Peace In The Margins

“Sometimes reality comes crashing down on you. Other times reality simply waits, patiently, for you to run out of the energy it takes to deny it.”

What better way to jump back on the book review bandwagon than with a book I’ve read three times in the last six-months. Yep, you read that correctly. I’m still feeling my way through the whys of how this story speaks to my soul.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is more than a celebrity’s tell-all brought to life, it is a story with themes that are complex and far-reaching; themes that resonate in the here an now. It is interesting that when I read other reviews of the novel which talked about themes, no reviews listed the same themes. I believe that is because Ms. Taylor Reid has something special in Evelyn’s tale: she speaks to each of us in different ways addressing us exactly where we are at this very moment.

Are you struggling with identity – Evelyn can relate. Are you in an abusive relationship – so was Evelyn. Are you unsure of how to be a good parent – well, just take a look at Evelyn. Are you frustrated with how the media sways viewers to believe a lie – yep, you guessed it, Evelyn is right there with you.

And the list of themes goes on and on: right, wrong gray; sexuality; sexism; racism; the cost of fame; relationships; social intolerance; societal labels; cause and effect; the definition of truth – and I’m certain there are more.

The way Evelyn deals with the themes and unashamedly holds her head high even when, by all accounts, she is labeled a heartless, manipulative bitch only out for her selfish gain at the cost of everyone around her is what drives this story forward. And Ms. Taylor Reid has dangled the proverbial carrot before this little rabbit, one that I cannot deny.

Evelyn is so much more. She is a woman who knows her worth and will settle for nothing less than what she believes she deserves. But she has depth and compassion and desire and balls bigger than King Kong – and I love everything she stands for.

I’m certain this will be a book I read over and over again…and for all you audiobookers – take a listen, you won’t be disappointed.

Until Next Time, Alicia