Today's Read Contributor In The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid weaves a captivating and emotional narrative that delves into the life of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic stars. Told through the eyes of Monique Grant, a journalist who is given the rare opportunity to interview the reclusive and legendary Evelyn Hugo, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous and tumultuous world of fame, love, and the price of living a life under constant public scrutiny.
Evelyn Hugo, a fictional icon of 1950s and 60s Hollywood, is a complex and multifaceted character. Throughout the novel, she recounts the details of her seven marriages, each one a reflection of the different phases of her life, her ambitions, and her evolving desires. From her rise to fame as a stunning and ambitious actress to her eventual retreat from the public eye, Evelyn’s story is one of both immense success and heartbreaking sacrifice. As she opens up to Monique, Evelyn reveals the hidden truths behind her marriages—each husband serving as a stepping stone in her quest for power, love, and self-identity.
Reid’s portrayal of Evelyn is both glamorous and deeply human. On the surface, Evelyn is the epitome of Hollywood allure: beautiful, bold, and fiercely determined. But as the story unfolds, Reid peels back the layers of her carefully constructed persona, revealing the emotional turmoil and sacrifices that lie beneath. Evelyn’s pursuit of fame and love comes at a steep cost, and she is forced to make difficult choices that shape the course of her life. Her story is one of resilience and reinvention, as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and identity in a world that often demands that women trade their authenticity for success.
What makes this novel truly remarkable is how Reid explores the theme of identity, both personal and public. Evelyn Hugo’s journey is not just about the men she marries or the roles she plays in films—it’s about her own search for meaning and self-definition in a world that constantly seeks to define her. Her relationships with her husbands, particularly the one with her true love, are marked by love, manipulation, and a desire for self-preservation. Through Evelyn’s confessions, the novel poignantly explores the intersection of personal ambition and the compromises people make to survive in the ruthless spotlight of fame.
Another layer of the novel that Reid masterfully examines is the theme of power and sacrifice. Evelyn’s decision to marry for reasons other than love—whether it’s for her career, for survival, or for control—highlights the ways in which women in the public eye are often forced to negotiate their autonomy. In the process, they sometimes lose parts of themselves. As Evelyn looks back on her life, she grapples with the impact of her choices and the legacy she will leave behind. Reid’s portrayal of this internal conflict makes Evelyn’s journey deeply relatable, even though her life is far from ordinary.
The relationship between Evelyn and Monique also adds a rich layer to the story. At first, Monique’s role as the interviewer feels secondary to Evelyn’s narrative, but as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that their bond runs deeper than just a journalistic endeavor. Monique, in many ways, serves as Evelyn’s mirror—offering a chance for both women to confront their pasts and their own evolving identities. Their conversations, filled with tenderness, betrayal, and understanding, create a strong emotional undercurrent that adds depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a beautifully written and emotionally compelling novel that explores the cost of fame, the complexity of love, and the sacrifices women make in the pursuit of identity and power. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s exquisite writing and her ability to craft rich, multi-dimensional characters make this novel an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hollywood’s golden age. It is a must-read for anyone who loves character-driven stories with layers of depth, drama, and poignancy.
