Date: 1/27/2023
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
I first heard of this book as a suggestion by a recent phlebotomist of mine. Apparently, Mizz Taylor Jenkins Reid is making quite the name for herself because I heard whisperings of this book other places that I went around town as well. So, I picked it up as soon as I could and settled in to read what all the fuss is about.
Well done. The Crown on Netflix came to mind as I was reading this. Both narratives embellish upon the life of a well-known icon from the same time period, the 1950’s. Both show these icons as the true people behind the façade. One is obviously real, while the other is believable enough to have been real. Mizz Reid’s words spin a story of a Hollywood legend from back in the day when the phrase ‘talkies’ didn’t require a google search to understand the meaning. Yet, both women, each royalty in their own way, went into battle fighting dual enemies of both rumor and scandal, along with the effects these two things had upon their lives and the lives of those they loved.
Herein lay the dilemma for Miss Hugo, her sexual orientation. She wasn’t heterosexual and if exposed this would have become a very serious offense. She lived in fear of the very terrifying consequences her orientation could have reaped upon her life. In those times people were scared of anything that veered from the then ideal of ‘normal’. Nowadays public perspectives on these same issues have evolved with the times. Back then though? Certain things were only whispered of behind mittened hands and closed doors for fear of isolation from important people in their lives. To say it bluntly the consequences of being found out would be possible ostracizing and/or imprisonment, if not in a jail the local mental ward would find a bed.
This piece was well written, and the topics were explored tastefully. What a beautiful angle to see such a difficult subject from.
I suggest The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for an intriguing read that delves deep into the human psyche. A refreshing take on important topics to date, while maintaining a truth and integrity. Taylor Jenkins Reid portrays the character’s emotions realistically and if you were to take a page from her (Evelyn Hugo’s) ‘book’ it would be to lie and manipulate your way through life. After all, that is what Hollywood taught her and her peers.
This story, I believe, is one that could stay with the reader for a while. I highly suggest reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I’m excited to read another from this talented mind.