I am Kavita Chauhan, a student of sem 3 M.A. department of English m.k.b.u.
This Blog is written as book review of the novel the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. this book review written for passion...✍️✨. 📚
Book review: "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo"
• Introduction:
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a mesmerizing journey through the life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, blending glamor with profound introspection. Published in 2017, this book has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and complex characters, offering readers a glimpse into the hidden truths behind fame and the intricacies of love.
“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"
• Plot and Structure:
The novel is structured around a dual narrative, with Evelyn Hugo, an aging and reclusive movie star, choosing unknown journalist Monique Grant to write her biography. Through a series of interviews, Evelyn reveals the secrets of her extraordinary life, focusing on her seven marriages and the sacrifices she made to achieve stardom. Each husband represents a distinct phase in Evelyn's evolution, providing a framework that showcases the highs and lows of her career and personal life.
• Characters:
Evelyn Hugo emerges as a brilliantly crafted protagonist whose allure lies not only in her glamor but also in her vulnerability and ambition. From her humble beginnings as Evelyn Herrera to her transformation into a ruthless yet empathetic Hollywood legend, Evelyn's journey is captivating. Her relationships, particularly with her true love Celia St. James, offer poignant insights into identity, sexuality, and the compromises demanded by fame.
Monique Grant serves as an effective foil to Evelyn, initially unsure of her role but gradually uncovering parallels between her own life and Evelyn’s narrative. Monique's growth throughout the story adds depth, as her journey from passive observer to empowered storyteller mirrors Evelyn’s own quest for agency and authenticity.
In Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," the title refers to the seven men who were married to the protagonist, Evelyn Hugo, throughout her life. Each husband plays a significant role in Evelyn's personal and professional journey, influencing her choices, ambitions, and identity.
The seven husbands are:
1. Ernie Diaz: Evelyn's first husband, whom she marries at a young age to escape her difficult family situation. Their marriage is short-lived but leaves a lasting impact on Evelyn.
2. Don Adler: A famous actor who becomes Evelyn's second husband. Their marriage is heavily influenced by career ambitions and public image.
3. Mick Riva: A charismatic singer and Hollywood heartthrob, Mick is Evelyn's third husband. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous.
4. Rex North: A talented actor and director, Rex is Evelyn's fourth husband. Their marriage is marked by professional collaboration and personal complications.
5. Harry Cameron: A playwright and screenwriter, Harry is Evelyn's fifth husband. Their relationship is deeply intertwined with their creative endeavors.
6. Max Girard: A renowned film producer, Max is Evelyn's sixth husband. Their marriage is strategically beneficial for both Evelyn's career and Max's ambitions.
7. Robert Jamison: A renowned senator, Robert is Evelyn's seventh and final husband. Their marriage is significant for Evelyn's public image and political ambitions.
Each husband represents a different phase of Evelyn Hugo's life, offering insights into her character, motivations, and the sacrifices she makes in pursuit of success and love. While the marriages vary in duration and intensity, they collectively shape Evelyn's narrative and illustrate the complexities of her journey through fame and personal fulfillment.
• Themes:
At its core, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'' explores themes of love, ambition, identity, and the price of success. Reid skillfully navigates the complexities of Evelyn’s relationships, portraying both the allure and pitfalls of fame. The novel’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in 20th-century America is particularly poignant, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals like Evelyn and Celia in a conservative society.
• Writing Style:
Reid’s prose is elegant yet accessible, drawing readers into Evelyn's glamorous world while subtly critiquing the underbelly of Hollywood’s golden age. The alternating timelines between Evelyn’s past and Monique’s present create a dynamic narrative flow, maintaining suspense and emotional resonance throughout.
• Social Commentary:
Beyond its narrative allure, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" offers incisive commentary on gender, race, and power dynamics within the entertainment industry. Evelyn’s manipulation of her image and relationships underscores the sacrifices demanded of women in male-dominated spaces, making the novel a timely exploration of systemic inequalities in Hollywood and beyond.
•Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a masterful work of contemporary fiction that transcends its Hollywood setting to deliver a profound meditation on identity, ambition, and the complexities of love. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s storytelling prowess shines through her richly developed characters and thought-provoking themes, ensuring that this novel leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Whether you’re drawn to its glamour, its emotional depth, or its social commentary, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a must-read that reaffirms the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.
Rating: 5/5 stars
This novel is a testament to Reid’s ability to blend entertainment with introspection, offering readers an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of fame, love, and self-discovery.
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Happy Learning ☘️🌼
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