Real Quick Thoughts on The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***

This was a pretty quick read for me, which means that I found it interesting enough to sit with it for prolonged periods of time (more than 20 minutes at once). I particularly liked how digestible the writing was. As I was reading I kept finding myself visualizing the plot as a movie, so imagine my excitement when I found out that Netflix had picked it up. I’m not sure when the production will be out, but I will definitely be viewing it on its release. I swear to god I was able to visualize Evelyn, with her blond hair, tan skin, and emerald dress. It makes me so much more eager to watch what Netflix does with this.

Overall, this is a great leisurely reading book. There are some sexy scenes, sad scenes, and complex main characters. It does great when balancing with a non-fiction book. I read this as I read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and was surprised by the ways that the two complemented one another. Reading the two together emphasized the value of hard work and being in the right place at the right time.

There was really only one part of the book that I wasn’t the biggest fan of. It’s towards the end when Evelyn reveals to Monique that she had framed Monique’s father’s death. I felt that it was too unrealistic, it was the easiest thing that Jenkins could have used to tie the story together, and I didn’t like that. It was too much of a full circle and life just isn’t like that. Also, the fact that Monique knew that Evelyn was going to kill herself but didn’t do anything about it? I guess I just didn’t understand that. I just don’t believe that a reasonable person would knowingly allow someone to commit suicide even if it is to escape a cancerous death.

Although Monique did harbor resentment towards Evelyn for what she did to her father, she obviously still cared for Evelyn as a person. I also personally believe that the anger towards Evelyn for the situation is less about Evelyn and more about the unfortunate reality of the situation. The anger was directed towards Evelyn because there really wasn’t anyone else Monique could be angry towards. Monique’s father had died, Harry had died, Evelyn’s driver that night was no longer in the picture, so it left only Evelyn.

After Evelyn dropped the bomb on Monique I felt that the book ended pretty quickly. It felt kind of rushed or maybe I just read through it really quickly since I knew that Evelyn’s story had come to an end. Honestly, reading Evelyn’s life story was the best part of the book. I would probably purchase the book that Monique is writing about Evelyn if it was released.

Lastly, I just want to shout out Harry for being such a lovable character. I felt so much for this man and would want a friend like him in real life.

Okay, that’s all. Go read this book. 4/5