The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

How hard is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to read?

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo scores 48 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it moderately challenging. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 38 out of 100

The vocabulary is contemporary and accessible, with occasional Hollywood jargon (e.g., "day-player roles," "key grip"). There are some Spanish phrases related to Evelyn's Cuban heritage, but these are easily understood in context. Compared to "Beach Read," the vocabulary is slightly more elevated, but still very approachable.

Sentence structure: 42 out of 100

The sentences are generally straightforward, with a mix of dialogue and descriptive passages. While there are some longer sentences, they are not overly complex or difficult to follow. The syntax is more complex than "Diary of a Young Girl" but less so than "The Great Gatsby."

Abstraction: 45 out of 100

The narrative focuses on concrete events and character interactions, with some reflection on fame, identity, and ambition. While there are moments of introspection, the story remains grounded in the details of Evelyn's life and career. This is less abstract than "Remains of the Day," which explores repressed emotions beneath the surface.

Information density: 40 out of 100

The book presents a steady stream of information about Evelyn's life, relationships, and career, but it is delivered in a clear and engaging manner. The plot moves at a good pace, and the reveals are manageable. Compared to "The Housemaid," the information density is slightly higher due to the historical context and character development.

Narrative indirection: 55 out of 100

The story is told through Monique's perspective as she interviews Evelyn, requiring readers to interpret Evelyn's accounts and motivations. While Evelyn directly narrates her life, the reader must still discern her true intentions and the reliability of her storytelling. This is similar to "The Great Gatsby," where Nick's narration shapes the reader's understanding.

Symbolic density: 50 out of 100

There are some symbolic elements, such as the gowns representing different periods in Evelyn's life and the concept of fame itself. However, the story primarily focuses on the literal events and relationships. The symbolic density is less pronounced than in "The Great Gatsby" with its green light and valley of ashes.

Ironic distance: 40 out of 100

There is some ironic distance, as the reader is aware that Evelyn's public persona is carefully constructed and may not reflect her true self. However, the narrative also invites empathy for Evelyn's choices and struggles. This is less ironic than "Lolita," where the narrator is deeply unreliable and manipulative.

Resolution withholding: 65 out of 100

The central mystery of who Evelyn loved and why she chose Monique is withheld until later in the story, creating suspense and intrigue. While the plot eventually resolves, the full truth is revealed gradually, keeping the reader engaged. This is similar to "Lolita," where the aftermath is known but the full meaning remains open.

Structural complexity: 45 out of 100

The story primarily follows a linear timeline, but it incorporates flashbacks as Evelyn recounts her past. The narrative structure is relatively straightforward, with a clear framing device of the interview. This is less complex than "Midnight's Children," which features multiple timelines and extensive flashbacks.

How The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is regarded

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo holds a literary regard score of 24 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Taylor Jenkins Reid