The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Book Review - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid stole my heart. I adored the last book I read by Taylor, Maybe In Another Life, but this one was really special. It is centered around Evelyn Hugo, a movie star who quickly became a Los Angeles A-lister in the 1950s with a successful career spanning three decades, culminating in an Oscar win in the 80s when she makes the decision to leave show business. As you might suspect from the title, the story chronicles Evelyn's seven husbands. Her marriages were less successful and shorter lived than her acting career.
Tara Jenkins Reid is a fabulous writer. I love her books and characters. She is unashamedly commercial yet each of her stories feels intimate and special. I always recommend DAISY JONES AND THE SIX, and THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO, to readers. - Phaedra Patrick
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is its masterful portrayal of a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist. Evelyn Hugo's journey, as revealed to reporter Monique Grant, is both captivating and heartbreaking. The book skillfully navigates the intricacies of fame, ambition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of one's dreams. The revelation of Evelyn's true love, Celia St. James, adds a powerful layer of emotional depth, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a less tolerant era. The way the story is told, with reporter Monique Grant being the one to write the story, is a great storytelling device.
However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, particularly in the earlier sections of the book. Additionally, while Evelyn's character is undeniably fascinating, her actions are not always justifiable, which could make her difficult for some readers to fully empathize with. The book's exploration of Old Hollywood, with potential for adaption by people like Liz Tigelaar, Leslye Headland, and Margaret Chernin, and the secrets that lie behind the glamorous facade, is a major draw.
I just read this book recently, and I found Evelyn to be such a fascinating and complex character. - Eliza Knight
We also meet unknown magazine reporter Monique, a journalist for Vivant magazine. Monique is at the beginning of her career at Vivant when Evelyn, now in her 80s, specifically requests that Monique write her biography. Why Monique? She isn’t exactly at the top of the world. We don't find out until the very end of the book, and the truth simultaneously surprised me and broke my heart. But it also taught me a lot about love and its many forms.
This book is so beautifully written and has a lot of life lessons embedded in it. Themes such as sexuality, family structure, parenting, abortion, and politics are all addressed in this book. Go. Read it. And love it. I know I'll be thinking about this book long after I've set it down.
I find [Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid] fascinating and was totally enraptured when reading it. - Yasmin Angoe
#FashionHistoryByDrHasty
Evelyn Hugo's signature color was emerald green. I took it upon myself to find a few dresses she would have liked to wear at a movie premier or awards show. The first was designed by Charles James in 1952-53. I think the body-conscious design of this sheath would appeal to Evelyn's desire to show off her bust. The second was designed by Bonnie Cashin in 1950. Prior to starting her own company, Bonnie Cashin designed for Twentieth Century-Fox, a competing film studio to Sunset Studios where Evelyn got her first film contract. The third dress was designed by Charles James in 1954, perhaps Charles James would have been Evelyn's preferred designer given his use of emerald green. This gown is described as an "engineering and sculptural masterpiece" on The Met Museum's website. I think Evelyn would accept nothing less than a masterpiece to wear at an award show.
I just finished reading THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I found Evelyn Hugo delightfully awful. I'd love to be stuck in an elevator with her, or even better, the real life starlet that the book is supposedly based on, Elizabeth Taylor. - Adele Myers
About Elizabeth Taylor:
Elizabeth Taylor, born on February 27, 1932, was a legendary British-American actress and one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. Renowned for her beauty, talent, and captivating performances, Taylor's career spanned several decades, earning her two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Some of her notable films include "Cleopatra," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Beyond her cinematic achievements, Elizabeth Taylor was also known for her glamorous and often tumultuous personal life, marked by her marriages, philanthropy, and close friendships with other Hollywood luminaries. A global icon, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and is remembered not only for her on-screen brilliance but also for her resilience, charisma, and enduring legacy in the world of cinema. Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, but her impact on film and popular culture remains timeless.
Summary of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid that follows the life of the fictional Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. The story is framed as a tell-all interview conducted by journalist Monique Grant. Evelyn recounts her glamorous yet tumultuous life, spanning several decades and involving seven marriages. As the narrative unfolds, readers discover the complexities of Evelyn's relationships, her struggles with identity, and the sacrifices she made for fame. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the price of living a public life, offering a compelling and emotional journey through the highs and lows of a captivating and enigmatic woman. The storytelling is rich, weaving together old Hollywood glamour, personal revelations, and poignant reflections on the choices we make in pursuit of our dreams.
I would love to meet Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I feel like Evelyn still has a few more stories to share, and I could listen to her talk about Old Hollywood and her love for Celia forever. - Alison Cochrun
About Taylor Jenkins Reid:
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a highly acclaimed author known for her compelling storytelling and the ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Reid has become a prominent figure in contemporary fiction. She has a knack for crafting immersive narratives that delve into the intricacies of love, identity, and personal growth. Taylor Jenkins Reid gained widespread recognition with novels like "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and "Daisy Jones & The Six," both of which showcase her talent for blending historical and fictional elements to create vivid and emotionally resonant stories. With her engaging writing style and a keen understanding of the human experience, Reid has garnered a devoted readership and continues to make a significant impact in the literary world.
Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid's "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" has captivated readers with its blend of Old Hollywood glamour, complex characters, and emotional depth. If you're looking for books that capture a similar essence, here are some recommendations:
"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid:
Like "Evelyn Hugo," this novel uses an oral history format to tell the story of a fictional rock band in the 1970s. It explores the complexities of fame, love, and the creative process, with strong, memorable female characters. The narrative is fast-paced and engaging, offering a similar sense of nostalgia and drama.
"The Immortalists" by Chloe Benjamin:
This book follows four siblings who visit a traveling psychic as children and learn the dates of their deaths. It delves into how this knowledge shapes their lives and choices, exploring themes of destiny, family, and the passage of time. The sweeping narrative spans decades, much like "Evelyn Hugo," and offers a profound exploration of human experience.
"City of Girls" by Elizabeth Gilbert:
Set in 1940s New York City, this novel tells the story of Vivian Morris, a young woman who becomes immersed in the vibrant world of the theater. It's a tale of female friendship, sexual awakening, and self-discovery, with a glamorous and evocative setting. The book shares "Evelyn Hugo's" focus on strong female characters and their journeys of self-definition.
"The Swans of Fifth Avenue" by Melanie Benjamin:
This historical fiction novel explores the complex friendship between Truman Capote and Babe Paley, a socialite in 1950s New York. It delves into the glamorous world of high society and the secrets hidden beneath its polished surface. Like "Evelyn Hugo," it offers a glimpse into a bygone era and the intricate relationships that shaped it.
"Malibu Rising" by Taylor Jenkins Reid:
This novel, also by Taylor Jenkins Reid, follows the children of a famous singer during a party in Malibu. Like "Evelyn Hugo" it explores family secrets, the effects of fame, and the complexities of relationships. It also shares the author's talent for creating vivid characters and settings.
