Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Link to book: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The first post is dedicated to this glorious bestseller. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of my favourite fiction books and the book that got me hooked on Taylor Jenkins Reid. After this book, I had to read through all Reid’s books to see if I can find that magic again. Sadly, none of the others live up to this which I feel is her best work till date. Nonetheless, I devour her books in days after I get them. But back to the book.
This work of historical fiction is a mesmerizing journey through the life of a fictional Hollywood icon, rumoured to be modelled after Elizabeth Taylor. Blending scandalous glamour with profound human emotions, the novel masterfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and tragedy.
Firstly, Evelyn Hugo is such a well-written, nuanced character. She is a woman who has navigated a world of prejudice, heartbreak, and sacrifice to achieve her dreams. Each of her seven marriages serves as a lens through which we see different facets of her character, making her a rich and multi-dimensional protagonist. Furthermore, the novel delves into important themes such as identity, love, and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness. Reid skillfully addresses issues of sexuality, racial discrimination, and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry, adding depth and relevance to the narrative. Personally, I also love reading books about badass female characters because we can definitely use more of them.
Some of my favourite quotes from the book:
It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.
People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is ‘you’re safe with me’- that’s intimacy.
My favourite scene is the part where she reveals the love of her life, it is such a brilliant scene and I can picture the characters and the exact mood in the room.
“Evelyn, who was your great love? You can tell me.”
Evelyn looks out the window, breathes in deeply, and then says, “XXX”.
The room is quiet as Evelyn lets herself hear her own words. And then she smiles, a bright, wide, deeply sincere smile. She starts laughing to herself and then refocuses on me.
This book delivers on all levels with multilayered character development and page-turning Hollywood drama that will keep you hooked and emotionally invested. It is only a matter of time that this becomes a film. Throughout the book, I kept picturing Evelyn Hugo as Eva Mendes. Some books you read and you hope, some books you read and you know. This book is a must-read for fans of Hollywood drama, LGBTQ+, and anyone who loves a good story.