Review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
From the moment I picked up The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I was spellbound. There’s something enchanting about the golden age of Hollywood, and Taylor Jenkins Reid did an exceptional job of capturing that allure. I was barely two pages in when I knew this book would resonate with me on a deep, emotional level. As I followed Evelyn’s journey, I found myself not only captivated by her story but also awakened to the complexity of her character and the world she inhabited.
Evelyn Hugo, the enigmatic actress with seven husbands, draws us into her life through a series of interwoven interviews with biographer Monique Grant. This narrative style offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, interspersed with “Hollywood Digest” and “New York Tribune” articles that lend an authenticity to Evelyn’s story. Reid’s choice to present the narrative in this way heightens the intrigue, making it feel as though we’re peeling back layers of a life that could very well mirror that of real-life icons like Marilyn Monroe.
One theme that resonated with me was the multifaceted nature of love and desire. Each of Evelyn’s husbands represents a different facet of her life, shaping her identity and experiences, yet starkly illustrating that none truly captured her heart the way Celia St. James did. Their love story is fraught with misunderstandings and societal pressures, and it broke my heart to watch them navigate such turbulent waters. As Evelyn herself states, “There’s a difference between sexuality and sex… Sexuality is a sincere expression of desire and pleasure.” Reid beautifully explores the nuances of bisexuality and the challenges Evelyn faces in a world that struggles to accept her complexity.
Evelyn is unapologetically ruthless, embodying a character whose shades of gray make her all the more compelling. I loved that she embraced her desires and ambitions, albeit with a sometimes unsettling ferocity. The quote, “I didn’t say I was confessing any sins… I don’t feel regret for the things I’ve done,” reflects her complexity and unapologetic nature, allowing readers to both cheer for and challenge her choices.
But it wasn’t just Evelyn who stood out—Harry Cameron, her best friend, and confidant, added another layer to this intricate web of relationships. Their friendship is tender and multilayered, demonstrating that deep connections can transcend traditional romantic love. Evelyn and Harry’s bond brought tears to my eyes, especially as I watched him grapple with grief, revealing the heartbreaking costs of fame and love.
As I turned the final pages, I found my emotions swirling—conflicted, yet beautifully satisfied. I realized that perhaps this was Reid’s intent all along: to leave us with a lingering sense of complexity surrounding life and love, reminding us that sometimes resolutions are more elusive than we’d like them to be.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to anyone who enjoys rich character development interwoven with a dazzling backdrop of Hollywood glamour. This book isn’t just a story; it’s an exploration of identity, love, and the sacrifices we make for those we care for. It left me reflecting on the nature of true love and the societal constraints that can shape our lives in unexpected ways. So, grab a copy and prepare to feel every bit of Evelyn’s soaring highs and agonizing lows—I promise you won’t be able to put it down!
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