Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
From the moment I cracked open The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I could feel the pulse of the glamorous, tumultuous world of old Hollywood leap off the pages. Taylor Jenkins Reid has crafted a mesmerizing tale that not only celebrates the golden era of the silver screen but also explores the complexities of love, identity, and ambition. I dove headfirst into Evelyn’s world and emerged utterly enchanted—and emotionally wrecked.
At the heart of this stunning narrative is the enigmatic Evelyn Hugo. She’s a character that defies categorization: fierce, unapologetic, and full of shades of grey. I found myself captivated by her ruthlessness as she navigated a world that demanded so much while offering little in return. And yes, as pointed out in the book, “Evelyn always leaves you hoping you’ll get just a little bit more. And she always denies you.” This notion resonated deeply as I realized how intimately Reid crafted her journey—a life filled with glamour and tragedy, each husband offering a piece of her narrative while never quite filling the void of her true love, Celia St. James.
Reid employs a unique narrative style that intertwines Evelyn’s intimate interviews with pieces from “Hollywood Digest” and other tabloids, giving the story an authenticity that feels both real and haunting. It nudged at the edges of my perception—Evelyn could have easily been a Marilyn Monroe or Marlene Dietrich of her time. This framing enriched the story, making readers question our reality and our fascination with the celebrities that captivate us.
The relationships in the book are as multifaceted as Evelyn herself. I found myself torn between feelings for Evelyn and her perfectly imperfect love, Celia. Their passionate yet tumultuous connection was heart-wrenching. This quote hit me hard: “If you love someone enough, you should be able to overcome anything.” The repeated cycle of love, loss, and the struggles that came with the societal expectations was heart-wrenching to witness. It made me reflect on the reality of love that many face—sometimes, the world just doesn’t allow for happiness.
Not to be overlooked, Harry Cameron, Evelyn’s closest confidant, stole my heart. Their friendship is painted with understanding and support, and it embodies a truth that resonates: platonic love can be as deep and pivotal as romantic love. Reid’s ability to showcase such diverse relationships is commendable. The bond between Evelyn and Harry was beautifully captured, providing a breath of fresh air amid the tumult of romantic interactions.
Evelyn’s bisexuality is another crucial element—an unapologetic representation that sparks essential conversations about identity and acceptance. Reid doesn’t shy away from the biphobia Evelyn faces, showcasing her journey toward self-acceptance with nuance and grace. “Being bisexual didn’t make me disloyal,” she asserts—such a powerful affirmation that rang true to my heart.
As I reached the final pages, I found myself reflecting on how tangled my emotions were—the revelations about Evelyn’s life left me reeling. The layered complexity of her character—her choices, passions, and regrets—lingers long after the last word is read. I still find myself grappling with the emotions stirred by her story; perhaps that’s precisely what Reid intended: to evoke a sense of unresolved feelings in her readers.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a remarkable read for anyone who revels in lush storytelling, complex characters, and tales of self-discovery wrapped in the glitz of old Hollywood. This book reminded me to embrace the multiplicities of love and regret, urging us to be true to our desires even if the world around us is disapproving. It’s a heart-wrenching portrayal of life that resonates deeply, and I can’t recommend it enough! Whether you’re a seasoned reader of complex characters or just someone looking to experience the magic of storytelling, this book is for you.
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