Image source: Wikipedia
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Book Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
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Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Year Published: June 13, 2017
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Availability: Free version available.
How to Read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo PDF
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with Taylor Jenkins Reid's "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." Immerse yourself in a captivating narrative of love, secrets, and the pursuit of authenticity. Claim your complimentary eBook and discover the timeless allure of Evelyn's captivating tale.
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Our Review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid takes readers on an emotional journey through the life of a fictional Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo. Set against the backdrop of the golden age of Hollywood, the novel is framed as a series of interviews between Evelyn and an unknown journalist, Monique Grant, who’s been handpicked by Evelyn to write her biography. From the outset, it’s clear that this isn’t just another celebrity tell-all.
The narrative’s blend of personal interviews and fictional news articles from publications like "Hollywood Digest" and "Sub Rosa" lends an air of authenticity, making Evelyn’s life feel as though it could have been real, much like the lives of actual Hollywood icons such as Marilyn Monroe or Marlene Dietrich.
Evelyn Hugo is the beating heart of this novel. She’s complex, charismatic, and unapologetically ambitious, making her a character who’s impossible to forget. What makes Evelyn so compelling is her unapologetic nature—she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to get it.
While some readers may struggle with her ruthless decisions, it’s this very complexity that makes her such an intriguing character. Evelyn’s story is also a stark reminder that the price of fame often comes with personal sacrifices, and in her case, it’s the relationships that suffer most, especially her romantic entanglements.
One of the book's unique aspects is how each of Evelyn's seven husbands contributes to her development as a character. Though she marries seven times, the novel makes it clear that none of these men are her true love. Instead, they serve different purposes in her life, from advancing her career to covering up her true romantic inclinations. Evelyn’s one great love, Celia St. James, represents a more tragic side of her life.
The relationship between Evelyn and Celia is as captivating as it is heartbreaking, with societal pressures and personal flaws creating a constant push and pull between them. Their love story adds a layer of depth to the novel, showcasing the often-complicated nature of love and identity.
Harry Cameron, another significant character in Evelyn’s life, stands out not just as one of her husbands but as her closest friend and confidant. Their relationship, while platonic, is one of the most authentic and touching parts of the novel. Harry’s unwavering support and deep connection with Evelyn highlight a kind of love that transcends the romantic, making their bond one of the most memorable aspects of the book. The depth of their friendship is a refreshing contrast to Evelyn's tumultuous romantic relationships, and it offers readers a look at the different forms love can take.
The novel also offers a poignant exploration of bisexuality, a topic that is often underrepresented in literature. Evelyn’s bisexuality is a central theme, and the way she navigates the bi-phobia from both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities is handled with care and realism.
Taylor Jenkins Reid doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Evelyn’s identity, making her a bi icon for readers who have rarely seen their experiences reflected in fiction. This representation is one of the many reasons the book has resonated so deeply with its audience.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" isn’t just about the glamour of Hollywood; it’s a thoughtful exploration of identity, love, and the cost of ambition. Taylor Jenkins Reid has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers to grapple with their feelings about Evelyn, her choices, and the revelations that unfold.
It’s a book that invites readers to question their own understanding of right and wrong, love and loss, and the masks we wear to navigate our lives. This novel is well worth reading, not just for its compelling narrative but for the way it challenges and engages its audience on multiple levels.
I also recently read another Taylor Jenkins Reid book. Check out my review of Carrie Soto Is Back and grab a digital download for the post, too!
