The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid•2017
400 pages
Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel tells the captivating story of Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Old Hollywood star who decides to reveal the intimate details of her life to a young journalist.
Through a non-linear narrative, Evelyn unpacks her seven marriages, her true love, and the personal and professional sacrifices she made in a deeply prejudiced entertainment industry.
The book explores themes of ambition, sexuality, identity, and the complex intersections of personal desire and societal expectations, presenting a nuanced portrayal of a woman who navigates fame, love, and survival in mid-20th century America.
Key ideas
Success often requires difficult decisions where all options have significant costs. Accept that some goals require painful sacrifices.
Evelyn's journey demonstrates how achieving extraordinary success often requires difficult trade-offs. When choosing between her career and her relationship with Celia, she makes the calculated decision to maintain her public image, knowing it will cost her true love. The book shows how she doesn't just make these choices, but learns to live with their consequences without letting regret consume her. This parallels many real-world situations where people must choose between competing priorities - career advancement versus family time, personal dreams versus stability, or ambition versus relationships. The key insight isn't just about making tough choices, but about accepting responsibility for them and moving forward constructively.
Chapter: The Fourth Husband - Rex North
Make decisions you can live with
List all potential consequences, both positive and negative. Consider both immediate and long-term impacts. Write down how you'll handle the worst possible outcome.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ narratives and historical fiction
- Fans of character-driven stories exploring complex personal journeys
- Those fascinated by mid-20th century Hollywood and entertainment industry dynamics
Why It Matters
The novel is significant for its groundbreaking representation of LGBTQ+ experiences in historical Hollywood, offering a critical examination of sexuality, racial dynamics, and gender constraints in the entertainment industry.
By presenting a multilayered narrative that challenges traditional storytelling, Reid provides insight into the hidden struggles of marginalized individuals during an era of intense social conformity.
The book contributes to contemporary discussions about representation, challenging readers to understand the complex personal negotiations individuals made to survive and succeed in restrictive social environments.
Its critical acclaim stems from its ability to humanize experiences often overlooked in historical narratives, presenting complex characters who defy simple categorization.