“If there are all different types of soul mates, […] then you are one of mine.”

Synopsis

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows Monique, a struggling reporter, who’s presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: to interview the iconic Evelyn Hugo—something no one has managed to do before. This fictional memoir of Old Hollywood glamour spans the entirety of Evelyn’s life: the making of ‘Evelyn Hugo’, her rise and fall, and of course, her marriages and how each affected her life.

Fame & Glamour – and the dirty underbelly

In The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, the fictional celebrity Evelyn Hugo agrees to give a tell-all interview to unknown journalist Monique Grant, offering her the opportunity to propel her career—on the strict condition that she writes exactly what Evelyn says, without twisting it. Thus, a large aspect of the book is shaped by this interview and biographical format, but what truly brings it to life are the characters Reid creates so realistically. Within fifty pages, I believed that Evelyn Hugo was a real celebrity, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor (who Reid has said Evelyn was loosely based on).

The unraveling mysteries and life secrets of Evelyn are slowly revealed throughout the different stages of her life, each framed by her husbands. This is the hook that drives the entire story, but what makes the reader stay is the twisted curiosity that keeps you turning pages—you want to know the secrets of the celebrities, even if they are fictitious. You want to know all the ups and downs of stardom, the filthy underbelly most of us don’t get to see.

Reid uses this to explore childhood abuse and neglect, and how these early experiences push Evelyn to constantly aspire for greatness and to “profit” from her struggles. Even her views of sex and desire become transactional. This is echoed in the quote: “It goes to show that if you tell a woman her only skill is to be desirable, she will believe you. I was believing it before I was even eighteen.” Reid’s interrogation of socialisation and how Evelyn’s childhood shaped her view of stardom is compelling—but so too is the twisted way Evelyn uses this to her advantage, extending into adulthood through abusive, exploitative, and toxic relationships with men in order to create opportunities for herself.

Romance & Bisexuality

As the title indicates, Evelyn had seven husbands—but also, one wife. The story delves into the struggles of bisexuality and acceptance with Evelyn’s relationship with another star, Celia St. James, while never diminishing the relationships she had with men, especially when in tandem with the conversations of abuse and exploitation. Most of Evelyn’s relationships with men are built on rocky foundations, with the exception of the friendship and romance she shared with film producer, Harry Cameron.

The friendship between Celia, Harry, John, and Evelyn makes up my favourite sections of the novel, capturing the happy years of Evelyn’s life. As the introductory quote highlights, the story explores the belief in soulmates—not just romantic soulmates, but platonic as well.

As a bisexual individual, the representation in the book really resonated with me. In particular the quote, “I’m bisexual. Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box,” firmly establishes the validity of bisexuality while also highlighting biphobia and bisexuality erasure—where people are viewed as either straight or gay, rather than the truth, which is being both, being bisexual.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was such an interesting story about fame, unexpected relationships, and tragedy. The stories and mysteries uncovered throughout the journey of the book are all deeply engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, it’s an incredibly immersive and emotional read—one I thoroughly enjoyed not just once, but twice, and likely will again on future re-reads. Furthermore, it rightfully stands as one of my five star reads.