when Evelyn Hugo, the reclusive Hollywood icon, requests her for an exclusive interview — her first in decades. Evelyn reveals she doesn’t want an article — she wants a memoir, to be published posthumously. Monique (whose own life is crumbling after separating from her husband) reluctantly agrees.

Evelyn begins her story: born Evelyn Herrera in Hell’s Kitchen, she escapes poverty and an abusive father at 14 by marrying a man who can take her to Hollywood. She dyes her hair blonde, changes her name, and reinvents herself — soon captivating audiences and producers alike.

“Seven husbands, one true love”

Evelyn walks Monique through each of her marriages — some for love, most for survival or publicity:

  1. Ernie Diaz – her ticket out of Hell’s Kitchen.

  2. Don Adler – an abusive movie star whose fame boosts her career.

  3. Mick Riva – a sham Vegas wedding to hide her relationship with Celia.

  4. Rex North – mutually beneficial Hollywood PR stunt.

  5. Harry Cameron – her best friend (gay) and real family; they co-parent daughter Connor.

  6. Max Girard – ill-fated attempt to move on from Celia; ends badly.

  7. Robert Jamison – Celia’s brother; companionship in Celia’s final years.

The true love of Evelyn’s life? Celia St. James, fellow actress and secret partner for decades. Their relationship, hidden due to 1950s–80s Hollywood homophobia, is passionate but turbulent — repeatedly torn apart by Evelyn’s career moves and need for secrecy.

“The secret that changes everything”

Evelyn reveals her darkest moment: covering up the death of Harry Cameron’s lover, who died in a drunk‑driving accident with Harry behind the wheel. To protect Harry’s legacy (and Celia’s reputation), Evelyn staged the scene — putting the lover in the driver’s seat. That man? James Grant — Monique’s father.

This bombshell reframes Monique’s entire life — and her feelings toward Evelyn.

“The final goodbye”

Evelyn confesses she’s terminally ill and plans to end her life peacefully. She gifts Monique the memoir rights (and inevitable fame/fortune), knowing the truth will both elevate and haunt her.

Monique leaves conflicted — grateful for the opportunity, furious at Evelyn’s choices — and returns home as Evelyn dies by suicide, finally at peace.

🎯 My Review

What Worked

  • Old Hollywood vibes: Glitz, gowns, gossip — TJR nails the era.

  • Evelyn as a character: Flawed, ruthless, magnetic. You get her, even when you hate her choices.

  • The twist: Didn’t see Monique’s connection coming at all.

  • Celia + Evelyn’s romance: Heartbreaking, messy, unforgettable.

What Didn’t

  • Monique sometimes feels like a plot device rather than a fully fleshed character.

  • Evelyn’s moral compass = chaotic neutral (not a flaw, but worth noting).

Overall

4.5/5 stars — A beautifully messy story about love, ambition, identity, and the cost of reinvention. Impossible to put down.

🌟 If You Liked This, Try…

  • Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (band drama, oral history format)

  • Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (siblings + fame + secrets)

  • The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (queer love + found family, historical)

🛒 Where to Buy

Grab The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on Amazon here (affiliate link)

Final Thoughts

This book lives up to the hype. It’s glamorous and scandalous yet quietly devastating — a story about the price of love, fame, and being yourself in a world that won’t let you. Evelyn Hugo will haunt you long after you close the book.

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