The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

A Novel

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Narrated by: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

“Fascinating, emotional and will be hard to put down. For fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, this is her best work yet.” —Associated Press

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.

Critic reviews

"This is a multi-voice recording, one so good it was a 2018 Audie award finalist. I loved it--the story, the narration, the whole thing. I really felt like I was sitting there, along with the character of Monique, listening to this aged actress (who reminded me of Liz Taylor) recount the highs and lows of her Hollywood life. I would listen to this one again, and that's saying something." (Seira Wilson)

Taken to Hollywood and never wanted to return!

There aren't words enough to describe how much I loved this audiobook. It hasn't been this difficult for me to put one down in forever, and even as I wasn't listening, I was still thinking of the story and its characters, wondering where it was all leading and what would come next. Alma Cuervo's voice fit perfectly as Evelyn, and as she told the tales of her life, I was enthralled. This book has been the highlight of my reading summer, and I would recommend it to anyone fascinated by Old Hollywood.

First book in a long time that I just couldn't put down!!

Wow! Such a nuanced story that kept surprising me until the very end. By the time the book was over, I felt so attached to these characters that I cried.

Found this book by following a narrator I loved from a previous audiobook - Gone Girl narrated by Julia Whelan. I think the great narration was a huge part of why I truly enjoyed listening to this book as well. Might start searching this way from now on!

loved it

I absolutely loved this book!!!. When I wasn't listening to it, I was thinking about it. And when I was listening to it, I never wanted to turn it off. It's a great story about being human and the relationships and choices we encounter throughout life. It is definitely a book based on getting to know the characters very well

Not what I expected

I found this book somewhat predictable and boring. I did not enjoy the narrators either.

Engaging

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the storyline. It was my first book by this author. While I enjoyed the story I did not enjoy the narrator of the "Old Evelyn". She sounded as though she constantly had an overwhelming amount of saliva in her mouth. I found myself constantly swallowing when listening to her and it became all I could focus on. Should've read it instead of listening on audible.