The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins-Reid is a historical fiction novel depicting the brutal realities of old Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. The book portrays the glamorous yet scandalous life of fictional Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo. 

At the age of 79, in the modern day, Hugo agrees to give a tell-all interview to an up and coming reporter, Monique Grant. In the interview, Hugo details the story of her life in Hollywood, beginning as a bright-eyed young actress moving to Los Angeles in the 1950s at the peak of Hollywood glamor, to Hugo’s unexpected retirement in the early 1980s. 

As Grant learns more about Hugo’s life, she begins to realize that the star may have played a role in her past. The book moves through Hugo’s life, illustrating a story of ruthless ambition, friendship, and forbidden love, as well as the seven husbands she had along the way. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo explores themes of loyalty, loss, betrayal, and sacrifice in the name of fame. Despite the title, the book does not focus on the husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but on Hugo herself as she proves that she is more than what meets the eye and works tirelessly to preserve her legacy as one of the Hollywood greats. This book was enchanting and heartbreaking, covering a variety of serious topics that are still applicable today. We highly recommend it!