The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Book That Captivates the Soul
Every once in a while, you come across a book that refuses to let you go. For me, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid was one of those rare gems. It was the kind of book that consumed me so completely, I burned a few meals and lost all track of time. And honestly? I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
From the moment I opened its pages, I was swept into the glamorous yet deeply complicated world of Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood icon whose life story is anything but ordinary. Evelyn’s journey through fame, love, and heartbreak had me hooked from the first sentence to the last. Her unapologetic ambition, layered relationships, and raw vulnerability made her feel so real, I found myself both rooting for her and questioning her choices.
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s storytelling is nothing short of masterful. Each chapter peels back a layer of Evelyn’s life, revealing secrets, triumphs, and devastating losses. The structure of the novel, framed as Evelyn’s exclusive interview with journalist Monique Grant, adds an intriguing tension. Why Monique? Why now? The answers to these questions unravel in ways I didn’t see coming, keeping me on my toes until the very end.
One of the most striking elements of the book is its exploration of love—romantic, platonic, and self-love. Evelyn’s relationship with Celia St. James, her one true love, is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Their love story is a testament to the courage it takes to be true to oneself, even when the world is against you. But the book also delves into the complexities of Evelyn’s other relationships, showing that love can be messy, painful, and transformative.
At its heart, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about identity and the cost of living authentically. It’s about the choices we make to protect ourselves and the people we love, and the sacrifices that come with those choices. It’s a story that challenges societal norms and makes you think about the price of success and the true meaning of happiness.
Even after turning the last page, Evelyn Hugo’s story lingers. Her voice, her strength, and her flaws make her one of the most memorable characters I’ve ever encountered. And while her world is far removed from my own, her struggles and triumphs felt deeply relatable.
If you haven’t read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. Just be warned: you might lose track of time, burn a meal or two, and find yourself completely enchanted. But trust me, it’s worth every second.