Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Book Review

When I picked this book up, in my mind I thought that this would be the original story of the movie ‘7 Khoon Maaf’. Being a Priyanka Chopra Jonas fan, the book called out to me. Intrigued, I picked up as a vacay read on my flight to Vietnam. When I purchased this book, little did I know that it was nothing like my favourite PCJ movie. It wasn’t going to be a light and easy read after all! Nevertheless, I decided to read on since I love the glitz and glamour that surrounds Hollywood. But what kept me hooked was the premise of the book. It opens with this nobody writer who is approached by this yesteryear mega star, known for her controversial life and sensual personality, to write a multimillion-dollar biography! Honestly the reason I read on was cause I was plain curious about this one thing – Why was Monique Grant chosen to be the writer?

Summary:

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. (Summary credit: Goodreads)

Thoughts:

I am extremely confused about how I feel about this book. It wasn’t a feel-good story. The main character, Evelyn Hugo is everything that can be characterised as an selfish, ruthless human being. There was a point where I hated Evelyn for the sheer way she judged Monique for being naïve. But there was something about her that I couldn’t help but admire. Maybe that’s what the whole point of her character was, the sheer complexity of it! To describe Evelyn briefly, she was ruthless and frank, something I can only imagine being. Her insight and cunning were worth reading. She went through a hell lot in her journey, but I never felt bad for her even once. There was no empathy for Evelyn Hugo. In my heart of hearts, I felt she deserved every bit of tragedy that came her way except for Harry Cameron. The premise of the book, without giving too much away is that there one big reason as to why she has seven husbands. Any guesses? They hide her one true love. I thought this main love story was compelling, modern, and interesting. I loved reading about it even if I never loved the two characters. I found the true love equally as unlikeable and manipulative. But I couldn’t help but keep reading.

This book is full of tragedy. It was heartbreaking to read, especially towards the end. Even if you feel no connection towards the characters, their losses were still impactful to me. Even though I didn’t like a single character, I felt emotional towards the narrative. In complete honesty, it’s a very weird book. I was emotionally drained and depressed by the end of it. Props to the story, the only saving grace. I have no idea what to rate this book. It was well written and interesting with a modern and unique love story, but there was something that I didn’t love about this. Maybe it was the characters, maybe it was that it was too emotional for when I thought it was going to be more ‘light read’ material. I don’t know I liked it and want to read more by this author, I loved the Hollywood business parts and the industry issues but, in the end, I was expecting something entirely different. I do think that people should read this book though. It’s unique and stands out for its unlikeable characters yet has a moving plot so it’s memorable and enjoyable based on that.