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A Novel
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
From the New York Times bestselling author of Atmosphere and Daisy Jones & the Six—an entrancing and "wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet" (PopSugar) as she reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways.
"Heartbreaking, yet beautiful" (Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is "Tinseltown drama at its finest" (Redbook): a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it costs—to face the truth.
Name a book that was really popular that you absolutely hated
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six. Hated them both. Totally giving up on Taylor Jenkins Reid. I don't like the writing style which I think is uninspired and the storylines bored me completely.
-Vivian_H
It’s June, and it’s therefore Pride month. Name a book you’ve enjoyed that features an LGBTQ+ main character
...discovered other books I have read that are considered LGBTQ reads: Call me by Your Name by Andre' Aciman, The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoque, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and surprisingly one of my favorite books from last year - The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Wong There are others from the past**: The Color Purple,...
-Lynne_G
Books I recommend
Continuing a conversation with @Carol_N from elsewhere - Happy new year. Here are a few book suggestions: The lost baker of Vienna-Sharon Kurtzman Earth's the right place for love-Elizabeth Bing If it makes you happy-Julia Oliva The Exiles -Christina Baker Kline Theo of Golden -Allen Levi These s...
-Beth_M
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (12/25/2025)
I just finished Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and very much enjoyed it. This is the first book by her that I have read, and I am told by a Reid fan that her earlier novel- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo- is her best work. Anyone else agree?
-Laurie_L
This week's time magazine cover is author Taylor Jenkins Reid!
Exciting to see a bookish cover on Time magazine! What is your favorite TJR book? Mine is 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'. https://time.com/magazine/south-pacific/ TIME.com https://time.com/magazine/south-pacific/ South Pacific | TIME –Susan
-Susan_P
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is more than escapism fiction sweeping its audience back to an era when show biz glamour danced with real-life intrigue, romantic entanglements and perceived impropriety. With memorable characters rivaling any Hollywood blockbuster, Taylor Jenkins Reid marries themes of loyalty, betrayal, friendship and love into a soaring, fast-paced and gripping performance. It leaves readers asking if they are merely role-playing with those they love or being true to an authentic self." ―Shelf Awareness (starred review)
"Jenkins has crafted another tale sure to appeal to fans of women's fiction, Susan Meissner, and Beatriz Williams." ―Library Journal
"Evelyn Hugo is a character who can demand top billing...Reid's heroine reveals her darkest secrets as if she were wiping off makeup at the end of the night—a celebration of human frailty that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all." ―Kirkus Reviews
"Reid knows how to tug at heart strings with unusual tales of finding real and lasting love...the reader [will be] captivated by old Hollywood glamour, intriguing and complex characters, and Reid's unsurpassed ability to leave her audience reaching for a hankie. An utterly unique take on what truly makes a family." ―Booklist
"A glamorous romp through Hollywood in its heyday, Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest offers up several unexpected twists and a dazzling, ambitious movie star who will break your heart." ―Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse
This information about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones and The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her books have been chosen by Reese's Book Club, Read with Jenna, and Book of the Month. Her novel Daisy Jones and The Six is now a limited series on Amazon Prime. She lives in Los Angeles.
If you liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, try these:
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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by Kate Fagan
Published 2026
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.
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For lovers of Meg Wolitzer, Maria Semple, and Jenny Offill comes this raucous, poignant celebration of life, love, and friendship at its imperfect and radiant best.
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