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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a 2017 historical fiction novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a 2017 historical fiction novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It follows aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she tells the story of her life, career, and seven marriages to reporter Monique Grant. The novel explores fame, identity, ambition, secrecy, and bisexuality.

Plot

The novel centers on Evelyn Hugo, a retired film star who decides to tell her life story to Monique Grant. As Evelyn revisits her marriages and career, the narrative gradually reveals hidden truths about love, identity, and the choices behind her public persona.

Structure

The book is arranged in chronological sections associated with Evelyn’s husbands, with interview passages from Monique and Evelyn framing the story. This structure links the biography format to the unfolding of major events in Evelyn’s life.

Themes

Major themes include the cost of fame, the pressure of maintaining an image, sexuality, race, and the sacrifices required for success. The novel also explores how personal truth can differ from public narrative.

Reception

The novel became a widely read and discussed bestseller after publication. It was also nominated for the 2017 Goodreads Choice Awards in the Best Historical Fiction category.

Key facts

  • The novel is structured around Evelyn Hugo’s interview with journalist Monique Grant.
  • Evelyn recounts her rise in Hollywood and the story of her seven husbands.
  • The book is organized into chronological sections tied to each marriage.
  • The story reveals that Evelyn is bisexual.
  • It examines the cost of fame and the management of public image.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
It was written by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
What type of book is it?
It is a historical fiction novel.
What is the story about?
It follows actress Evelyn Hugo as she tells a journalist the story of her life, career, and seven marriages.
Who is Monique Grant?
Monique Grant is the journalist who interviews Evelyn Hugo and serves as the novel’s framing narrator.
What are the main themes?
The novel focuses on fame, identity, ambition, secrecy, and bisexuality.
Was the book nominated for any awards?
Yes. It was nominated for the 2017 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Historical Fiction.

References

  1. SparkNotes — https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/evelyn-hugo/summary/
    Supports: Plot summary, Evelyn telling her story to Monique, chronological structure, and revelation of Evelyn's bisexuality.
  2. SuperSummary — https://www.supersummary.com/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo/summary/
    Supports: Publication year, historical fiction genre, central premise, and thematic focus.
  3. Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32620332-the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo
    Supports: Premise involving Evelyn and Monique, story overview, and award nomination context.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Husbands_of_Evelyn_Hugo
    Supports: Book structure into seven parts named after the husbands.
  5. Lighthouse Writers Workshop — https://www.lighthousewriters.org/blog/book-review-seven-husbands-evelyn-hugo-taylor-jenkins-reid
    Supports: Hollywood setting, Evelyn as a reclusive star, and themes involving Cuban identity and bisexuality.