A Reflection on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When I stumbled upon Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I was drawn not just by the allure of old Hollywood, but by the promise of a deep and complex character study amidst the glitz and glamor. Evelyn Hugo—a name that conjures images of emerald-green gowns and scandalous headlines—couldn’t possibly be anything less than enchanting. I settled in with a cup of tea, ready to delve into this exquisite tapestry of life, love, and loss.
The story itself unfolds as a riveting dual narrative: Evelyn, now an aging icon, shares her lifeblood with Monique Grant, an unassuming journalist chosen for a biography no one saw coming. Monique is at her own crossroads, facing the bitterness of a stalled career and a recent divorce. This connection is not merely professional; it intricately ties their fates together in unexpected and poignant ways.
Reid beautifully captures the essence of ambition and sacrifice through Evelyn’s seven marriages. Each husband symbolizes different facets of her life journey, from youthful naivety to raw ambition, each contributing to a narrative as captivating as it is heartbreaking. One of the most striking elements is Evelyn’s secret love for Celia St. James, which stands at the book’s emotional core. Their relationship paints a vivid picture of love thwarted by societal constraints, making Evelyn’s choices both relatable and tragically understandable. As Evelyn reflects, “I spent years pretending to be someone else, only to realize I lost the real me in the process,” I couldn’t help but ponder the masks we all wear in different areas of our lives.
Reid’s writing is both evocative and accessible, making it feel intimate, as if you’ve cracked open a dusty diary filled with secrets and raw emotion. The pacing ebbs and flows, allowing the narrative to build tension just when it’s needed. I found myself utterly unable to put it down, with each chapter revealing not just Evelyn’s past but layers of Monique’s struggle for self-worth. So, when Evelyn advises Monique, “Make them pay you what they would pay a white man,” it struck a chord with me—challenging prevailing social norms even within the glamorous world of Hollywood.
And let’s talk about the emotions! I was repeatedly swept up in moments that made me both laugh and cry. Evelyn’s relationship with her closest friend, Harry Cameron, provided a beautiful perspective on found family, defying typical conventions of love. Their unbreakable bond offered a refreshing take on intimacy that transcended the traditional romantic narrative—crafted through mutual support and shared struggles.
For readers who are drawn to stories with strong, morally complex characters exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and love, this book is a must-read. It resonates deeply, offering a mirror to our own challenges in embracing authenticity amid societal expectations.
In a world where there are millions of stories to tell, Evelyn Hugo’s is one that compels you to reflect on your own journey. It’s a stunning exploration of what it means to be seen and to love boldly. I closed the book with a sense of profound appreciation—not just for Evelyn’s complexity but for Reid’s masterful storytelling.
If you’re ready for a read that will leave your heart aching yet hopeful, pick up The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I assure you, it will change the way you view love and ambition forever.
You can find The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel here >>