Rating: 8.5/10
Favorite Husbands: Rex North and Robert Jamison
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo revolves around, as the name might suggest, Evelyn Hugo, an enigmatic woman who, despite being ruthless and manipulative, is still a sympathetic character. Pragmatic and romantic, honest and sly, Evelyn is a contradictory character. The other characters in her story are no less complex, from those she holds dear to those whom oppose her. The story is also undeniably a piece of historical fiction; Evelyn’s story happens within a certain context, and her actions are strongly affected by the society she lives in. During the book, Evelyn is telling her story to a reporter, Monique, whom she specifically requested. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how we get to see Monique react to Evelyn’s stories, and apply the lessons she learns to her own life. And, of course, Monique’s relation to Evelyn, as well as Evelyn’s reasons telling her story, remains a mystery throughout most of the book, which makes for a shocking revelation near the end. Perhaps most meaningfully, in this book, Reid explores sexuality through a feminist lens, showing it in all its complicated aspects.
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