The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a historical fiction novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid and is is loosely based on the real-life stories of actresses Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Rita Hayworth. The book follows the life story of a Hollywood movie icon who came from nothing and rose to stardom. 

The story starts with Monique Grant, a struggling magazine reporter, who is handpicked by Evelyn Hugo to write her biography. Monique is shocked, having recently hit rock bottom with her own life, and this opportunity seems too good to be true for a nobody like her. Monique was told that Evelyn’s personal life had been scrutinized multiple times over the years by the media and she wanted somebody to set the record straight once and for all before her death. In Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens intently as she gets to know the person behind the tabloids. As Evelyn’s story reaches its end, Monique finds out Evelyn’s biggest secrets—including why she is writing this all-important biography. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is written so beautifully and captivatingly that readers can feel the golden secrets of old Hollywood seeping through the pages. This is a story filled with the perils of ambition, lessons in friendship, and includes a painfully realistic side of love. Though Evelyn is a fictional character, she is so utterly human, despite all her riches and fame, and readers will enjoy every page.