Interesting Book Club Questions for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The popularity of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo exploded when it was released in 2017. Since then, the novel has grown a huge fan-base across the world. The story is so well-loved that it’s often cited as readers all time favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid book.
The book reflects on the life of the fictional Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn, now an aging and reclusive woman, is interviewed by unfulfilled magazine writer Monique. Despite being somewhat of a mystery, Evelyn is now ready to tell the complete story of her life.
Evelyn starts at the very beginning, taking Monique (and readers) on a journey through her childhood, marriages and life in the spotlight. The story spans across decades and features an array of intriguing characters.
These elements make The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo a fantastic book club choice! Scroll down for some engaging questions to dissect in your reading group.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Book Club Questions
What was your initial theory on why Evelyn chose Monique to write her life story? Did your theory change throughout the novel?
At the start of the book, Evelyn chooses Monique to write her biography. Monique agrees to conduct the interview, hoping it will further her writing career. Evelyn’s decision adds an element of mystery to the novel, with readers questioning the connection between the two women.
Monique’s boss Frankie wonders if Evelyn sees Monique’s potential as a journalist. In chapter 7, Monique is sent a box of her father’s photographs, causing further speculation amongst readers. The real reason behind Evelyn’s choice is not revealed until the end of the novel.
Was Evelyn justified in marrying Ernie in order to reach Hollywood stardom, or were her actions manipulative? In what ways, if any, did Ernie benefit from the marriage?
In chapter 6 of the book, Evelyn meets Ernie Diaz, a man from her neighbourhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York. She seduces him and lies about her age in order to get married.
She marries not for love, but to escape her abusive home life. This marks the beginning of a pattern in which Evelyn uses marriage as both a means of survival and as a pathway to success.
Which factor contributed the most to Evelyn’s rise to fame? Was it genuine talent, sheer determination, good fortune, or careful planning?
Evelyn moves to Los Angeles as a teenager, hoping to leave her difficult past behind and forge a better life for herself as a famous actress. Upon arrival, Evelyn starts acting classes, alters her appearance, divorces Ernie and starts dating prominent actors in the industry. She rebrands herself as ‘Evelyn Hugo’.
What does Evelyn’s role in Little Women represent to her at that stage in her life?
Early on in the novel, Evelyn is promised a role as Jo March in the movie adaptation of Little Women. She soon realises, however, that this promise was just a ploy. Her studio wanted her to continue making crowd-pleasing, generic movies.
After much anticipation, rehearsals for the movie finally begin in chapter 14. This role comes at a time when Evelyn is in an abusive and controlling marriage with fellow actor Don Adler.
What is it about Celia that attracts Evelyn? Do the two women share any similarities beyond being actresses? How does Evelyn’s relationship with Celia differ from her relationship with her husbands?
One of the most significant moments in the novel is when Evelyn meets rising Hollywood actress Celia St. James on the set of Little Women. Their friendship quickly develops into a romance central to the story.
The two women share a strong bond but face challenges throughout their relationship. These difficulties stem from the pressures of fame, Evelyn’s ruthless ambition, and the stigma around same-sex relationships. Evelyn reveals to Monique that despite her number of marriages, Celia was the great love of her life.
Can Evelyn’s “Lavender Marriage” to Harry Cameron still be considered a form of love? What do Evelyn and Harry provide each other that no other character can?
Evelyn and Harry become close friends due to their shared experiences in Hollywood. Harry recognises Evelyn’s natural talent before she becomes the famous ‘Evelyn Hugo’. Evelyn recognises Harry’s struggles with identity and belonging.
In chapter 34, Harry proposes a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to Evelyn. This arrangement would allow them both to survive a cut-throat industry while maintaining their public image.
What factors brought Evelyn and Celia back together despite such a painful breakup and years spent apart? In what ways, if any, did the two women change during their separation?
In chapter 29, Celia feels deeply betrayed when Evelyn tells her she is pregnant with Mick’s child. The two women argue about the secret nature of their romance. Celia eventually leaves, and she and Evelyn stop all communication for five years.
Evelyn and Celia both continue with their acting careers and get married to other men. The wheels are set in motion for their reunion when Harry reveals he is dating Celia’s husband who she is not in love with. In chapter 36, the two women reunite in a bathroom at an awards ceremony. There, Evelyn confesses that she never stopped loving Celia and that her marriage to Rex was a lie.
How would the characters lives have unfolded if Harry had lived? Would some relationships be strengthened or made more challenging?
In chapter 56, Evelyn manipulates the scene of a tragic car crash by placing Harry’s partner in the drivers seat. She does this in order to protect Harry’s reputation and to prevent him from going to jail for drunk driving. He later passes away at the hospital.
Did Celia passing away feel peaceful, tragic, or both? Did Celia ever truly forgive Evelyn for her past decisions and betrayals?
In chapter 55, Celia reveals her illness to Evelyn, and that she has only 10 years left to live. Following the revelation, Evelyn and Celia relocate to Spain, where they are free to live as a same-sex couple. 6 years after their informal wedding, Celia passes away at the age of 61. Evelyn is understandably devasted, stating that she feels as if her soul has been ripped out.
Was Evelyn justified in hiding the truth about Monique’s father for so long? Does the book suggest that telling the truth is healing, destructive, or both?
The truth behind the interview, and Monique and Evelyn’s connection, is revealed. Monique’s father James was the love of Harry’s life, and was killed in the same accident that led to Harry’s death. James was the person Evelyn moved into the drivers seat that fateful day.
Monique is furious at Evelyn and lashes out at her, before Evelyn passes her a letter and leaves the room. In the letter, James confesses his love to Harry, despite his marriage to Monique’s mother. Evelyn states that the letter was a gift of truth to Monique.