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.

In 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,' celebrated Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, known for her glamorous stardom, shares the untold story of her life with an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. As Monique interviews Evelyn for a final profile, she becomes captivated by the star's seven tumultuous marriages, each revealing layers of ambition, love, and betrayal within the backdrop of 1950s and 60s Hollywood. Through Evelyn's mesmerizing narrative, Monique discovers the complexities of identity, the pursuit of love, and the price of fame, ultimately leading to her understanding of her own life choices.

The novel opens in the present day, where Monique Grant, a struggling journalist, is unexpectedly summoned by the reclusive Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo. Now in her nineties, Evelyn wants to tell her story and has chosen Monique to write her biography. Monique, despite feeling like an unlikely choice for such a prestigious assignment, accepts the offer inspired by the chance to delve into the life of the enigmatic diva.

Evelyn Hugo is a complex figure; she is both glamorous and controversial, known for her career as a film star during Hollywood's Golden Age and for her seven husbands. She reveals that each marriage served a different purpose, often intricately woven into her quest for fame, power, and love. The story begins with Evelyn reflecting on her childhood, growing up in a poor neighborhood in New York City. Her strong desire to escape her circumstances drives her to embrace Hollywood's allure.

Evelyn's first marriage is to Jim West, a charming but unsuitable choice fueled by her youth and ambition. Despite the initial thrill, Evelyn quickly realizes that Jim's fame overshadows her own aspirations. They ultimately divorce, pushing her further into her career as she learns to navigate her public persona.

Evelyn's next husband is the suave actor Don Adler, who initially helps her gain notoriety. However, their relationship becomes toxic as Don reveals his controlling nature and struggles with jealousy over Evelyn's rising success. This toxic marriage plays a significant role in Evelyn's growth, as she learns to assert her independence.

As Evelyn's star continues to rise, so do the pressures of Hollywood's demands. She then marries the wealthy industrialist, Max Girard, amidst a lavish lifestyle and sumptuous events. Their union appears to be more strategic than romantic, yet it brings Evelyn certain comforts. However, Evelyn soon uncovers Max's unexpected betrayal, forcing her in a new direction.

Following her marriage to Max is a union with the younger actor, Célian. Their passionate affair captures the public's imagination, leading Evelyn to navigate the challenges of being in a relationship that captures the headlines while still maintaining her image. It is during these years that Evelyn discovers her true self and learns to embrace her identity beyond the facade of the starlet.

Evelyn's final husband, Robert, becomes a pivotal figure in her life. Their relationship emerges during her later years and presents a stark contrast to her previous marriages. With him, Evelyn finds vulnerability and companionship, leading her to reevaluate her life choices and the sacrifices she made along the way.

Throughout the interviews with Monique, layers of Evelyn's fiercely guarded past unravel revealing her struggles with love, jealousy, and acceptance as a bisexual woman navigating an unaccepting society. Monique learns that Evelyn's choices were shaped by a relentless pursuit of control over her narrative, often at the cost of her personal relationships.

As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Monique feels a connection to Evelyn's story, prompting her to reflect on her own life choices, especially her marriage to her ambitious but unfulfilling partner. The interactions between Evelyn and Monique serve as a mirror, exploring themes of identity, gender roles, and the notion of self-worth.

The narrative crescendos as Evelyn reveals the ultimate reason she chose Monique for this biography: the secrets she has kept, not only from the world but also from herself, ultimately tie them both together in unexpected ways. Evelyn's lived experiences serve as a catalyst for Monique’s growth, leading her to assert her voice and find her own path amidst societal pressures.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Evelyn's story becomes a testimony to resilience, shedding light on the nature of love, loss, and the quest for authenticity in an indifferent world. Evelyn's life and her seven husbands symbolize the myriad ways women have navigated the complexities of love, power, and identity throughout history. Monique leaves with newfound strength and clarity, as Evelyn passes the torch, inspiring her to honor her own voice and destiny. The novel concludes with a poignant reminder that everyone is made up of many pieces, and that true identity often lies beneath the glossy surface of public personas.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a compelling exploration of ambition, sexuality, and the price of fame. Taylor Jenkins Reid crafts a nuanced portrayal of a complex woman navigating the restrictive social norms of mid-20th century Hollywood. The novel challenges traditional notions of love and marriage, while also examining issues of race, gender, and identity in the entertainment industry. Through Evelyn's story, the book offers a critique of the Hollywood system and its treatment of women, particularly women of color. The structure of the novel, with its dual timelines and reveal of Evelyn's true love, keeps readers engaged and offers poignant commentary on the nature of truth and storytelling.