The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo (book review)
today I'm going to be reviewing one of my favourite books of the year, the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This is my second of Taylors novels that I have read and of course, the second one to absolutely amaze me.
First off this book is glamorous af, one of the things that make it so great but of course, the leading role in this book, the star, the legend; Evelyn Hugo made this book what it was, a five star read.
Without her perfect crafting, perfect character build and perfect dialogue, this book would no way have been as brilliant as it was. Evelyn Hugo, her character, her personality is the beautiful foundation, walls and pure cement that build this book.
Like, if this book was a building it would be the Effiel Tower (at night of course)
Because Evelyn is just that great a character. She is literally my idol. She is absolutely amazing.
I Didn't mind the subplot of the interviewer, I understand that there wasn't really another way to tell the story like that without Monique but I always found myself really bored when we weren't with Evelyn. Saying that it was good to break up the story a bit.
I loved the way, Evelyn worked the system even from the very start. I was talking to my boyfriend about it the other day, I just love how she tricked all these ass holes into thinking they were using her to get what they wanted when really she was in charge 100% of the time. Evelyn left nothing up to chance or fate. She decided where she was going and those men where just the heel on her shoe to get her there.
Evelyn also has a tone of iconic lines and really wise thoughts, for example, when Don (that dick head) told her she looked like the most gorgeous one at the premiere and she said something like 'It's not great when someone loves you mainly for something you didn't do.' I thought that was amazing, and she had this gloss of confidence, like a barbie, and it just makes her shine thought the pages. Seriously though, reading this book on audiobook, it felt like I was sitting opposite her with a notepad and pen as she talks about this amazing life she created for herself, with a champagne flute in one manicured hand- but no lipstick smudges on the glass. No, not our Evelyn.
This book also really does show you that is doesn't matter who you are, how big your boobs are, how symmetrical your face is, people will always find a way to screw you over. *coughs* Don.
Seriously though, why do men always think they can do one better, She's Evelyn Hugo for peeks sake?!
Another thing I noticed about this book, I was really good at predicting what was about to happen, which I am normally (as you know) absolutely terrible at. So that means this book was quite predictable. I'll give some examples:
-I know Celia was gonna die
-I know Evelyn was gonna be bi
-I knew Don would be abusive
-I know She was gonna be outed by one of the husbands
-I know her daughter was ganna be a bit crazy
-I know Monique was gonna have some connection family-wise to Evelyn.
And those where all major plot twists, so I think I did pretty well.
I loved the relationship between Harry and his daughter, his death was actually really really sad. I almost cried, almost. However, I totally cried when she went to his grave and wept when their daughter died. That was so emotional.
The only thing I didn't love about this book was the near end of the story when she got back with Celia and moved to Spain, it was cute and sad and everything but I was bored of the charade by then, how commercial it all was. The whole husband thing where Evelyn had to marry Celia's brother (who I totally thought was gonna be a con artist) I was about as sick of it as Celia was. But I guess that's just Hollywood. Also, don't hate me but, I really didn't like Celia and I really didn't like Celia and Evelyn together. I found her annoying and she just pissed me off a lot.
My favourite bit with Celia in it had to be when they all wore wigs to the beach for Harry's birthday picnic, that bit was nice. I also liked the little scene where Evelyn explained everything to her daughter, my heart was in pieces.
Finally, the ending. Well, I hate to say it but I saw it coming. I was really saddened by it but I also think, Evelyn had controlled the way her life has planned out since she started letting that shop boy feel her up for sweets when she was 13, the universe has no control over her. She has the universe wrapped around her graceful little finger. Evelyn Hugo doesn't just die. Evelyn Hugo picks the time, place and what she leaves behind.
She's probably up there right now, waltzing around with perfectly painted red lips in a gorgeous, emerald-green, silk gown. Probably watching her movies with her family. I don't know I just hope, she's happy and finally at peace.
5/5 stars, for the brightest star Miss/ Mrs/ Ms x7, Evelyn Hugo.
Love Issy
x
