A Mixed Experience
Synopsis WITH Spoilers in the very end!!
Synopsis:
In “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” Taylor Jenkins Reid crafts a compelling narrative about the glamorous and tumultuous life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden era, the novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the price of fame as Evelyn recounts her life story to an unknown journalist. Her tale includes seven husbands, a hidden love affair, and the relentless pursuit of success. This book promises a deep dive into the complexities of identity and ambition.
My Personal Review:
I picked up “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” because it has garnered significant praise and popularity. Initially, it didn’t appeal to me, but I’ve often found that books which seem uninteresting at first can end up being quite enjoyable. I hoped this would be another pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately, I found it difficult to connect with this book. Despite its exploration of homosexual relationships in Hollywood’s golden era and some entertaining moments, it didn’t evoke a strong emotional response from me.
Evelyn Hugo, the central character, left me feeling detached. Her various roles and decisions throughout the story didn’t resonate with me. While I usually dislike large jumps in time, I understood their necessity here, given the scope of Evelyn’s life. However, I often found myself thinking, “Oh, poor rich girl.” Despite her humble beginnings, Evelyn’s mentality seemed static, and she felt trapped in the same narrative, even after achieving success. This lack of character development made it hard for me to empathize with her.
I struggled to understand the widespread acclaim for this book. It was entertaining to some extent, and I appreciated that it was a relatively short read. I rated it 3 stars, though I found it challenging to give even that. Despite my lukewarm experience with this story, I’m open to reading another book by Taylor Jenkins Reid to see if this was a one-off or indicative of her overall writing style.
Synopsis With Spoilers!:
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the story of a legendary Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, who recounts her tumultuous life and career to an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. The novel spans several decades, revealing the intricate details of Evelyn’s personal and professional life, marked by her seven marriages.
Evelyn Hugo, originally Evelyn Herrera, begins her journey in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Determined to escape her impoverished background and abusive father, she uses her stunning beauty to gain a foothold in Hollywood. She changes her name and appearance to fit the Hollywood mold, eventually becoming a major star.
Evelyn’s first marriage is to Ernie Diaz, a man she marries to escape New York. This marriage ends as soon as Evelyn gets her start in Hollywood. Her second marriage is to fellow actor Don Adler. Initially passionate, their marriage soon turns abusive, and Evelyn eventually leaves him as her own star rises.
In an effort to divert public attention from her affair with actress Celia St. James, Evelyn marries singer Mick Riva in a quick and regrettable Vegas wedding. This marriage is annulled almost immediately. Evelyn’s fourth marriage is to actor Rex North, which is a mutually beneficial arrangement for publicity. They divorce amicably when the ruse no longer serves their careers.
Evelyn’s fifth and most significant marriage is to her best friend and confidant, Harry Cameron. Harry is gay, and their marriage provides cover for both their personal lives. During this time, Evelyn is deeply in love with Celia St. James. Together, Evelyn and Harry raise a daughter, Connor. However, tragedy strikes when Harry is killed in a car accident alongside his male lover.
In an attempt to move on, Evelyn marries director Max Girard, but this relationship fails as Max proves unfaithful and more interested in Evelyn as a trophy. Evelyn’s final marriage is to Robert Jamison, Celia’s brother. This allows Evelyn and Celia, who have reunited, to live together openly in their later years. Robert supports their arrangement, and they all find a semblance of happiness.
As Evelyn recounts her life, it becomes clear why she chose Monique for this task. The car accident that killed Harry also involved Monique’s father, James Grant, who was Harry’s lover. Evelyn had left the scene, knowing the scandal would destroy her career. This revelation deeply impacts Monique, but she appreciates Evelyn’s honesty.
Evelyn also reveals she has terminal breast cancer and plans to end her life on her terms. She gives Monique the full rights to her biography, which will undoubtedly boost Monique’s career. In the end, Evelyn’s story is one of control over her narrative and legacy, leaving Monique to grapple with the truths she’s learned.
Themes:
- Identity and Reinvention: Throughout her life, Evelyn constantly reinvents herself to survive and thrive in Hollywood. This theme is explored as she changes her name, appearance, and even her persona to fit the industry’s demands.
- Love and Sacrifice: The novel explores various forms of love—romantic, platonic, and familial. Evelyn’s relationships with Celia, Harry, and her daughter Connor illustrate the sacrifices she makes for those she loves, often at great personal cost.
- Sexuality and Secrecy: Evelyn’s relationship with Celia St. James highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the mid-20th century. Their love must be kept secret due to societal norms, leading to significant personal and professional challenges.
- Fame and Public Image: The story critiques Hollywood’s obsession with image, beauty, and scandal. Evelyn’s marriages, many of which are strategic rather than romantic, showcase the lengths she goes to maintain her public image.
- Control and Legacy: Evelyn’s desire to control her story and how she is remembered is a central theme. By choosing Monique to write her biography, Evelyn takes charge of her narrative, even planning her own death to ensure her legacy is preserved on her terms.
Xochitl Books
Tags: Historical Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ+, Hollywood, Drama, Contemporary Fiction
Xochitl Books 
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