.Virtual Book Club

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

From the author's website: 

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life.

When she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Written with Reid’s signature talent for “creating complex, likable characters” (Real Simple), this is a fascinating journey through the splendor of Old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it takes—to face the truth.

USF Libraries has a vast collection of resources showcasing the Golden Age of Hollywood. Read up on some of the real-life movie screen queens who may have inspired the character of Evelyn!

*** WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! ***

Each week, VBC discusses sections of the book together. Below is a collection of weekly discussion questions posed by VBC leadership and members. Be aware that these likely include spoilers, so please do not scroll further if you have not read the book.

Week 1: Book introduction meeting

1. What makes someone a celebrity? 
2. Why do you think we as a culture are so fascinated with celebrities? 
3. Who do you think are the biggest stars of today? Do you think they will stand the test of time like the stars of old?
4. Whose completely truthful, no-holds-barred life story would you most like to know?
5. Do you think celebrity memoirs are truthful? Can we trust a celebrity to tell their story, and if so under what circumstances?
    

Week 2: pg. 1-80 (Beginning through Chapter 11)

1. What would you do if you were in Monique’s place, given the opportunity she is given by Evelyn? Would you have any reservations, and if so what would hold you back (or push you forward)?
2. How do you think Evelyn’s early life shaped her as the person she became?
3. We are introduced to two of Evelyn’s husbands in this section. What are your impressions of them?
4. Speculate wildly! Why do you think Evelyn is so insistent that only Monique can write her memoir?

Week 3: pg. 81-155

1. Celia and Evelyn’s friendship starts and develops into romance during this section. Why do you think the two are drawn to each other? In a story full of relationships, what makes their connection so unique?
2. In Chapter 23, Monique realizes that she’s going to “have to ‘Evelyn Hugo’ Evelyn Hugo” (p.146). What does this mean? Have you even had to “Evelyn Hugo” a situation?
3. What role do the celebrity gossip columns play in the story?
4. Don and Evelyn’s relationship and divorce affect both of their careers differently. Why do you think this is the case? Do you think these double standards still exist?
5. Which scene from this section sticks out to you as the most memorable?
    

Week 4: pg. 156-231

1. In Chapter 27, we see that Evelyn and Celia have different interpretations of what it means to protect each other. Evelyn comes up with a wild plan in order to protect her real love. Celia is done with schemes and suggests just being honest. What does this exchange reveal about them both as individuals and what they value?
2. Was Celia justified in her decision to leave? Why or why not?
3. In this section, we meet three more husbands. What are your thoughts about each one? What roles does each play in Evelyn's story?
4. Up until this week’s reading, Evelyn has been portrayed as an incredibly confident and secure woman. After this week’s reading, do you think this is still accurate?
    

Week 5: pg. 232-302

1. How does Evelyn and Harry’s decision to have a baby affect the dynamic of their relationships with Celia and John?
2. In this section, we see more cracks forming between Evelyn and Celia, including a big reveal which leads to another period of separation. What caused these cracks to form? Do you think this latest betrayal is more or less serious than the previous situation with Mick?
3. Up to this point in the book, how has Monique changed as a result of her time working with Evelyn?
4. There are many memorable scenes in these pages. Share your favorite quote or scene from this section and what it means to you.

Week 6: pg. 303-385

1. We finally get our Big Reveal in this section regarding Evelyn and Monique. Discuss your reactions to this.
2. After having finished the book, do you still think the title is appropriate? Why or why not?
3. Is there an aspect of Evelyn's story you wish had gotten more coverage?