Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” has gotten a lot of attention and appreciation from critics.
This review focuses on the premise of the novel, which revolves around Evelyn Hugo, an old Hollywood superstar who decides to disclose her life story to an inexperienced journalist named Monique Grant. Hugo’s path from Hell’s Kitchen to Hollywood prominence is detailed in the story, which includes strategic marriages and professional changes. The novel is notable for exploring issues such as the problems experienced by women, particularly women of color, in late 1950s Hollywood, as well as the protagonist’s battles with identity and relationships. Evelyn Hugo is shown as ambitious and multifaceted, defiant about her decisions yet capable of sorrow. The review also praises the book’s frank depiction of human weakness, comparing it to the experiences of great personalities such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
The review from The Independent lauds the work as a masterpiece, highlighting Evelyn Hugo’s character growth. The character is said to be beautifully constructed, with real emotions and weaknesses that make her approachable. The book is praised for its honest portrayal of unpleasant issues such as sexual exploitation and domestic abuse in the Hollywood business, as well as the difficulties experienced by LGBT women in public. The subplot concerning Monique Grant, the journalist picked by Hugo to write her tale, is also noted for its intriguing nature and added tension to the storyline. The reviewer has a personal connection to the book, naming it a favorite and praising its emotional effect.
In summary, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is praised for its deep character development, notably of the protagonist, and for its thorough study of complicated subjects relating to Hollywood’s glitter and its stars’ psychological troubles. The emotional richness of the story, together with its realistic presentation of the darker sides of celebrity and identity, contribute to its enormous praise.
Sources: The Indiependent, Kirkus Reviews
