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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel Hardcover – 13 Jun. 2017
Taylor Jenkins Reid (Author) See search results for this author |
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"The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama." --PopSugar
In this entrancing novel "that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all" (Kirkus Reviews), a legendary film actress 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.
- Print length400 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAtria Books
- Publication date13 Jun. 2017
- Dimensions15.24 x 3.3 x 22.86 cm
- ISBN-101501139231
- ISBN-13978-1501139239
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Review
"Reid's characters will enchant readers as they travel through the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood and the truths they both must confront."-- "Real Simple"
"Taylor Jenkins Reid is the queen of queens when it comes to beach reads, and this breathtaking treat proves once again the throne is hers alone." -- "Redbook"
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the total package: the very best of Classic Hollywood intrigue, a delicious twist, and incisive commentary on the wages of stardom, especially for women." --Anne Helen Petersen, BuzzFeed culture writer and author of Scandals of Classic Hollywood
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has big, juicy secrets at its heart-- not just about the surprising identity of movie star Evelyn Hugo's true love, but of the lengths she has gone to protect that mysterious lover. Brimming with heartache, betrayal, and a lifetime of Hollywood gossip, this raucous novel will seduce you even as it leaves you wanting more."--Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and June
"A big, juicy read...Reid expertly captures the hothouse nature of Hollywood...the story is fresh, and the end reveal is worth the wait"-- "Historical Novel Society"
"A cinematic tale with hardscrabble roots, staggering highs and sickening lows. The novel reads like a celebrity tell-all, and this makes it delicious. But it's also got heft, because Hugo's story is one of overcoming adversity, racism and sexism to get to the top. She fails, falls, triumphs and learns difficult lessons about the things that really matter. With this riveting novel, Reid has created an exceptional character with the wherewithal to take on the patriarchy." -- "Globe and Mail"
"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
"A spellbinding novel about love, glamour and the price of fame."--Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of First Comes Love
"Anyone who appreciates old Hollywood glamour will want to check this one out."-- "Today.com"
"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"
"Evelyn Hugo makes Liz Taylor seem pedestrian. Taylor Jenkins Reid has drawn a rich, emotionally complex heroine who is so real that you'll forget she only lives in the pages of a book. This is an utterly compelling dance with love and tragedy, sometimes both at once; you'll laugh with Evelyn, cry with her, ache with her, and then go back to page one and do it all over again."--Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, authors of The Royal We
"In her latest mesmerizing tale, Reid transports readers back to Hollywood's heyday with a heroine in the likes of -- but more intriguing than -- Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Katherine Hepburn. Yes, Evelyn Hugo is the glamorous idol you admire, but she's also the relentless fighter you aspire to be. Her life's story is heartbreaking, yet beautiful and will keep readers captivated until the very last page."--Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly
"Jenkins has crafted another tale sure to appeal to fans of women's fiction, Susan Meissner, and Beatriz Williams."-- "Library Journal"
"Leave it to Taylor Jenkins Reid to keep readers captivated, from the first page to the last. With a parade of lovable characters and unputdownable plot, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo should top every reading list this summer."-- "Working Mother"
"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"
"This sweeping tale is about an aging Hollywood starlet and the rookie magazine reporter she hires to pen her breathtaking (and scandalous) life story. Trust us: You'll be swooning over the twist for months."-- "Brit & Co."
Praise for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:
"Riveting, heart-wrenching, and full of Old Hollywood glamour, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of the most captivating reads of 2017." -- "Buzzfeed"
"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"
"[The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo] is fascinating, emotional and will be hard to put down. For fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, this is her best work yet."-- "Associated Press"
"A novel of Old Hollywood that's simultaneously gossipy and poignant. Look no further for the glamour, ambition and shocking secrets your beach-blanket sessions demand."-- "People"
"Come for the glam old Hollywood vibes; stay for a touching tale of a young reporter and a silver-screen legend."-- "Cosmopolitan"
"If you're looking for a book to take on holiday this summer, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has got all the glitz and glamour to make it a perfect beach read -- as long as you're prepared to cry off all your sunscreen, because this book gets *emotional*. Each of Evelyn's marriages comes with its own hurt and heartbreak, from infidelity and betrayal to domestic abuse. But running throughout Evelyn's tumultuous life is one great love that will leave you sobbing into the pages." -- "Bustle"
"In her mesmerizing tale, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores Hollywood's heyday with a heroine akin to Elizabeth Taylor. Movie icon Evelyn Hugo, now a recluse at 79, unfurls the story of her glamorous life and her scandalous seven marriages."-- "Us Weekly"
"The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every female reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama." -- "PopSugar"
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
NEW YORK TRIBUNE
Evelyn Hugo to Auction Off Gowns
BY PRIYA AMRIT
MARCH 2, 2017
Film legend and '60s It Girl Evelyn Hugo has just announced that she will auction off 12 of her most memorable gowns through Christie's to raise money for breast cancer research.
At the age of 79, Hugo has long been an icon of glamour and elegance. She is known for a personal style both sensual and restrained, and many of Hugo's most famous looks are considered touchstones of the fashion and Hollywood archives.
Those looking to own a piece of Hugo history will be intrigued not only by the gowns themselves but also by the context in which they were worn. Included in the sale will be the emerald-green Miranda La Conda that Hugo wore to the 1959 Academy Awards, the violet soufflé and organdy scoop-neck she donned at the premiere of Anna Karenina in 1962, and the navy-blue silk Michael Maddax that she was wearing in 1982 when she won her Oscar for All for Us.
Hugo has weathered her share of Hollywood scandals, not the least of which being her seven marriages, including her decades-long relationship with film producer Harry Cameron. The two Hollywood insiders shared a daughter, Connor Cameron, who is no doubt the influence for the auction. Ms. Cameron passed away last year from breast cancer soon after turning 41.
Born Evelyn Elena Herrera in 1938, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Hugo grew up in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. By 1955, she had made her way to Hollywood, gone blond, and been rechristened Evelyn Hugo. Almost overnight, Hugo became a member of the Hollywood elite. She remained in the spotlight for more than three decades before retiring in the late '80s and marrying financier Robert Jamison, older brother of three-time Oscar-winning actress Celia St. James. Now widowed from her seventh husband, Hugo resides in Manhattan.
Preternaturally beautiful and a paragon of glamour and daring sexuality, Hugo has long been a source of fascination for moviegoers the world over. This auction is expected to raise upward of $2 million.
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Product details
- Publisher : Atria Books (13 Jun. 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 400 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1501139231
- ISBN-13 : 978-1501139239
- Dimensions : 15.24 x 3.3 x 22.86 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 144,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 132 in Erotic Bisexual Fiction
- 2,917 in Women's Literary Fiction (Books)
- 3,235 in Actors & Entertainers Biographies
- Customer reviews:
About the author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & 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 newest novel, Malibu Rising, is out now. She lives in Los Angeles.
You can follow her on Instagram @tjenkinsreid.
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2021
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An historical love story with a bisexual narrator, a famous old Hollywood actress, and all of her seven marriages. It tells the story of Evelyn, who wants to be famous, who learns early on in life that to get what she wants she has to play the part in every sense of the word. Now in her seventies Evelyn wants to share her life story with journalist Monique who has been personally picked by Evelyn. A tell all memoir about her life and her rise to fame. The glitz and glam of old Hollywood, the manipulation, the scandal, Hollywood cover ups, having to conform to society norms of the time and what it meant to be gay/bisexual during that time period.
It felt like non fiction. Like I was reading about Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor. Everything was so detailed. All the characters felt so real. Evelyn is flawed, ambitious and strong. A completely unapologetic character, manipulative and selfish who I loved! There are times she will frustrate you as a reader, but she is compelling and unforgettable! And with each husband she captivated me more with her spell.
The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing and kept me hooked in the present day story telling. Evelyn’s rollercoaster life flows chronologically over the years and covers topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, female empowerment, sexuality, found family, motherhood and love. It is as much a story about Evelyn as it is about Harry and Celia’s life too. These two characters completely had my heart. I went on as much of an emotional journey with them as I did with Evelyn.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is without a doubt, a fantastic story teller. The way she writes her characters and their lives is addictive and very special.
Enough of my gushing. Remember. Life is short. Life is precious. Live life without regret. Hold loved ones tightly. Love who you love. Make memories to last a life time. Laugh. But most of all be unapologetically you! Always! ❤️

By Chelley Toy - TalesOfYesterday on 15 June 2021
An historical love story with a bisexual narrator, a famous old Hollywood actress, and all of her seven marriages. It tells the story of Evelyn, who wants to be famous, who learns early on in life that to get what she wants she has to play the part in every sense of the word. Now in her seventies Evelyn wants to share her life story with journalist Monique who has been personally picked by Evelyn. A tell all memoir about her life and her rise to fame. The glitz and glam of old Hollywood, the manipulation, the scandal, Hollywood cover ups, having to conform to society norms of the time and what it meant to be gay/bisexual during that time period.
It felt like non fiction. Like I was reading about Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor. Everything was so detailed. All the characters felt so real. Evelyn is flawed, ambitious and strong. A completely unapologetic character, manipulative and selfish who I loved! There are times she will frustrate you as a reader, but she is compelling and unforgettable! And with each husband she captivated me more with her spell.
The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing and kept me hooked in the present day story telling. Evelyn’s rollercoaster life flows chronologically over the years and covers topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, female empowerment, sexuality, found family, motherhood and love. It is as much a story about Evelyn as it is about Harry and Celia’s life too. These two characters completely had my heart. I went on as much of an emotional journey with them as I did with Evelyn.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is without a doubt, a fantastic story teller. The way she writes her characters and their lives is addictive and very special.
Enough of my gushing. Remember. Life is short. Life is precious. Live life without regret. Hold loved ones tightly. Love who you love. Make memories to last a life time. Laugh. But most of all be unapologetically you! Always! ❤️

This is the first book that I have read by Taylor Jenkins Reid but it certainly won’t be the last.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available now.
I was expecting a lurid tale of glamorous people in old Hollywood. You know the kind of thing: sex, betrayal, drug abuse and maybe an untimely death or two. Okay, a lot of that is in here, but what I actually took away was a touching love story. There’s a real heart to this novel, one that loves its central characters and as such tells a story which isn’t just about film stars behaving badly, but instead seemingly real people and a distinctly real feeling relationship.
Obviously owing a debt to VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (which really is a book about film stars behaving badly), we follow ultra-gorgeous actress Evelyn Hugo as she makes her way from Hell’s Kitchen hopeful to one of the world’s most beloved and sought after stars, while at the same time working her way through a Liz Taylor-eqsue seven husbands. But who is the real love of her life?
If I have a criticism, it’s that this book doesn’t feel like it belongs to real Hollywood. All the movie stars at its centre are fake movie stars, which given its fiction is understandable, but all the people they bump into are fake movie stars as well. There is virtually no reference to the real contemporaries a character that Evelyn would have had. No passing allusions to a Monroe or a Hepburn. As such it feels like it takes place in a parallel universe, one with a completely different set of stars, and because of that it lacks a certain tactility.
But I forgive it that as its heart is in the right place and its love story rings true and in the end it’s hard not to be moved by it.
Starting to read this book though, the writing makes it clear, it's one of those "hip and easy" books for women. There are a couple of deeper insights into relationships and a bit of an unexpected twist at the end, but it's hard to care for yet another hollywood story, even more so for a fictional one.
The only reason I kept on reading to the end is because the book was chosen for our book club.