20 Must-Read Books Like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a remarkable novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of a fictional Hollywood icon named Evelyn Hugo. The book tells a story that is rich in themes such as ambition, love, identity, and secrets, which makes it unsurprising that many readers are searching for more books with a similar pull.
If you are one of those readers who was enchanted by Evelyn Hugo and are looking for more stories that blend historical fiction with deep emotional exploration, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we have curated a list of books that share the allure and depth of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”
The Top 20 Books to Read if you Liked “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
1. “City of Girls” by Elizabeth Gilbert
This novel offers a vivacious journey into the 1940s New York City theater world, seen through the eyes of an older woman recounting her youth.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A strong, unforgettable female protagonist.
- A backdrop rich in historical detail.
- Themes of sexual freedom and finding one’s identity.
2. “Evelyn, After” by Victoria Helen Stone
This story reveals the life-changing secrets uncovered by Evelyn after her husband’s affair, exploring the depths of betrayal and redemption.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A compelling narrative centered on a woman named Evelyn.
- A plot revolving around secrets and personal transformation.
- Exploration of the nuances in relationships.
3. “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in the 1970s, this novel charts the rise and fall of a fictional rock band, drawing readers into a world of music, ambition, and heartbreak.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A complex, charismatic female lead.
- A vividly recreated historical setting.
- A deep dive into the intricacies of fame and personal relationships.
4. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
This book transports readers to a magical competition between two young illusionists, set against the backdrop of an enchanting circus.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A lush, atmospheric setting.
- A love story with deep emotional stakes.
- Themes of sacrifice and destiny.
5. “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter
Spanning decades and continents, this novel tells a sweeping story of love and dreams, from a 1960s Italian coastline to modern Hollywood.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A historical backdrop interspersed with the present.
- Intricately woven personal stories.
- Hollywood as a dramatic setting.
6. “The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin
This narrative follows four siblings who visit a psychic to discover the dates of their deaths, affecting their life choices profoundly.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Exploration of life’s impermanence and the choices we make.
- A story spanning several decades.
- Deeply developed characters facing emotional and existential dilemmas.
7. “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer
Following a group of friends who met at a summer camp for the arts, this novel explores the intricacies of talent, friendship, and ambition over decades.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A focus on the evolution of relationships over time.
- Characters with deep ties to the arts and entertainment industry.
- An exploration of the impact of fame and success on personal relationships.
8. “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles
Set in 1938 New York, this novel captures a young woman’s journey through the glittering social ladder, with all its charms and challenges.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A strong female protagonist navigating a bygone era.
- The glamorous and gritty sides of New York City.
- Themes of social climbing and personal transformation.
9. “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh
A young woman’s attempt to hibernate from life in New York City sets the stage for a darkly humorous exploration of self and society.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A protagonist dealing with identity and existential angst.
- The juxtaposition of external glamour with internal struggle.
- A narrative that both entertains and provokes thought.
10. “The Last Tycoon” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s unfinished novel delves into the life of a young film mogul in Hollywood, uncovering the drive, love, and disillusionment of the Golden Age.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Hollywood’s golden era as a setting.
- A compelling narrative of ambition and romance.
- An insider’s look at the movie industry.
11. “The Girls in the Picture” by Melanie Benjamin
A novel about the friendship and creative partnership between silent film star Mary Pickford and screenwriter Frances Marion.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Strong female protagonists in early Hollywood.
- The exploration of friendship and professional relationships.
- Insider views on the film industry’s history.
12. “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Anne Fowler
This novel reimagines the tumultuous and glamorous life of Zelda Fitzgerald, the famous wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and her quest for artistic identity.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A focus on a legendary figure in the arts.
- Themes of love, fame, and madness.
- The backdrop of roaring twenties glamour.
13. “America’s Sweetheart” by Jessica Lemmon
Telling the story of a Hollywood bad boy and the PR specialist hired to clean up his image, this romance explores the complexities of love under the spotlight.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Hollywood setting with a focus on public image.
- Complex relationships with a romantic element.
- Themes of redemption and the cost of fame.
14. “The Perfume Collector” by Kathleen Tessaro
An inheritance leads a London socialite to Paris and into the mystery of a former perfume maven’s past, exploring themes of memory and transformation.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A narrative that moves between the past and present.
- A strong female lead uncovering secrets.
- The glamorous backdrop of mid-century Europe.
15. “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin
The story of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, pilot and wife of the famous Charles Lindbergh, reveals the challenges of marriage to a public figure and her own quest for identity.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Historical setting with rich detail.
- Strong female character facing personal and public challenges.
- Exploration of the complexities of marriage and fame.
16. “The Swans of Fifth Avenue” by Melanie Benjamin
This novel brings to life the glamorous circle of friends surrounding Truman Capote in 1950s Manhattan, focusing on his confidante, Babe Paley.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A story set in a bygone era of elegance and gossip.
- Complex, real-life characters from the entertainment world.
- Themes of friendship, betrayal, and the cost of fame.
17. “Screen Queens” by Lori Goldstein
Three ambitious girls compete in a Silicon Valley tech competition, tackling challenges of gender bias and their personal aspirations in the tech industry.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Strong female protagonists pursuing ambitious goals.
- A contemporary twist on themes of success and identity.
- Exploration of women’s roles in a traditionally male-dominated field.
18. “A Touch of Stardust” by Kate Alcott
Set against the filming of “Gone with the Wind”, this novel follows an aspiring screenwriter swept up in the behind-the-scenes drama of the movie industry.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- The golden age of Hollywood setting.
- A blend of historical detail with fictional narrative.
- The trials and triumphs of pursuing one’s dreams in the film industry.
19. “This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel
This novel centers on a family keeping a big secret about their youngest child, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and unconditional love.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- Deep emotional exploration of personal and family dynamics.
- Themes of secrets, change, and acceptance.
- The journey towards self and societal understanding.
20. “The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna” by Juliet Grames
Through the story of Stella Fortuna, this novel delves into the life of a woman determined to survive against the odds, set against the backdrop of Italian and American history.
Elements in common with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”:
- A strong-willed female protagonist with a compelling life story.
- Historical and cultural depth spanning decades.
- Themes of resilience, family secrets, and identity.
If “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” left you craving more stories of complex characters, compelling narratives, and rich historical settings, this list promises your next memorable read.
Just like Evelyn’s own story, each of these books offers a unique blend of emotion, depth, and intrigue. So, dive into these pages and let yourself be swept away once more. Happy reading!
