My interest in the novel was sparked by a friend's recommendation. She raved about the complex characters and richly described the world of Hollywood. I was initially hesitant to pick it up, fearing it might be too dense or intricate for my tastes. However, my friend's enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself reaching for the book, leafing through its pages, and making it a permanent addition to my shelf.
While the book had been on my reading list for a while, I was compelled to pick it up during a class assignment that required me to analyze a selected novel. The introduction of the aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who wants to come clean about her life and invites an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to tell her the story, caught my attention immediately. It immediately captured my curiosity and made me eager to dive into the world of Hollywood, where her glamorous and scandalous life events take center stage.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, through her immersive storytelling, brings to life a bygone era of Hollywood's glamorous and luxurious world, a time when renowned actors and actresses graced the silver screen. Yet, Evelyn Hugo's incredible success came at a heavy price - a lifetime of sacrifices, competitive environments, temptations, and deceptions. Evelyn struggled to please her fans and the public, who often overlooked her struggles and complexities. In the end, Evelyn's calculated decisions led to new chapters of her life, her friendships, and her love.
Despite having seemingly everything in life, including status, wealth, and many days of happiness, many individuals struggle with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a lack of love. This is true for Evelyn Hugo, who, despite her imperfections, embraces her flaws, takes responsibility for her actions, and embraces her past choices. Taylor Jenkins Reid's masterful portrayal of Evelyn as a nuanced and expressive character with a distinct personality made it feel like I was reading the autobiography of a real person. But I can understand why many people have come to dislike Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn conceals her true identity and engages in transactional sexual relationships to achieve her goal of becoming a star. She uses her beauty as a bargaining chip to gain the freedom and independence she desires. She fabricates stories to protect herself and her reputation, even when it means causing scandals. Her candor and determination make her someone who wouldn't hesitate to speak her mind, even when it might cause discomfort.
Taylor Jenkins Reid's other characters also feel incredibly authentic. Instead of overly dramatizing her husband, she beautifully portrays the complexities of human relationships and emotions. For example, Evelyn was married to a famous Hollywood star during the prime of his career, but when his career declined and his insecurities began to overshadow their relationship, he turned toxic and violent, becoming increasingly abusive toward Evelyn. Although her story is tragic, it echoes the unfortunate realities of many real-life relationships, where one partner seeks to maintain a superior position while undermining the other's success and self-worth.
The only character I didn't enjoy was Monique. Despite being the first character we are introduced to in the story, her arc lacked the nuance that would have made her interesting. The author failed to invest enough time in exploring her backstory. To be frank, the story would have been just as compelling without Monique in it. But the ending twist was good so she deserves a small paragraph in the middle.
In addition to painting a vivid picture of the inner workings of Hollywood, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores various important themes in this novel, including the sexism women must grapple with to succeed in their careers, the objectification of women's bodies, and how they are taught to use their bodies as currency, as well as the unfair double standards they face in a male-dominated industry. A notable example of gender discrimination in Hollywood at that time is the scrutiny placed on women during high-profile divorces, where they are often subjected to intense media speculation and criticized for not being attractive enough to retain their partners, while men often escape such scrutiny with their reputations intact.
If you're a fan of historical fiction or Hollywood history, "The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a must-read. The book's richly detailed characters, thrilling plot, and thought-provoking themes make for an unforgettable reading experience that will linger long after the final page. In the end, I had a great time discussing this book with the friend who recommended me this book, so I will give it a Q for “Queen”.
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