The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

This is one of the best books I've read in a while and definitely the best I've read this year (honestly, I've had so many duds it's not even funny anymore). I truly do not understand why I let it sit on my shelf for so long.

Just kidding. I know exactly why. It's historical fiction and I was under the impression that historical fiction was boring and uninteresting.

Not this one.

This one is endlessly entertaining and had me on the edge of my seat. I was utterly wrapped up in Evelyn's story. What drew me most to Evelyn was how realistic she seemed. I honestly googled her name after I was finished with the book because she seemed like a real person. Her life was glamorous, yes, but it was also filled with drama, conceit, and lies.

But the biggest reason I love Evelyn is that she is a delightful morally gray character. She isn't good. She isn't bad. She's somewhere in the middle and that is what makes her story all the more interesting. I mean, who really wants to read about an actress who did everything right and by the books? Certainly not me. Give me someone gritty who is willing to do unsavory things to get where they want to get to. Give me Evelyn Hugo.

Finally, I loved the LGBTQ+ representation in this book. I have tons of friends who belong to this community and I don't read enough books like this (I'm so sorry). I would love to say more but I don't want to spoil anything.

I loved this book. I loved Evelyn Hugo, who seemed larger than life. I loved the lessons she taught to Monique– lessons that I hope to use myself in the future. Most of all, I love how this book surprised me and opened my eyes to the genre of historical fiction as a whole.