The Book Nook

Living a lie in Hollywood   In the mood for an absorbing novel?  “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a contemporary/historical novel that reads like a true-life Hollywood exposé, but is actually a carefully-crafted fiction.  The title character offers a rags-to-riches story that packs a punch in terms of content with trigger warnings noted below. The book opens with a press announcement that the Hollywood legend will donate some of her most memorable gowns for a cancer fundraiser.  In spite of her advanced age and being out of the spotlight for decades she’s still considered a beacon of glamor, although one with a scandalous background. Over the years, the former film darling’s refusal to be interviewed only added to her mystique.  It’s understandable that the editor of Vivant magazine, Frankie, is thrilled when Hugo’s staff contacts her to offer an exclusive interview.  She assumes they’re seeking publicity for the fundraiser but is puzzled why they’re insisting on a specific writer – Monique Grant. Grant is equally clueless why she was chosen over more experienced colleagues.  She’s a Vivant newbie who’s struggling with her career and a dying marriage.  After meeting her subject she learns the fundraiser interview was just a pretense.  What Evelyn really wants is for Monique to write her life story as an authorized biographer.  Accepting such a tantalizing offer could boost her career and finances, but also creates an ethical dilemma that could get her fired.  She agrees to the offer but worries what will happen when her employer finds out. Hugo takes an honest approach in relaying her life story, unapologetic about her ambition or how she achieved her goals.  Due to personal circumstances, she built a persona based on misrepresentation, justifying her lies and deception as necessary for success.  But for her memoir, she insists on the brutal truth without caring what others will think of her. The younger woman is impressed by her subject as she gets not only the surface tales about life in Old Hollywood but also the darker stories lurking beneath.  The idea of being married seven times raised many questions and the rising star learned to handle the press carefully, a wise move given the nature of her deepest secret. As the interview proceeds, the writer wrestles with her failed personal relationship and the conflict of interest she’s creating with Vivant.  Respect for the older woman provides a welcome distraction as they form a relationship based on mutual admiration.  When an unexpected disclosure shocks the journalist to her core she storms out of Hugo’s apartment, vowing never to return.  If the rift can’t be mended, Evelyn’s fascinating story will never be told, adding a new level of problems as Grant sorts through her whirling emotions. I found this an entertaining read for several reasons.  First, there’s the captivating story of rising to stardom.  As events affect her, we not only see her reaction, but are also privy to her thoughts.  This layering provides a richness that allows readers to feel part of the story.  Her tale of aspirations and forbidden love expose the era’s bias and injustices.  The author shows us how homosexuality was viewed in the mid-20th century and what people had to do to avoid detection and retribution.   Another feature was themes of ambition, friendship and love.  There’s symbolic use of color to represent Evelyn’s emotional and sexual life and the media is used to represent tradition and conformity, particularly in regard to morality.   The author uses press clippings to propel the narrative and highlight gender inequality.  Those and the blog posts provide added elements of interest.  Other content warnings include racism, domestic abuse and sexism. Finally, I liked the writing and presentation style.  This multi-layered tale is complex and filled with twists and turns, yet is easy to follow.  The narrative includes first- and second-person accounts from Evelyn, with Monique’s first-person narrative adding a crucial perspective.  The author takes care to ensure each has a distinct voice.  From an impoverished start to her reclusive retirement, the film star’s story is told with clear, decisive writing that makes her seem real.  For the most part, other characters also felt authentic. Reid brings drama, humor and intensity to this novel as she lets us into the minds of her two protagonists.  Evelyn is far from perfect, yet she always manages to land on her feet as she rises from ashes both of her own and other’s making.  Grant is less confident but equally ambitious as she works through her emotions and problems. Their ability to deal with shortcomings and complicated personalities provide opportunities for contrasting and comparing the two characters. Regardless of the turn of events which drives Monique away, she’s wise enough to recognize opportunities to learn lessons she can apply to her own life.  Some believe the book is based loosely on the lives of superstars such as Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe.  Regardless of whether that’s true, at the novel’s core is the observance of human frailty.  There’s enough depth that you may find yourself revisiting the plot well after finishing the last page.