By: Taylor Jenkins Reid
The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama.
Comprehensive Overview of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Plot Summary: "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a historical drama novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, published in 2017 by Atria Books. The story revolves around Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive former Hollywood star who, at the age of 79, decides to share her life story with an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. Evelyn requests Monique to write her biography, revealing the events of her life through a series of interviews. The novel is structured into seven parts, each named after one of Evelyn's husbands, detailing her marriages, affairs, and the struggles she faced in her career and personal life.
Evelyn's journey begins with her marriage to Ernie Diaz, whom she meets at age 14 to escape her abusive father in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. She uses her beauty and charm to advance her career in Hollywood, seducing a Sunset Studios executive to secure a role. Evelyn's subsequent marriages are strategic moves to maintain her public image and career, but her true love is Celia St. James, a fellow actress and her co-star. The novel explores the challenges of being a bisexual woman in 1950s Hollywood, where Evelyn and Celia must hide their relationship from the public eye.
The plot thickens as Evelyn reveals her most devastating lie: framing Monique's father for a car accident that killed both men. This confession risks alienating Monique, but Evelyn's intention is to share the truth about her life, even if it means risking her own narrative control. The novel concludes with Monique publishing Evelyn's story, revealing the true love of Evelyn's life to be Celia St. James.
Key Themes:
Critical Reception: The book has received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and its exploration of serious themes. Here are some key points from various reviews:
Positive Reception: Many reviewers have praised the novel for its authentic portrayal of Hollywood's dark side, particularly in terms of the exploitation and domestic violence faced by women. The character of Evelyn Hugo has been described as dynamic and real, drawing readers into her glamorous yet traumatic life.
Mixed Feelings: Some reviewers have noted that they did not particularly like Evelyn as a character, finding her manipulative and ruthless. However, they admired her cunning and insight, which made her a compelling figure to read about.
Impactful Storytelling: The novel has been praised for its impactful storytelling, which balances glamour and tragedy. The inclusion of serious topics like the Stonewall Riots adds depth to the narrative, providing a unique perspective on historical events.
Overall, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a masterful blend of historical fiction, romance, and drama, offering a complex and engaging portrayal of a Hollywood star's life.