2 years ago
27
I was impressed with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” a book with a mesmerizing emerald green cover. It was written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the world’s favorite author of novels for women. This novel has had great success overseas, including winning several literary awards.
Young journalist Monique gets an offer she can’t refuse. A once-in-a-lifetime offer. It is the true confession of Evelyn Hugo herself, legendary Hollywood star and twentieth-century film icon. Evelyn has lived an exuberant life of fame, prestigious awards and a remarkable seven marriages, but much of her life, including her path to stardom, scandals and forbidden love, remains hidden from the public.
However, at the end of her life, Evelyn wants to remedy this with the help of Monique, whom she has specially requested to write her biography. As the end of Evelyn’s life story unfolds, it becomes clear to Monique that Evelyn has chosen her for a reason.
This is nothing short of a spectacular literary ride that is almost impossible to tear yourself away from. The story engulfs you with the first few pages, sucks you in, and lets go at the end. And even when you’re past the end, it will still reverberate within you for days to come, its unceasing slumber keeping you awake. The story was so vivid for me that while reading it, I had trouble believing that no one like Evelyn Hugo actually exists. The characters were so strongly and believably portrayed, specially Evelyn’s distinct personality. Reid has done a truly impressive job here.
I will never be able to erase Evelyn from my memory. The worst part is that Evelyn herself is such a complicated character that you don’t know whether to love or hate her. That’s why you jump from one to the other as you read, hoping to come to a unified conclusion. Let me tell you, you probably won’t. I don’t know myself yet.
Although it’s not apparent at first glance under the abundant layer of secrets, lies and intrigue, love is at the heart of this captivating, intricate and adventurous story. Love and the infinite number of forms it takes. Reid depicts love in its purest form. She shows that love is not always rosy, gentle and fair. So don’t expect a superficial sweetheart with a happy ending, but rather a novel drama full of twists and turns and suspense.
The world of show business is a significant part of this novel. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo thus offers a unique glimpse into the world of Hollywood movie stars of the last century. A chance to immerse oneself in a glitzy environment full of pretence and the never-ending pursuit of fame and fortune. It should be added that this is historical fiction, not a true story. However, the author’s brilliant writing style makes it very easy to believe otherwise.
I see “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” as T. J. Reid’s crowning achievement. Her other novels were excellent, but compared to this one, they were merely a taste of what Reid is capable of. My recommendation is therefore quite unequivocal.