Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Introduction:

Alright folks, gather around because I have a tale to tell you about glamour, romance, and the shadowy depths of fame. Picture this: the glitz and glam of old Hollywood, the sizzling intrigue of forbidden love affairs, and the enigmatic figure at the center of it all—Evelyn Hugo. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” isn’t just a novel; it’s a journey into the heart of a woman who lived her life boldly, unapologetically, and with more secrets than a vault at Fort Knox. So, grab a comfy seat, because we’re about to dive deep into the world of Evelyn Hugo.

Plot Overview:

The story begins with Monique Grant, a young journalist whose career hasn’t quite taken off as she hoped. Suddenly, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: to interview the legendary Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood icon known for her seven marriages and countless scandals. As Monique delves into Evelyn’s past, she uncovers a tale of love, ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice that spans decades.

The narrative unfolds through Evelyn’s candid recounting of her life, from her humble beginnings as a Cuban immigrant named Evelyn Herrera to her meteoric rise to stardom in Hollywood’s golden age. Each of Evelyn’s marriages is a chapter in itself, revealing not only the complexities of love and desire but also the harsh realities of life in the spotlight.

Here are the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo in the order they appear in the novel, along with their distinguishing details:

Ernie Diaz: Evelyn’s first husband, a childhood friend whom she marries at a young age to escape her troubled family life. Ernie is depicted as kind-hearted but ultimately unable to provide Evelyn with the life she desires.
Don Adler: Evelyn’s second husband, a studio executive who helps advance her career in Hollywood. Don is ambitious and controlling, and their marriage is marked by power struggles and infidelity.
Mick Riva: A famous musician and Hollywood bad boy, Mick is Evelyn’s third husband. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous, plagued by Mick’s substance abuse issues and infidelities.
Rex North: A talented actor known for his rugged charm, Rex becomes Evelyn’s fourth husband. Despite their initial chemistry, their marriage falters under the strain of Rex’s insecurities and Evelyn’s relentless pursuit of success.
Harry Cameron: Evelyn’s fifth husband, a talented playwright with whom she shares a deep emotional connection. Their marriage is tragically short-lived due to Harry’s untimely death.
Max Girard: A charming and wealthy businessman, Max is Evelyn’s sixth husband. Their marriage is portrayed as stable but lacking in passion, with Max providing financial security while Evelyn pursues her career.
Robert Jamison: Evelyn’s seventh and final husband, a kind-hearted lawyer who offers her stability and companionship in her later years. Their marriage is depicted as loving and supportive, providing Evelyn with the peace and contentment she craves.

Standout Scenes:

Let’s talk about some scenes that truly make this novel shine like a polished Oscar statuette:

The Wedding of Evelyn and Ernie Diaz: This scene sets the stage for Evelyn’s tumultuous journey into the world of fame and fortune. It’s a whirlwind of emotions as Evelyn, a young and naive bride, marries Ernie Diaz, her first husband, in a desperate bid to escape her troubled home life.
The Affair with Celia St. James: Ah, forbidden love at its finest. Evelyn’s passionate affair with fellow actress Celia St. James is a highlight of the novel. Their chemistry sizzles off the pages, and their love story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The Divorce from Don Adler: As Evelyn’s star rises, so does the strain on her marriages. Her divorce from Don Adler, her second husband, is a pivotal moment that highlights the sacrifices she’s willing to make for her career.
The Revelation of Evelyn’s True Love: I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say that Evelyn’s ultimate confession about her one true love will leave you reaching for the tissues. It’s a moment of raw vulnerability that showcases the depth of her character.

Themes Explored:

Now, let’s peel back the layers and explore some of the themes that run through the heart of this novel:

Identity and Self-Discovery: Evelyn’s journey is ultimately a quest to discover who she truly is beneath the facade of fame. Her search for identity resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain about their place in the world.
Love and Sacrifice: Love comes in many forms in Evelyn’s life, but it often comes at a cost. Her relationships are marked by sacrifice and compromise, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of love in the spotlight.
Fame and Its Pitfalls: The novel pulls back the curtain on the dark side of fame, exposing the pressures and pitfalls that come with life in the public eye. Evelyn’s struggles with paparazzi, tabloids, and the relentless scrutiny of her personal life are all too real.
Gender and Sexuality: Reid doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of gender and sexuality in Hollywood’s golden age. Evelyn’s relationships with both men and women challenge traditional notions of love and marriage, highlighting the fluidity of human desire.

Final Thoughts:

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a tour de force of storytelling that will sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless. Taylor Jenkins Reid has crafted a masterpiece that transcends the bounds of time and space, taking readers on a journey through the highs and lows of one woman’s extraordinary life. So, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book—you won’t regret it.

And remember, darling, in the immortal words of Evelyn Hugo herself: “You have to find a job that makes your heart feel big instead of one that makes it feel small.” So go out there and chase your dreams, just like Evelyn did.

Happy reading, my fellow book lovers!

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