Published in 2017, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, became increasingly popular in the past few years on TikTok and Goodreads. In fact, in March of this year, Netflix announced the novel would be getting a film adaptation. I finally had the chance to finish it this month, so here’s a spoiler-free review:
This historical fiction novel begins in modern-day, with magazine reporter Monique Grant. Monique, recently divorced and stuck in her career, finds herself with the opportunity to interview actress Evelyn Hugo about her career in Los Angeles in the 1950s. The main story follows Evelyn’s life — her journey to explosive fame, her infamous seven husbands, and her true love story with a fellow actress.
Firstly, I adored how engaging this book was. Reid’s greatest strength is pacing. We’re immediately introduced to Evelyn’s world: individualistic, dangerous, and full of possibility. A stunning protagonist, Evelyn does what’s necessary — even if it’s leaving others behind—for her personal goal of fame on the big screen. Reid takes us through her life step-by-step in a way that never feels boring. She sets up Evelyn’s obstacles as a Cuban, a teenager, then a woman, then a superstar, in the gorgeously eat-or-be-eaten Hollywood that Reid takes the time to create.
Although Monique is the other protagonist, her life and obstacles are simply not as interesting. Her chapters are slowing and don’t add anything monumental. As a reader, I was always itching to get back to Evelyn’s perfectly paced soap opera.
My main issue with this novel is that it’s ultimately shallow. Reid tackles multiple heavy themes: the self-destruction of heritage, portrayals of race in America and Hollywood, bisexuality and queerness, feminity, womanhood, motherhood, found family. This book introduces several heavy emotions and then never delivers on any of them. For a story that relies distinctly on the complicated relationships between characters, Reid doesn’t bother to explore these tensions further than necessary. By the end of the novel, conflicts were resolved with comically fast and easy solutions. The big “twist” is surprising enough, but it doesn’t create change — adding no real weight to the plot. Reading this was like standing at the edge of a cavern you’re not allowed to enter.
This book is entertaining, but it’s not challenging. As I see more and more books skyrocket due to #Booktok, it’s important to remember that ‘popular’ novels may not adhere to your personal taste. Trends can absolutely help you discover your new favorite author or encourage you to read a new genre, but sometimes they won’t click for you. I would still recommend this book to those who are looking for an engaging, dramatic time without too much concentration involved: it’s the essential beach read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has enormous potential. A beautiful, cunning, POC, and morally gray heroine at the height of her career, in a historically rich time period that shows the ‘dark side’ of Hollywood. An enduring queer love story over decades with two women at its center.
So I will say: I’m looking forward to Netflix’s adaptation. It’s a second chance for this story to shine and provide genuine, dimensional POC and queer representation.