Looking for a captivating read with a queer Hispanic main character? Obsessed with movie starlets from the 1950s and ’60s, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner? Then I would highly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This historical fiction book follows iconic Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her life story to an up-and-coming journalist, Monique Grant. Evelyn Hugo explains the ups and downs of being in the spotlight through the stories of the seven men she was married to over the course of her career. As both women open up to one another, they learn more about themselves, as well hard truths about their lives that they never expected to discover.
Not only does this novel excellently display the glamor and rampant abuse present in Hollywood during the Golden Age, but it also explores Hugo’s struggles with simultaneously accepting and hiding her bisexuality and Cuban roots from the public. Evelyn is not the only character who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community in this work, as there are many others who do as well, such as influential Hollywood producer Harry Cameron and critically acclaimed actress Celia St. James. These other queer characters will capture your heart just as much if not even more than Evelyn Hugo will.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a book that is filled with love, memorable friendships, conversations about feminine expression, and Hispanic and bisexual representation. This novel is addicting and heartfelt and one you should pick up to read next. You will be happy that you did.