The seven husbands of evelyn hugo

 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a multi-layered novel that blends themes of fame, identity, love, and sacrifice.

 The story is told through the lens of Monique Grant, a relatively unknown journalist who is selected by the reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo to write her biography. 

The novel unravels Evelyn’s life, focusing on her relationships with her seven husbands, but also delving into her complex personal identity, particularly her love for fellow actress Celia St. James.

The novel gives a detailed, realistic portrayal of what it takes to achieve and maintain stardom in Hollywood. 

Evelyn Hugo is willing to compromise, manipulate, and reinvent herself repeatedly to stay in the limelight. This hunger for fame is tied to the cost of personal happiness, making readers question the true value of success.

 Evelyn’s character is not confined to traditional labels of sexuality or morality. Her bisexuality is central to the story, particularly in her secret romance with Celia. 

Reid explores how societal expectations and Hollywood's demands force Evelyn to suppress her true self for much of her career, offering a candid look at the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals faced during that era.

While the title suggests that Evelyn’s seven husbands are the focal point, her relationships with these men are only a part of her journey. The novel is more about the different forms love can take and how Evelyn uses these marriages to secure her position in a male-dominated world. 

Each husband represents a different phase or necessity in her life. The most genuine love story, however, is her bond with Celia, which speaks to the sacrifices she must make to protect their relationship in a time when their love was taboo.

Evelyn is not a perfect character. She is manipulative, often cold, and willing to make morally questionable decisions for her own benefit. 

However, Reid humanizes her by showcasing her vulnerabilities, regrets, and her desire for redemption. The novel asks the reader to grapple with the complexities of right and wrong in the pursuit of survival and self-preservation.

Evelyn’s character is a feminist in her own way—she constantly reclaims control over her narrative, even when it means using men or exploiting societal norms.

 Her actions speak to the struggles of women in patriarchal structures, especially in Hollywood. She defies traditional roles of wife, mother, or lover, emphasizing the agency she exerts over her life choices.

Structure and Writing Style:

The book alternates between Evelyn recounting her life story and Monique’s present-day life, which becomes more intertwined with Evelyn’s past as secrets are revealed. 

This dual narrative adds depth to the plot, keeping readers engaged as they unravel the connections between the two women. Reid’s writing is direct, emotional, and cinematic, making it easy to visualize the glamour and heartbreak of Evelyn’s world.

My favorite quotes:

"Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don't do that."

"You can be in love with someone and still hate them."

"The world doesn’t give things, you take things."

These quotes showcase Evelyn Hugo's sharp wit, her pragmatic views on life, love, and survival, and the emotional depth of her story.

Notable Strengths:

1. Character Development: Reid excels in creating complex, flawed characters. Evelyn is magnetic, and readers may find themselves rooting for her despite her morally dubious choices. Supporting characters, such as Celia, Harry Cameron (Evelyn’s best friend and one-time husband), and Monique, are also well-rounded, adding emotional weight to the story.

2. Exploration of LGBTQ+ Themes: Reid handles LGBTQ+ relationships with nuance, avoiding tropes or clichés. The love story between Evelyn and Celia is passionate, tender, and fraught with the challenges of being hidden in the public eye.

3. Engaging Plot and Pace: The novel’s structure, with its mix of mystery and celebrity memoir-style storytelling, makes it hard to put down. Evelyn’s life is full of twists, heartbreak, and intrigue, which keeps the narrative moving swiftly.

Weaknesses:

1. Predictability: While the novel is filled with emotional highs and lows, some plot points feel predictable, especially towards the end. Some readers may foresee the major twists regarding Monique’s connection to Evelyn.

2. Monique’s Character Arc: Though Monique plays an essential role as the frame narrator, some readers may find her underdeveloped compared to Evelyn. Her character feels like more of a vehicle for Evelyn’s story than a fully realized individual with her own growth.

Final Thoughts:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a captivating read that combines Old Hollywood glamour with deep explorations of identity, love, and ambition. 

While it delves into important issues like the costs of fame and the complexities of sexual identity, it remains an accessible and engaging story.

 Evelyn Hugo is a character who will stay with readers long after the final page, embodying both the allure and the loneliness of a life lived in the public eye.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, character-driven narratives, or stories that explore the nuances of love and identity, this book is highly recommended.

Click the link below to buy the book:

Hardcover:

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Paperback:

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