I recently finished listening to the audiobook version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. About a year ago, I read a physical copy and adored the story. However, it was even more enjoyable this time because I got to pick up on details I may have missed and analyze the tale deeper.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about a 1950s actress known for her many relationships and flaunting femininity. This main character comes from humble beginnings and is determined to reach her dreams. More specifically, her mother’s death and her father’s incompetence motivate her. She is very humanly flawed, and this trait remains throughout her life. As she grows older, she loses her desire for the spotlight and becomes reclusive. Hugo decides to share her life story, the good, bad, and ugly, with a specific journalist. Although, there is a twist. Her interviewer cannot share the biography until Evelyn is dead.
Evelyn’s relationships and character consist of specific patterns. Evelyn is told she is beautiful throughout her life, and she uses this praise for personal gain. Additionally, her many failed marriages are a reoccurring event. She wages a constant war between right and wrong, and the book frequents this idea. As for the audiobook itself, the narrator’s voice is relative to the mid-1900s time period, Evelyn’s peak.
Evelyn is constantly gratified for her appearance rather than her talent. With this in mind, the idea men have of her is a reason for her failed love stories. She is a sex symbol, and they abuse her status. Likewise, some relationships are fake, and she uses them to hide her true identity. Her sexuality correlates with her inner struggle for good vs. evil. She wants to love and be loved but does not know how. Even when she does express tenderness, she ruins the intimacy shortly after that. Ultimately, Evelyn never had a proper example of a healthy relationship, which was her downfall. Not to mention, the narrator’s voice increases realism.
Based on the previous statements, this novel is 5/5 stars. Honestly, I almost googled Evelyn Hugo to ensure she was not a real movie star. I mourned when she mourned. I clapped when she accepted the awards. Unfortunately, this tale is not one of the happy endings and perfect devotion. In fact, it showcases the many facets of connections and how they can so easily influence one’s sense. Love is messy and authentic, and it is worth fighting for. Evelyn explored her emotions, and I felt I was alongside her.
This personal account is one of many that appreciated The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This engaging piece is all over Tik Tok and is even known as a “booktok” book. For this reason, I will like every short clip focused on it and give it the highest rating on Good Reads. If a reader asks for a recommendation, this will be the first novel I grab.
