This novel is more than just a celebrity biography; it explores identity, love, loss, and the enduring power of secrets.
The story revolves around Evelyn Hugo, a legendary actress who stayed out of the public eye for decades. When a young journalist, Monique Grant, is chosen to write Evelyn’s memoir, she is drawn into a whirlwind of secrets, scandals, and a life more dramatic than any movie.
From her early years as a struggling actress to her rise to fame, we see the lengths she went to protect her identity and conform to societal expectations. Each husband represents a different chapter in her life, a reflection of her evolving desires and the sacrifices she made for love and career.
I was hooked from the very first page. Evelyn Hugo’s captivating story pulled me in and kept me turning the pages late into the night.
Old Hollywood Glamour
Evelyn Hugo’s story is a captivating exploration of the glamorous yet treacherous world of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The novel paints a vivid picture of the industry’s allure, with its glitzy parties, iconic stars, and the promise of fame and fortune. However, it also exposes the darker side of this world. Evelyn recounts her early years as a struggling actress, enduring sexual harassment and exploitation at the hands of powerful men. This highlights the systemic sexism and abuse that women in the industry often face.
Evelyn’s life is marked by “the cost of fame,” a phrase that captures the essence of her sacrifices and the high price she pays for her success. The line hit home for me. It’s a stark reminder that behind every glamorous persona is a story of compromise and struggle.
Critique: Experiences of Women Varied Greatly
While the portrayal of Hollywood’s glamour is captivating, some critics argue that it romanticizes the industry’s darker aspects. The novel gives the impression that all stars faced similar struggles, overshadowing the diversity of experiences in Hollywood’s complex social landscape.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Evelyn says, “I was never really Evelyn. I was a character I played.” This encapsulates her lifelong struggle to find her authentic self. In her rise to stardom, she constructs a persona that aligns with the Hollywood ideal: glamorous, mysterious, and unapproachable. This persona is not just a public facade but a survival mechanism in a world that often exploits vulnerability.
As I read Evelyn’s story, I couldn’t help but reflect on the times when individuals I’ve worked with struggled to balance their authentic selves with the personas they present in their professional and personal lives.
Critique: Overlooked the Deeper Psychological and Societal Influences
While the novel effectively portrays Evelyn’s internal conflict, I think it could have explored the psychological and emotional factors that contributed to her identity crisis. In my practice, I’ve found that identity struggles are often intertwined with societal pressures and personal circumstances.
Love and Relationships
Evelyn’s seven marriages provide a lens through which we witness her evolving desires, the sacrifices she made for love, and the heartbreak she endured. As a relationship expert, it was fascinating to see how each marriage reflected different aspects of Evelyn’s character and ambitions.
“I loved them all. Every one of them. But I loved them in different ways.” This line speaks to the complexity of Evelyn’s emotional life, illustrating that her love is multifaceted and not easily categorized.
Evelyn also talks about her love affair with Celia, a young aspiring actress. Their relationship is full of passion and intensity but ends in heartbreak.
Critique: Overlooked Challenges Faced by Evelyn and Celia
While the novel effectively portrays the emotional turmoil of Evelyn and Celia’s relationship, some argue that it could have explored the social and cultural factors that influenced their choices and the challenges they faced as women in a patriarchal society.
Secrets and Scandals
The novel explores the power of secrets and how they can shape one’s life. Evelyn manipulates public perception, spins stories to suit her needs, and guards her secrets fiercely, all to maintain her image and protect those she loves. From a sham marriage to hide her true love to relationships formed out of convenience or necessity, Evelyn’s actions are driven by a need to control her narrative.
While Evelyn’s public image remains unscathed for much of her life, the emotional toll of living with so many lies is devastating. The novel doesn’t shy away from showing how these secrets strain her relationships, particularly with those she loves most.
As someone who has seen the damage that secrets can do in relationships, Evelyn’s story hit home. It’s a reminder that no matter how well we think we’ve hidden the truth, it has a way of surfacing, often with painful consequences.
Critique: Too Many Secrets Make the Plot Overly Dramatic and Repetitive
While the secrets add depth to the story, they sometimes make the plot feel too dramatic and sensational. Some readers feel that the constant reveal of scandals comes across as repetitive, taking away from the authenticity of the character’s journey.
Feminism and Empowerment
Evelyn Hugo is a complex figure who challenges traditional roles and expectations placed on women in a male-dominated industry. I was particularly inspired by Evelyn’s decision to take control of her narrative and tell her story.
Evelyn decides to take control of her narrative and tell her own story. The story was a beacon of hope for women everywhere, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination.
Critique: Lacked Exploration of Systemic Barriers and Feminist Context
While Evelyn’s character is empowering, some critics argue that her journey is somewhat idealized. The novel doesn’t fully explore the systemic barriers and challenges that women face in the entertainment industry. It could have explored the broader context of feminism and social justice movements of the time, connecting Evelyn’s story to the larger struggles of women for equality.
Why Should You Read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
Here are a few reasons why you should read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:
- Evelyn’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, challenging traditional roles and expectations.
- The novel offers a glimpse into the glamorous and scandalous world of Hollywood’s past, providing a rich and immersive historical context.
- Evelyn Hugo is a multifaceted character who is both fascinating and relatable. Her journey of self-discovery and her struggles with identity and authenticity will resonate with you.
- The novel explores themes of love, loss, secrets, and the enduring power of human connection. It’s a book that will stay with you long after reading.
Redditors’ Thoughts on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Redditors have had mixed reactions to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Some have praised its captivating storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of important themes.
Here are some comments from Redditors:
Liza, 32: “I loved this book! The writing was beautiful, the characters were complex, and the story was incredibly engaging. I was hooked from the beginning.”
David, 41: “Evelyn Hugo was such a fascinating character. I loved learning about her life and her experiences in Hollywood.”
Some have criticized it for its rushed ending, lack of character depth, and perceived tokenization of minority characters.
Mark, 27: “I thought the ending was rushed and felt like a cop-out. I would have liked to see more closure for Evelyn and Monique.”
Emily, 33: “I found some characters one-dimensional and lacking in depth. Evelyn was the only character who stood out to me.”
Books Similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
If you enjoyed Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you might also enjoy these books:
- Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Secret History by Donna Tart
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Rating of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid has been widely praised and has garnered impressive ratings across various platforms.
| Platform | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Goodreads | 4.33 |
| Amazon | 4.6 |
| Barnes & Noble | 4.6 |
| LibraryThing | 4.15 |
Final Word
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a beautifully written novel that will stay with you long after the final page. Her story is a compelling reminder of the importance of self-love and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self amidst the chaos of fame and fortune.
This novel isn’t just a peek into the golden age of Hollywood; it’s a profound examination of a woman’s struggle to find herself in a world that often refuses to let her be anything other than what others expect. It’s a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.
As a married wife, founder, and editor of SpouseMag.com – these guides are based on my own personal experiences, observations, research and insights. I am transparent about being inspired by the life and work of the two greatest experts in the relationship space – Dr. John and Julia Gottman, and Harville and Helen. They two are some of the strongest couples, researchers, authors, and counselors when it comes to marriage and relationships. My advice and guides are based on my insights and research, and they are not an alternative to professional advice.
