Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
When I first heard about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I felt an inexplicable pull towards it. The intrigue surrounding the glamorous life of an aging Hollywood actress juxtaposed with the pressing question, "Why now?" propelled me into a whirlwind of curiosity and excitement. Reid’s deft storytelling has gained her a deserved reputation for crafting rich narratives, and this novel is no exception.
At its core, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a compelling exploration of identity, ambition, and the complexities of love. The novel unfolds through the eyes of Monique Grant, a struggling journalist chosen to write the biography of Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive screen legend who has finally decided to share her dramatic life story. Evelyn’s rise from humble beginnings to stardom in the 1950s is woven together with her seven marriages, each representing not just a relationship, but pivotal moments in her evolution as a woman and an artist.
Evelyn is unapologetically flawed, and that’s what makes her utterly captivating. My heart raced as I followed her journey, not just through fame and glamour but through the heartbreak and sacrifice that accompanied her choices. Reid masterfully allows readers to dive deep into the mind of an ambitious woman who understands the cost of her desires. "People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth,” Evelyn declares, a sentiment that resonated deeply with me. It encapsulates the heart of the novel’s exploration: vulnerability, authenticity, and the quest for true connection in a world filled with superficiality.
Reid’s writing style is both lyrical and accessible, creating a seamless blend of narration and dialogue that invites you into Evelyn’s world. While some readers have pointed out a slow build, I found it to be a measured pacing that serves to heighten the emotional impact as we unfold the layers of Evelyn’s life. The interspersed timelines create a rich tapestry, deftly painting a portrait of not just an actress but a multifaceted human being wrestling with societal norms and personal truths.
What particularly struck me were the moments of love that defy convention. Evelyn’s relationship with Celia St. James is achingly beautiful, a representation of love’s complexity, particularly in the constraints of the era. Their interactions sparked an emotional response from me, and I found myself highlighting passages with fervor. The way Reid handles the nuances of their love—marked by secrecy and longing—reflects a profound understanding of human relationships, regardless of gender or time.
As I closed the final pages, I felt as though I was saying goodbye to an old friend. Evelyn’s journey challenges us to confront our own truths, to live unapologetically, and to embrace our grief and joy in equal measure. This is not just a story about an iconic actress; it’s a reflection on what we sacrifice for love and self-discovery.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to readers who enjoy layered character studies infused with themes of love, loss, and ambition. Reid’s storytelling is an experience that will linger in your mind long after the last page is turned. Whether you are drawn to Hollywood glamor, resonant life lessons, or simply powerful literature, this book is bound to enrich your reading journey. It certainly left an indelible mark on mine—perhaps because, deep down, who doesn’t yearn for a bit of Evelyn Hugo’s fierce authenticity in their own life?
You can find The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel here >>