If you’ve recently closed the cover on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s extraordinary novel “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, you’re likely to be in the throes of a book hangover. The complex characters, intriguing plotline, and its immersive depiction of the golden age of Hollywood are hard to leave behind.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” offers a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the price of fame, leaving readers hungry for more stories that encapsulate similar themes.
This blog post is a goldmine for those seeking their next reading adventure, echoing the elements that made Evelyn Hugo so compelling. We have selected books that traverse the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, showcase complex female characters, celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, and keep you on your toes with unexpected plot twists. We also couldn’t resist sharing other notable works from Taylor Jenkins Reid’s portfolio.
Let’s dive in!
The Historical Glamour: Hollywood’s Golden Age
If you were swept away by the glitz, glamour, and complex social dynamics of Hollywood’s golden era in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, then you’ll likely find the following book recommendations appealing.
The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin
In “The Girls in the Picture“, Melanie Benjamin paints an authentic picture of Hollywood’s golden age. This tale centers on the friendship between two icons of the silent film era, Mary Pickford and Frances Marion. As they navigate fame and personal challenges, we’re given a front-row seat to the birth of an industry and the complex relationships that drove it.
City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay
“City of Flickering Light” by Juliette Fay takes us on a journey to the roaring twenties in Hollywood. We follow three ambitious friends who escape a sideshow to try their luck in Tinseltown. They face unexpected challenges and heartbreak while trying to make their dreams come true in the ever-changing world of the film industry. This novel perfectly captures the intrigue and glamour of Hollywood in the 1920s.
We hope that these books will further your love affair with Hollywood’s golden era and offer a satisfying continuation of the journey started in Evelyn Hugo’s world.
Complex Female Characters: Life, Love, and Secrets
The magic of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is largely due to its complex and deeply human protagonist, Evelyn Hugo. If you found yourself drawn to her strength, complexity, and the exploration of her life’s trials and triumphs, you’ll find resonance in the following books:
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty is a captivating story about three women, each at crossroads in their lives. Madeline, Celeste, and Jane are all unique, with secrets that unravel in unexpected ways. Moriarty masterfully explores the social dynamics of a community and the intricate lives of these women with wit and sensitivity.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
“An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the concept of justice. It tells the story of Celestial and Roy, a couple whose lives are turned upside down when Roy is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Jones’ nuanced portrayal of her characters provides a deep and compelling look into their lives, aspirations, and the complexities of their situation.
These stories, much like Evelyn Hugo’s, promise an intimate look at the lives of women, revealing their strength, vulnerabilities, and the intricate tapestry of their experiences.
LGBTQ+ Representation: Stories That Celebrate Diversity
A striking and important aspect of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. If you appreciated the thoughtful representation and the exploration of identity in the book, you’ll likely find the following recommendations meaningful:
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer is a heartfelt and humorous journey of self-discovery. The story follows Arthur Less, a failed novelist about to turn fifty. To escape an awkward situation, he decides to accept invitations to all the literary events he’s previously turned down. Greer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is an exquisite exploration of love, aging, and identity.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
“Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman is a poignant exploration of first love and self-discovery. The story takes place in the Italian Riviera, where seventeen-year-old Elio finds himself attracted to Oliver, a guest visiting his parents’ villa. Aciman’s evocative prose and deep understanding of human emotions make this a must-read.
These books, much like Evelyn Hugo’s story, provide moving depictions of LGBTQ+ characters, giving readers a variety of perspectives and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Twists and Turns: Intriguing Plotlines and Secrets
If one of the aspects you loved about “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” was the way it kept you guessing, revealing secrets and plot twists that deepened the story, then you’re in for a treat with the following book recommendations:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn is a thrilling masterpiece of suspense and unexpected twists. When Amy Dunne goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband Nick becomes the prime suspect. However, as the investigation unfolds, so does a web of lies, deceit, and surprisingly dark secrets. Flynn’s sharp writing keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to guess what’s coming next.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins is an addictive read. Rachel, the central character, commutes every day on the same train, fantasizing about a seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window. One day, she sees something shocking, and everything changes. With its shifting perspectives and suspenseful plot, this book will grip you until the end.
Both of these novels, much like Evelyn Hugo’s tale, promise a rollercoaster of emotions with their carefully constructed plotlines, ensuring you’re hooked until the last page.
From the Same Pen: Other Works by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If your journey with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” has made you a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style and storytelling, then it’s worth exploring her other works. Here are a couple of her books that might pique your interest:
Daisy Jones & The Six
“Daisy Jones & The Six” is a compelling novel about the rise and fall of a fictional 70s rock band. Told through an innovative interview format, the story explores the drama, chemistry, and turmoil behind the band’s success and eventual split. Fans of Reid’s character development and immersive storytelling in Evelyn Hugo will certainly enjoy this vibrant and emotional ride.
Maybe in Another Life
“Maybe in Another Life” explores the idea of fate through its protagonist Hannah Martin, who’s unsure about her life’s direction. After an unexpected event, the narrative splits into two parallel universes, depicting how different choices could lead to different outcomes. This novel highlights Reid’s ability to weave complex narratives with relatable characters and thought-provoking themes.
Exploring Reid’s portfolio further, you’ll see her unique voice and her ability to breathe life into characters and stories, very much like she did with Evelyn Hugo.
Additional Recommendations
For those of you eager to discover more captivating reads reminiscent of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, here are ten additional recommendations that promise to be just as compelling.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
“The Nightingale” is a story of two sisters in France during World War II, showing their different paths of survival during the war. Selected for its strong female characters and exploration of love and sacrifice, this book is sure to resonate with fans of Evelyn Hugo.
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
“The Light We Lost” is a love story about two people who meet on 9/11. Its themes of love, fate, and choices make it a compelling read post-Evelyn Hugo.
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
This is a novel of friendship and redemption in the face of tragedy. Set during the AIDS crisis, it’s a selection for its themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
A tale of intricate family dynamics and the power of motherhood. Its exploration of characters’ complexities makes this a must-read.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
This gothic suspense novel filled with twists and turns will appeal to those who loved the surprising revelations in Evelyn Hugo’s story.
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
An expansive, beautifully written novel about a 19th-century female botanist. Selected for its strong, complex female protagonist, much like Evelyn Hugo.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A multi-generational saga about a Korean family living in Japan. The rich, well-drawn characters and exploration of identity make it a suitable choice.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Set in a luxury hotel across decades of Russian history, its blend of historical detail and charm make it a standout recommendation.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
An engaging tale of social climbing and love in 1930s New York, offering an historical setting and nuanced characters to enjoy.
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
This novel spans 50 years, telling the stories of a blended family. Chosen for its exploration of family dynamics and how one event can change everything.
Each of these novels offers complex characters, engaging plotlines, and themes of love, loss, and identity, all of which you’ll find resonates with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”.
Conclusion
We hope this reading list offers you an intriguing next step after immersing yourself in the compelling world of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. These books, carefully selected for their exploration of Hollywood’s golden era, complex female characters, thoughtful representation of LGBTQ+ themes, and intricately plotted stories, promise to keep you captivated.
From further exploring Taylor Jenkins Reid’s impressive portfolio to venturing into other authors’ worlds, there’s plenty here to inspire your reading journey. After all, the end of one book is simply the start of another adventure.
We encourage you to delve into these stories, lose yourself in their narratives, and continue the journey that Evelyn Hugo started. And remember, we would love to hear your own book suggestions and reading experiences, so please feel free to share them with our reading community.
Happy reading!
