The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid crafted a sweeping tale of Old Hollywood glamour and hidden truths in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Published by Atria Books in January 2017, this 400-page novel follows the life of a legendary movie star who finally decides to reveal her secrets. At seventy-nine years old, Evelyn hires Monique Grant, an unknown journalist, to document her life story. Their interviews unfold over several days, peeling back layers of ambition, love, and betrayal that defined Evelyn's career across seven marriages. The narrative shifts between past and present, showing how a young immigrant girl rose to fame while hiding her true self from the world. Reid weaves a story that feels both intimate and epic, capturing the golden age of cinema without relying on nostalgia alone. The book explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the cost of fame through vivid character work. Readers follow Monique as she uncovers connections between her own family history and Evelyn's past, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about the icon. This compelling mix of mystery and romance earned the novel a nomination for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction in 2017.[edit]