In response to the article on Book Riot titled “Sapphic Books Matched with Lyrics,” I turn my critical eye towards one of the discussed works: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This book, which has garnered considerable attention and praise since its publication, promises a captivating and intriguing reading experience. However, I feel compelled to subject this work to a deeper analysis, an endeavor that my skeptical nature renders inevitable.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” narrates the story of the fictional, iconic Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, who finally decides to unveil the truth behind her glamorous and scandalous life. The novel is presented as an interview in which Evelyn shares her personal account with the audience, from the perspective of a relatively unknown journalist named Monique Grant. While the structure of the story appears innovative at first glance, upon closer inspection, its execution falls disappointingly short.
First and foremost, the book is marred by an abundance of clichés, a flaw that perpetually disrupts the reader’s suspension of disbelief. Evelyn Hugo, intended as a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, often comes across as a collection of stereotypical traits that we have encountered in numerous films and books. She is the archetypal Hollywood diva: beautiful, enigmatic, and scarred by her past. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with utilizing such archetypes, it is regrettable that Reid fails to imbue Evelyn’s character with sufficient depth to render her truly human.
Moreover, the book’s attempt to seriously and meaningfully address LGBTQ+ themes leaves much to be desired. Evelyn’s bisexuality and her love for another woman could have formed the core of a powerful and groundbreaking narrative, but unfortunately, it comes off more as a marketing ploy to appear modern and inclusive. While the relationship is indeed discussed, it remains superficial and lacks the emotional intensity it warrants. This undermines the representation of sapphic love, reducing it to a sentimental footnote rather than a substantial and profound theme.
Jenkins Reid’s writing style is equally unimpressive. Her use of language lacks the poetic flair and elegance one might expect from a work with literary aspirations. Sentences meander without distinctive rhythm or stylistic flourishes, leading to a monotonous and tedious reading experience. While accessibility can be a virtue in literature, it should not be pursued at the expense of artistic integrity and depth.
Another point of criticism concerns the story’s structure. The choice to present the narrative through an interview format is not inherently original and could have added more tension. However, the frequent shifts between Evelyn’s past and Monique’s present-day timeline are often confusing and disjointed. This excessive switching of perspectives hampers the buildup of suspense and emotional engagement with the characters, continually pulling the reader out of the story.
Finally, the plot development leaves much to be desired. Despite the promising premise of seven marriages and the accompanying intrigues and secrets, the progression of the story feels predictable and formulaic. The plot twists incorporated into the narrative are neither shocking nor clever enough to leave a lasting impression.
All things considered, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a book that fails to meet literary expectations, resulting in a disappointing reading experience. What promises to be a nuanced and profound portrait of a complex woman turns out to be a superficial and stereotypical tale lacking the necessary depth and emotion. Despite Jenkins Reid’s popularity, I believe this work will not stand the test of time nor be inducted into the literary canon. The attempt to integrate contemporary themes is commendable, but the execution fails miserably. This book falls short in both literary quality and emotional resonance, earning my critical disapproval.
Martijn Jongbloed.