Summary
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid unfolds the career, scandals, and secrets of a movie star during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Spanning the 1950s through the late 1980s, the story follows Evelyn Hugo, an aging and reclusive screen icon who agrees to share her life story with a young journalist, Monique Grant. Through their interviews, the novel opens a window into Evelyn’s shrouded past, highly publicized marriages, driving ambitions, and true love. Throughout, the novel explores the compromises and personal sacrifices that come with the quest for fame.
Plot
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows the life of Evelyn Hugo, a movie legend from Hollywood’s Golden Age, as recounted by biographer Monique Grant. Divided into seven chapters, the story spans decades, from the 1950s through the 1980s, detailing Evelyn's rise from Hell’s Kitchen to Hollywood fame while recounting her seven marriages. Starting with her first marriage, which provides an escape from poverty and begins her acting career, her seven marriages mark key moments in her life. As Evelyn reveals, each marriage was motivated by a strategic move in a male-dominated industry rather than romance.
A key part of Evelyn’s life is her hidden relationship with actress Celia St. James. Harry Cameron, her fifth husband and trusted confidant, plays a crucial role by sharing in Evelyn's secretive life while managing secrets of his own. Together, they face Hollywood's challenges under scrutiny.
The story climaxes with a revelation about Monique's father, who is connected to Evelyn’s past decisions. This event exposes the impact of Evelyn’s ambitions on her life. Evelyn’s decision to share her story with Monique underscores her journey to self-awareness, encouraging reflections on identity and legacy.
Characters
Evelyn Hugo: A Hollywood icon, Evelyn navigates the film industry strategically. Known for her beauty and her publicity-driven marriages, she reveals her true self only to a select few.
Monique Grant: An inexperienced journalist chosen by Evelyn to write her biography. As Monique uncovers Evelyn's secrets, she experiences a personal transformation and professional empowerment.
: Evelyn's true love and an accomplished actress. Their relationship explores love and acceptance within societal constraints.
