Book Review: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Are you looking for a book to read this month? If yes—Perfect. Here is a recommendation for you since I just finished reading a book. If you want a sapphic love story set in 1960s Hollywood, with good character development, and intense feeling every time you read it—The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a Must Read!
Spoiler Alert! This article is most likely to contain some spoilers from the book. However, I tried my best not to spill any of the important parts.
Overview of the Book
Taylor Jenkins—the 38-year-old American author, wrote the notable Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. In 2017, Atria Books published the novel. Nevertheless, people recognized the book during the pandemic mainly because of Tiktok recommendations.
The story begins with the recluse 79-year-old Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo auctioning her most famous dresses for charity. Along with that, Hugo has also made a deal with Vivant Magazine under one condition—she wants Monique Grant. At that time, Monique’s passion for writing is swaying hence, she has taken the opportunity despite doubts. However, when the two met, things got complicated.
Portraying the Struggles of the Bisexual Community
One of the main characters in the story identified themselves as bisexual. Bisexuality in layman’s terms is a sexual attraction for both women and men. However, in the book, some of the characters have refused to recognize the attraction of that one character to both genders. And Jenkins has portrayed well the experience of bisexuality in the binary world. The way they tackled how bisexuality is very real and not just confusion and how the lack of knowledge has affected their perspective.
Biphobia is an issue existing faced by people who have identified themselves as bisexual. There are instances that some people have identified themselves as bisexual before identifying themselves as a lesbian or any sexual orientation. Hence people have doubted them because of these circumstances.
Our binary view of relationships is probably one element of it. The idea perpetuated in the book is you can only be attracted to one sex. In reality sex, gender, and our expression are fluid. This proves that our fight for equality is still a long way to go. We also have to address the knowledge of people about our sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
Intense and Interesting Plot
The whole time I was reading the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo It was an emotional roller coaster. I always caught myself catching my breath and being taken aback by what was happening to the characters. I felt the intensity between them, I imagined what they looked like, and I felt what they are feeling.
The ending caught me off-guard, it was surprising and at the same time saddening. However, I think it was given less attention than it deserves. Emotions are complex, but the realization of Monique did make me lift a brow. Even so, the storyline kept me reading the whole book.
Broaden Your Library—Read It Now!
If you are trying to go back into reading, I am sure that this book would captivate your mind and attention. I was once in a reading slump and bought books that I still haven’t read up until now. Well, I suggest you take your time. Please don’t force it. Even when you’re in that state, I know deep inside, you will always love reading. Once a bookworm always a bookworm.
Have fun reading!
