Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a dazzling blend of Old Hollywood glamour, raw emotional truth, and the haunting complexities of love, ambition, and identity. At its heart is Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive film legend whose glittering career made her a global icon—and whose personal life was just as notorious. Now in her seventies, long retired and living in quiet isolation, Evelyn shocks the world by announcing that she is ready to tell her life story at last. But she chooses not a major publication or famous journalist; instead, she summons Monique Grant, a relatively unknown writer struggling with her own career and personal turmoil. What follows is a sweeping, confessional narrative spanning decades of Hollywood history, told directly from Evelyn to Monique. From her humble beginnings as a poor Cuban-American teenager in 1950s New York, Evelyn reinvents herself, trading her birth name and natural looks for the blonde bombshell persona that would make her a star. Fiercely ambitious and unashamed of the sacrifices required to reach the top, Evelyn maneuvers her way into the heart of the movie industry, using charm, intelligence, and an unyielding determination to escape obscurity. Along the way, she marries seven times—each union for reasons more complicated than the public ever imagined. The novel’s structure is anchored by the recounting of these seven marriages, each revealing a different facet of Evelyn’s character and a new stage of her rise and survival. Some husbands are stepping stones, others brutal obstacles, and a few fleeting attempts at genuine love. Yet the true center of Evelyn’s story is not her husbands, but her secret and lifelong romance with fellow actress Celia St. James. Their love is passionate and transformative, but also fraught with challenges: the pressures of stardom, the stigma of same-sex relationships in a homophobic era, and Evelyn’s own choices in prioritizing fame and security. Their relationship becomes the defining thread of her life, illuminating both her greatest joys and her deepest regrets. As Evelyn unspools her tale, Monique becomes both captivated and unsettled. She begins to see Evelyn not as a headline or legend, but as a deeply flawed, deeply human woman who has manipulated circumstances, lied when necessary, and compromised her morals to protect what she loved most. Monique also begins to sense that Evelyn has a personal motive for choosing her specifically as the recipient of this story—a motive that, once revealed, will forever alter Monique’s understanding of her own life and her connection to Evelyn. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is both a love story and a meditation on the price of ambition. It critiques Hollywood’s obsession with image and the sacrifices demanded of women who seek power in male-dominated systems. Evelyn’s voice—sharp, confessional, unapologetic—forces readers to reckon with uncomfortable truths about morality, survival, and authenticity. Glamorous yet tragic, ruthless yet vulnerable, Evelyn Hugo is rendered as a character who defies easy judgment, embodying the contradictions of a woman who wanted everything and was willing to pay for it. Ultimately, the novel is a sweeping tale of love, loss, and reinvention, reminding us that behind every mythic figure lies a person whose real story is infinitely more complicated—and more human—than the world ever sees.
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About the author
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an American author best known for her novels The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & the Six, One True Loves, Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto Is Back, and Atmosphere.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
If you're looking for books similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Another captivating novel by Reid exploring the glamorous world of entertainment. This book follows a fictional rock band's rise to fame through an oral history format. It delves into complex relationships, personal struggles, and the behind-the-scenes drama of the 1970s music scene. The narrative style and exploration of fame mirror the storytelling in Evelyn Hugo.
Big Little Lies
Liane Moriarty
A gripping story about women's complex relationships and hidden truths. Set in an affluent community, the novel explores personal secrets and societal expectations. Characters navigate personal challenges while maintaining carefully constructed public images. The dramatic storytelling and focus on female perspectives align with Evelyn Hugo's themes.
The Guest List
Lucy Foley
A suspenseful novel set during a glamorous wedding with dark underlying tensions. Multiple perspectives reveal secrets and hidden motivations among the characters. The story explores complex relationships and the facades people maintain. The dramatic revelations and intricate character dynamics are reminiscent of Evelyn Hugo's narrative style.
Beautiful Ruins
Jess Walter
An intricate novel spanning decades of Hollywood history and personal drama. The story weaves together multiple narratives connected by a chance encounter in 1960s Italy. Characters grapple with love, ambition, and the consequences of their choices. The epic storytelling and exploration of Hollywood's golden era align with Evelyn Hugo's themes.
Rules of Civility
Amor Towles
A sophisticated novel set in 1930s New York exploring social mobility and personal reinvention. The protagonist navigates complex social circles and personal ambitions. Characters transform themselves while maintaining carefully crafted personas. The exploration of identity and societal expectations mirrors themes in Evelyn Hugo.
Hollywood Wives
Jackie Collins
A classic novel about the glamorous and scandalous lives of Hollywood's elite. The book explores power, ambition, and secrets within the entertainment industry. Characters navigate complex relationships and personal challenges while maintaining their public personas. The dramatic storytelling and insider look at Hollywood culture make it similar to Evelyn Hugo.
The American Wife
Curtis Sittenfeld
A fictional exploration of a woman's life in the public eye, loosely inspired by Laura Bush. The novel follows a protagonist navigating personal identity within a high-profile marriage. Themes of personal choice, public perception, and private struggles are central to the narrative. The intimate character study resonates with Evelyn Hugo's storytelling.
The Light We Lost
Jill Santopolo
A powerful love story exploring personal choices and life-changing moments. The narrative follows two characters whose lives intersect dramatically over multiple years. Themes of passion, sacrifice, and personal identity are central to the story. The emotional depth and complex relationships mirror the storytelling in Evelyn Hugo.
The Dollhouse
Fiona Davis
A historical fiction novel set in 1950s New York exploring women's lives and hidden stories. The narrative moves between past and present, revealing secrets and personal transformations. Characters navigate societal expectations and personal ambitions. The historical setting and focus on female perspectives align with Evelyn Hugo's narrative style.
The High Season
Judy Blundell
A compelling story about social status, ambition, and personal reinvention. Set in the wealthy Hamptons, the novel explores complex female relationships and societal expectations. The protagonist navigates personal challenges while maintaining a carefully crafted public image. The themes of identity and transformation resonate with Evelyn Hugo's narrative.
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