Book Overview
When legendary singer Evelyn Hugo asks struggling junior reporter Monique Grant to undertake her first interview in decades, Monique Grant is at Vivant magazine. When Monique arrives, she finds out that Evelyn has other plans, including a tell-all where she would discuss her seven high-profile marriages. Despite having doubts about Evelyn’s motives, Monique takes the position of biographer after realizing that it is a career-defining chance.
Evelyn talks about her modest beginnings in Hell’s Kitchen, her desire to exploit her sexuality as a means of escaping a life of cruelty and poverty, and more: Evelyn marries a man at the age of 14 who promises to take her to Hollywood, only to divorce him after Harry Cameron spots her. To succeed, Evelyn Herrera will need to change her name, get blonde, and drop her Spanish accent. With Harry’s help, Evelyn gains notoriety and the world falls in love with her beauty. Don Adler, the most well-known actor in Hollywood, shortly marries her.
In stark contrast to Evelyn, Monique is going through a difficult time in both her personal and professional life after recently divorcing her husband David. Monique worries that her editor and boss, Frankie, is correct when he expresses uncertainty about her capacity to execute a successful piece. However, as they collaborate, Evelyn gains self-assurance and eventually demands a raise from her manager. Monique uses Evelyn’s story as a nice diversion from David, who is frantically attempting to get in touch with her.
Soon after their wedding, Don starts abusing Evelyn. Evelyn makes acquainted with rising star Celia St James while they are filming Little Women. Evelyn discovers that Celia is a lesbian at the film’s premiere and confesses her feelings for her. Evelyn departs Don for Celia that evening.
Don fails in his attempts to destroy Evelyn’s career, but if she wants to stay in Hollywood, she must keep her relationship with Celia a secret. Although Evelyn and Celia are content with their relationship, Celia comes to resent Evelyn’s refusal to openly embrace her. Celia departs after Evelyn arranges a phony marriage with Mick Rivera to conceal her relationship with her, and she later marries quarterback John Braverman in the NFL. Evelyn had a couple of fictitious marriages throughout the ensuing years. The second letter is sent to Harry, a producer, and her longtime friend. John, the spouse of Celia, is the love of Harry’s life. The four of them raise Connor, Harry, and Evelyn’s daughter, in a happy home in New York for many years.
Celia departs for a second time after Evelyn again abuses her confidence. Evelyn, who is devastated, marries her director Max Girard in an attempt to forget Celia, but she fails: She eventually divorces Max and goes back to Celia. Harry drives drunk and murders himself and his lover before they can begin a life together. As soon as she spots them, Evelyn puts the lover behind the wheel to preserve Harry’s good name. When Evelyn revealed at the end of the conversation that this man was Monique’s father, Monique was forever enraged with her.
Evelyn stays in Spain with Celia for the remainder of her life. Evelyn goes back to New York to be with Connor after Celia passes away, but she succumbs to breast cancer shortly after. Evelyn dedicates her life to the truth after realizing that everyone she has ever loved has passed away, regardless of how harmful it may be. Evelyn commits herself when Monique leaves rather than enduring treatment for her terminal cancer.
A complex examination of human nature, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo examines the true cost of celebrity, the monetization of women in Hollywood, and the challenge of coming to terms with one’s character.
Chapters 1-4 Analysis
The first chapter introduces Monique, one of the main characters, and centers the story on identity. Monique, a multiracial woman who is apprehensive but driven, says she picked Vivant in part because her boss is a black woman and because she wanted to see a representation of herself in a position of authority. The chapter also hints at Monique’s potential relationship with Evelyn: As Frankie struggles to comprehend why Evelyn would want to meet with their most inexperienced reporter, Monique admits that her father was a Hollywood photographer who may have previously worked with Evelyn. Monique challenges Frankie by saying that Evelyn wants Monique, thus Frankie has no choice, illuminating his ambition and tenacity in the process. Monique is also propelled to leave her comfort zone and confront her worries by her ambition to be acknowledged and to make a difference in the world.
Chapter 2 tries to make Evelyn’s situation even more mysterious and intriguing. A theme of the over-sexualization and monetization of female bodies is introduced in a news piece that only discusses Evelyn’s legacy as a sex symbol while describing her future article. Even though Monique has a successful profession as an activist and actor, everyone, including her, is preoccupied with her looks, figure, and love life. Evelyn’s seven marriages are the focus of Monique’s investigation because she has the most access to them. Additionally, Evelyn’s public persona is designed to leave you “hoping you’ll get just a little bit more,” according to Monique’s research. This intentionally alludes to Evelyn’s enigmatic life while also emphasizing how challenging Monique anticipates this process to be.
Monique’s initial encounter with Evelyn in Chapters 3 and 4 raises more questions than it answers, failing to debunk the mystery that is Evelyn. First, Evelyn’s admission that she is looking for a book rather than a magazine cover causes Monique to pause and wonder what Evelyn would hope to gain from a book that she insists must be published after her death but doesn’t want any money from. Evelyn’s response introduces a new central subject by addressing the challenge of coming to terms with one’s true personality by saying that she has spent so much time “spin[ning] the truth” that stating the truth “feels antithetical” to her survival. Thus, this realization places the narrative’s central theme—the pursuit or embrace of truth—at its core. Due to the contradictory nature of her entire identity resulting from her celebrity, Evelyn’s persona is well-suited for examining this. Everyone believes they should know her without actually knowing her, and in a similar vein, everyone should be allowed to hear her narrative.
The scant information Evelyn gives Monique demonstrates that her life is a carefully crafted narrative and that the world only knows what Evelyn has decided to depict. To increase the aura of mystery surrounding Evelyn, these chapters emphasize the allure of false perceptions. The more mysterious Evelyn becomes, the more obvious Monique’s motives are. After Chapter 3, Monique’s desire to push past her fears to realize her goals exemplifies how she prioritizes her career: “I did it because I want to climb the ladder as high as I possibly can”. Beginning in Chapter 4, Monique’s relationship with her father is exemplified by her use of his advice during a moral crisis; as she mulls over the price of her career development, she draws comfort from his memories. Her recollections of her father help her make sense of who she is, and the plot keeps referencing him as a significant character.
Chapters 5-9 Analysis
In chapters 5 and 6, Evelyn explains why she wants to leave the life she led before Hollywood and shows how far she will go to get there. Evelyn’s allusion to the interview’s real purpose is hinted at before she even starts: “No one left to lie for but me”. Evelyn describes her life as a succession of difficult choices she made for the benefit of others, all of which were unethical or completely immoral. This makes Evelyn’s public persona completely fictitious, adding to the starlet’s aura of mystery. In Chapter 6, Evelyn’s early over-sexualization is depicted and how it shapes her decisions for the rest of her life. At the age of 13, she is still a child while being stared at by grown men, her father starts overly observing her, and older lads feel entitled to her body.
In addition to inspiring Evelyn to leave Hell’s Kitchen, this treatment has a lasting impact on all of her interactions with men; she now views sexuality as a business transaction. She has had numerous interactions with the employee of the corner store, and she is aware that men would take what they want from her so she tries to get what she wants from them. The chapter sets up the book’s examination of the true price of celebrity for women, which Evelyn is willing to exchange to avoid paying. These chapters also show how Evelyn’s intelligence and drive make it easier for her to traverse Hollywood than most others; she figures out what kind of image makes her popular and devises strategies to create it. She is once more told as her popularity grows that her greatest strength is her sexuality.
More details about Monique’s life are revealed in Chapter 7, which helps to establish her as Evelyn’s parallel. Monique is doubtful of her abilities and reluctant to ask for what she wants before meeting Evelyn; after just one encounter with her, however, she promises Evelyn that she “can do anything”. This brief but significant remark identifies Evelyn as Monique’s primary influence and implies that the more they converse, the more Monique would imitate her topic. Additionally, the chapter heightens Monique’s concerns that Evelyn is keeping something from her by describing them to her mother: “There’s another layer here”, which she can’t see yet but thinks is significant.
Evelyn introduces Don Adler, her first true love, in Chapters 8 and 9. The fact that Evelyn is choosing to be with someone for the first time and experiencing real lust and love makes this crucial to her story. This information highlights how Evelyn was treated like a commodity throughout her life because Don Adler was the first one to treat her “like a person”, as opposed to a possession. These chapters highlight how lonely the celebrity is for Evelyn, especially since she is compelled to uphold the appearance of a sex-but-sexless-icon.
Her boss Harry ends up becoming her sole friend. The fact that Evelyn feels so alone motivates her intense obsession with Don; she sees in him both a romantic partner and a friend. Despite Evelyn’s genuine feelings, the novel refers to the fabrication of their relationship as Chapter 9 comes to a close with Don choosing to propose on the red carpet and Harry flashing a wink to his two customers. As Evelyn acknowledges, “Sunset owned me”. This casual remark is representative of the novel’s overarching plot: Evelyn is coerced into many of her relationships and circumstances without even recognizing them.
Chapters 10–14 Analysis
The poison and abuse in Evelyn and Don’s marriage are depicted in Chapters 10 and 11 using the themes of the commodification of female bodies and the immoral cost of celebrity. When she asks Don if he loves her, he responds, “I love your eyes, and your tits, and your talent”, giving the impression that he merely values her popularity and physical appearance. Evelyn’s naivety is evident here; because she has been socialized to expect this behavior from men, she doesn’t view this as offensive or even worrisome. Their common goal feeds into their attraction to one another. Evelyn is lured to Don’s influence because she knows that being linked with him—and especially being liked by him—helps to increase her notoriety. Don is the most well-known actor in Hollywood. Even if he perceives Evelyn’s strength as an extension of his own, Don appears to recognize the same power in her. He tries to injure or manipulate her to regain control of their relationship as his success wanes.
Impregnating her is the simplest method for him to keep her, control her, and sabotage her career. Don is aware that after becoming mothers in the 1950s, women were less likely to regain their celebrity status. Furthermore, Don’s fixation on the subject implies that he views having children as additional evidence of his manly strength and assertion of his household domination. In these two chapters, the book examines violence against women; Evelyn, who had been struck by her father as a child and is now being struck by her husband, is familiar with the lack of tools available to her to defend herself. She was raised to believe that even the men she loves will hurt her, but society pressures her to take active precautions to keep them safe. This is illustrated by her interaction with the director’s assistant, who doesn’t make an effort to inquire about Evelyn’s facial mark. Therefore, this criticizes a whole culture that pushes women to not only put up with their abuse but also to take part in the abuse of others.
In Chapters 12 and 13, the symbolic significance of Little Women is introduced and discussed to express the challenges women encounter in claiming and upholding their independence. As Harry learns about Evelyn’s abuse, they must both come to terms with the fact that Evelyn essentially has no option but to endure it. Similar to Little Women, this text highlights the limited control women have over their lives. While Jo struggles to be taken seriously as a writer and manages her single life, Evelyn recognizes that her career as an actress depends on her relationships with men and could be jeopardized by a smear campaign from Don.
The significance of Celia is also hinted at in Chapter 12: Evelyn’s instant preoccupation with the younger actress signals a future relationship, especially given that the two women are immediately placed against one another in the competition for critical praise. As they meet for the first time in Chapter 13, this is just reinforced. Reid, however, disproves the stereotype that pits women against one another right away by having Evelyn succumb to Celia’s seduction. The novel’s subtly asserted notion that women have considerably more to gain by viewing one another as allies rather than enemies in the toxic and dehumanizing milieu of Hollywood is strengthened by the similarities between the two stars. In contrast, Evelyn’s maid portrays Paula’s decision to betray Evelyn as particularly cruel because she was aware of the torture Evelyn had endured. Evelyn is not shielded from the violence she is aware of, as happened in Chapter 11 with the director’s assistant.
In Chapter 14, the emphasis returns to Monique, and the semi-present narrator is given additional depth. Even though we spend a lot of the narrative in Evelyn’s past, the book does this every few chapters to remind the reader that this is primarily Monique’s story. Her father’s abrupt death when she was just 8 years old, which is revealed in the chapter, explains why he is constantly present in the narrative and how he affected the course of her entire life. In addition, Monique’s decision as a young girl to make friends with the only other biracial girl she knew despite having nothing in common with her, serves as a symbol of her desire to maintain her connection to her black identity. Monique’s time with Evelyn appears to have had another important impact, though: She no longer sees herself as two parts, but as totally “loved.” This realization has a significant impact on her sense of self, which Monique seems to be controlling more and more as she spends time with Evelyn. As a result, this event has the potential to permanently bind the two ladies.
Chapters 15–19 Analysis
The significance of Celia and Evelyn’s relationship is expanded upon in Chapter 15. The two are depicted in the book as analogous yet opposed; they approach Hollywood in different ways but for the same motives. Evelyn recognizes that the audience doesn’t view her as a serious actress; the world reduces her to her bombshell image, therefore she must be cunning. This awareness motivates her determination to manipulate and harm others to achieve. However, despite her genuine aptitude, Celia is unable to properly manipulate people or even her perception. She’s smart too but hasn’t had to learn the same things Evelyn has to succeed. Even so, their contrasts work nicely together. They work together to achieve, which is portrayed as being unheard of for women in Hollywood. The novel replaces the reductive clichés of competitive and catty actors with an image of female empowerment when they choose friendship over “backstabbing”
The defamatory article about Evelyn detailed in Chapter 16 is a perfect example of the unique difficulties women encounter while developing their public personas and how bad publicity never affects males in the same ways that it does women. The story reinforces the patriarchal and persistent stereotype that women are selfish for not having children by painting Evelyn as a cold and distant wife for prioritizing her job over having children. The article criticizes Evelyn for her various failures to uphold domesticity, such as failing to “keep [her husband’s simple requests in mind”. The perspectives presented here serve to both set the novel in 1959, when these opinions were more popularly held and to highlight the difficulties Evelyn encounters just by being a woman in Hollywood. She also gets a chance to show off how cunning she is by coming up with a plan to repair the harm done to her reputation very away. Evelyn leverages the unjust standards applied to her to further her image by pretending to have a miscarriage.
Chapters 17 and 18 suggest that as Celia and Evelyn get to know one another more, their relationship will evolve. Their willingness to open up to one another about their pasts and emotions serves as a metaphor for their closeness, and their observations of one another serve as a metaphor for their yearning for one another. Evelyn’s “chest” and “full lips,” as described by Celia, reveal her attraction for her. Evelyn’s desire for Celia is likewise demonstrated by the fact that she can’t stop observing her as she transforms. The dynamics of their relationship change that night, and they are both aware of it. Even though they hadn’t done anything wrong, their surprised reaction and Evelyn’s hasty cover-up, when Don comes in on them, communicate their guilt. The heartbreaking reminder of the time they live in provided by Celia’s hope that they could just go to the premiere without dates serves as a further hindrance to any potential romance between them.
As the evening goes on, Evelyn’s feelings for Celia only grow stronger; she feels jealous of Celia’s date despite knowing that Celia despises him; she is only proud and happy for her friend; and when she reaches out to touch Celia, she does so despite knowing that it might provoke another attack from Don. However, the information that Celia is a lesbian must compete with the information that Don is having an affair with Evelyn. Her initial thoughts, which do not center on her husband’s treachery but rather on wanting to find Celia, reveal where her true devotion and affection lay. Furthermore, it is implied that Ruby’s revelation of Celia’s sexual orientation caused her shock rather than the other way around. Evelyn defending Celia from Ruby’s envy foreshadows her desire to protect Celia; now, her answer reflects her comprehension of what being outed genuinely means for Celia.
As Evelyn publicly comes out, Chapter 19 concentrates on the concept of coming to terms with one’s true nature. Evelyn accomplishes this subject in two ways: by coming out on her terms and by identifying as bisexual when Monique calls her gay. The subtleties of identification are significant to this book because they link the two women in ways that go beyond the interview. The realization that both of those aspects of her identity are a part of her whole rather than making her less whole helps Monique, who has always fought to embrace the dual nature of her existence as a multiracial woman, find self-acceptance.
In a similar vein, Evelyn responds, “Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box”, asserting the duality of her existence as a bisexual woman. Evelyn’s differentiation serves as a reminder of the story’s desire to tell the whole truth. She had lived her entire life in the public eye, but she had never been properly seen. Although being bisexual and being multiracial are not identical experiences, they are two aspects of identity that are frequently disregarded and marginalized in the very community they belong to. This also suggests a possible explanation for why Evelyn picked Monique. The story challenges essentialist views of identity by highlighting the variety of factors that go into a person’s sense of wholeness through the characters Evelyn and Monique.
Chapters 20–24 Analysis
In chapters 20 and 21, Evelyn’s struggles with her sexual identification are the main subject. She recognizes the depth of her need when she gives Celia her first embrace: “You lose yourself in the scent, taste, and feel of another person—it was all the same”. This enables Evelyn to acknowledge her attraction to Celia, if only momentarily. The chapters also show how little freedom women have now, especially in Hollywood. But by leaving Don, Evelyn regains some control over her abusive husband and feels empowered to choose a life for herself, with Celia playing a significant role in that life.
This brings awareness of the difficulties and threats the LGBTQ+ community experienced at this time to the tale. The late 1950s saw the legalization of homosexuality in addition to its social condemnation. The study of the queer community in Hollywood and how many were compelled to live secret lives to survive so begins in these chapters. Even though Evelyn is unsure of what lies ahead for her and Celia, she chooses Celia over Don. However, her hesitation to embrace this choice is a reflection of the marginalization and probable violence the queer community faced. Despite these worries, Evelyn’s decision to date Celia illustrates the text’s topic of coming to terms with one’s true identity. Slowly, Evelyn is coming to terms with who she is outside of her public identity.
Particularly in Chapters 22 and 23, as Monique analyzes her impending divorce alongside Evelyn’s many, the book draws comparisons between Monique and Evelyn. The fact that Evelyn treats divorce so casually bothers Monique because she hasn’t yet accepted her own. But as she spends more time with Evelyn, the two of them start to resemble one another. The first instance of this is when Monique is taken aback by Evelyn’s assertion that divorce is merely “a piece of paper” and wonders “why [she] needed Evelyn to tell [her] that”, implying that her anguish over her divorce has been misdirected. Monique is experiencing failure instead of sadness, which is exactly how Evelyn felt after marrying Don.
The relationship between Monique and Evelyn is once again highlighted in Chapter 23 as Monique learns to assert herself. By first asking for a promotion and then some flexibility from Evelyn, Monique shows that she has a newfound sense of self as competent, capable, and deserving of praise. Similar to how the tone of Chapter 23’s conclusion foreshadows the true bond between Evelyn and Monique, Monique’s suspicion and fear grow when she understands that Evelyn wants something from her so much that it would violate her desires. This suggests either a secret Evelyn is hiding that would directly impact Monique or a sinister reason for why she choose Monique to share her story.
The news motif is used in Chapter 24 to show how the public’s image of Evelyn and Celia’s connection differs from their actual relationship. Even though they are happily married, their dread of being discovered makes their friendship appear to be over: “Icy Evelyn didn’t utter a single thing to her old best friend. The entire night, she avoided Celia. To support the myth that one woman cannot handle another’s success, the media turns to reductive portrayals of women (as catty or frigid). The broken tooth Evelyn receives from kissing the television symbolizes her happiness for Celia’s achievement, and for someone who has built a reputation around her appearance, she is completely unconcerned by the harm. This report contrasts sharply with reality. As Evelyn watches the show, the chapter also highlights how Hollywood is purposefully structured to be exclusive. Her admission that the purpose of the play is to make the audience feel alien relates to the human urge to achieve the impossibly difficult.
Chapters 25 to 29 Analysis
The impact of Evelyn’s exclusion on her chances and confidence is highlighted in Chapter 25. She is forced to look for more obscure international films that are outside of Sunset’s grasp because she has no opportunities in America. She comes upon a humble opportunity in discovering Max. The contradictory nature of fame is reflected in her mixed sentiments that the movie is both beneath her and a great break. This movie also highlights Evelyn’s strategic skills; her brilliant decision to tease rather than expose the audience demonstrates both her strength and resolve as well as her grasp of her audience. She revitalizes her career on her own.
Chapters 26 and 27 show how far Celia and Evelyn will go to keep their love a secret. For them, even something as straightforward as attending a concert is risky due to stigma and prejudice. When she is discovered, Evelyn’s biggest nightmare from Chapter 26 comes true. The homophobic report that results from them holding hands serves as another piece of evidence of how risky it was for Evelyn and Celia to be in love. Chapter 27 illustrates how Evelyn and Celia vary from one another through their disagreement. They are opposites; Evelyn is gloomy, and Celia is optimistic. They have distinct perspectives on the world, and this difference makes communication difficult. The argument makes it clear that Evelyn will stop at nothing to achieve everything, contrary to Celia, who would exchange her career for love.
In Chapter 28, Evelyn’s intention to run off with Mick serves as a protracted metaphor for the price she is prepared to pay for notoriety. To make the chapter more intimate, the point of view switches from first to second person, yet the change also suggests Evelyn’s wish to distance herself from the incident. She recalls having an elopement on a body that was not her own, illustrating the degrading and humiliating experience of being forced to have sex with a man to save her reputation. A powerful indictment of the fetishization of women is made in this chapter by Mick’s dissatisfaction and boredom with Evelyn after they had slept together. Evelyn deftly exploits this quality in Mick, but his opinion of her reflects a more pervasive misogynistic belief that women are more beautiful when they are out of reach.
After their turbulent split, Celia and Evelyn’s relationship problems are revisited in Chapter 29. One significant misunderstanding between them illustrates their inability to communicate; Evelyn believes that the plan implicates her sleeping with Mick, while Celia believes that the strategy was thoroughly addressed. How they perceive their situation also reflects their divergent worldviews and religious beliefs: Evelyn sees her behavior as a sacrifice, while Celia sees it as cheating. However, their disagreement is more about how each of them wants to spend their lives than it is about Evelyn’s treachery.
Chapters 30-34 Analysis
Even though Monique has been more familiar with Evelyn over the past few days, Chapter 30 shows how much she still misunderstands Evelyn. Evelyn notices this as she attempts to conceal her outrage when asked if she regrets not pursuing Celia; of course, she regrets it because she missed out on time with the love of her life. Most importantly, however, the chapter makes use of Hollywood as a metaphor to illustrate the futility of wealth and celebrity in the face of loss: all she suffered for is all she has left, and it is doubly bitter since she now realizes “how hollow it is”. This, as Evelyn’s most overt acknowledgment of remorse, underlines the novel’s general stance that celebrity comes at a too-high price. The chapter also contrasts Evelyn’s experience with Monique’s existence as her husband laments leaving. Contrary to Evelyn, who wishes she had pursued Celia, Monique is prepared to move on from David; her desire to disregard the matter rather than express relief or delight, however, exposes how she genuinely feels about the breakdown of her marriage.
The identity politics that are present in the story are further explored in Chapters 31 and 32. The first time this is done is through Evelyn’s encounter with Luisa; Evelyn’s anger at having her Cuban identity called into question shows how much she wants to keep those cultural ties. She still views her heritage as a crucial element of her identity, despite how much she has separated herself from that aspect of herself. Evelyn makes the first significant move toward accepting who she is by admitting that she, and not Luisa, denied who she was. For Evelyn, Luisa stands for self-acceptance and love, and her attraction to her maid is a reflection of her desire to cultivate these qualities inside herself.
When Evelyn sees her mirror in Chapter 32, she expresses these insecurities: “I was lovely. However, it did not imply that I was adored. Evelyn’s ability to feel loved and valued for the way she makes people feel, as well as her physical attractiveness, are all very important components of her self-worth. But when she is by herself, she is unable to experience those same feelings, and the absence makes her anguish worse. The feeling that Evelyn must address her identity beyond how she is regarded and strive toward accepting whatever that means to her is strengthened in Chapter 32.
Further illustrations of Evelyn’s ability to react to emergencies and manipulate them to her advantage may be found in Chapters 33 and 34. If she is thought to have been cheated on, the breakdown of another marriage—which she did want to fail—could potentially damage her reputation further. The book makes fun of Hollywood’s sexist double standards, which would mock her for having an affair with her husband rather than him. But Evelyn continually shows her inventiveness and tenacity in devising a scheme that heightens the attraction of their new movie while making all parties equally responsible and equally wronged. By way of Evelyn’s interaction with Ruby, the novel’s study of the culture of abuse that surrounds women is reiterated at the end of Chapter 33. Evelyn’s shock at discovering Ruby was also being abused reveals her naivete and egocentricity, and it also implies that she was unintentionally complicit in Ruby’s abuse. Evelyn’s epiphany accentuates her disgust with those who failed to shield her from her abuser by showing that she is also capable of the same carelessness and ignorance that failed Evelyn.
Though Evelyn wishes for romantic love to fulfill her, Harry’s statement of platonic love is the most poignant so far. Harry and Evelyn’s decision to wed in Chapter 34 exemplifies the various types of love that the story supports. He views her as a partner, a family member, and an equal. Their unconventional connection allows the story to explore the several types of love that can coexist and be just as fulfilling.
Chapters 35-40 Analysis
Chapter 35 foreshadows Evelyn’s impending disclosure; while she has frequently hinted at a reason for selecting Monique, that reason has remained hidden as her story develops. However, Monique leaves her role as the narrator to explain to the reader how disastrous that revelation will be.
In particular, chapters 36 and 37 show how those in privileged positions deal with oppression differently from those who don’t have access to the same privileges. These chapters explore what it means to be a closeted person in Hollywood. The risks Celia and Evelyn confront and how outside circumstances affect their relationship are presented in Chapter 36 as they are reunited. Despite Celia’s hesitation to be openly lesbian, Evelyn’s refusal to come out and her hatred towards her for it have been and remain their main obstacles. Since they are surrounded by people they have been concealing for years, their decision to make physical contact during the awards ceremony is meaningful. They understand that even though they are not ready to come out, they are willing to take some risks for one another.
A different—and opposing—view is presented in Chapter 37, which contrasts the obstacles the four celebrities must overcome to maintain their secrecy with those who are battling openly for their common goal. This is not meant to be a condemnation of others who have not yet come out, but to highlight the fact that the foursome’s position of luxury is undoubtedly a double-edged sword because they may have more to lose while still ignoring a platform. They do all they can to support the LGBTQ+ cause, and their money is unquestionably a much-needed and valued resource. The Stonewall Riots are brought up in the text to give it historical context and to remind the reader of the political environment that Evelyn had to deal with as a young, queer, white-passing woman of color. She overcame a lot of obstacles, but always at the expense of her identity, which she had been taught to hide.
How Hollywood and Celia have affected Evelyn’s relationship with herself is highlighted by the admittance of her fears in Chapter 38. Even if Celia is the one who fulfills Evelyn, the fragility Hollywood put on her ego is exacerbated by her casually nasty words. Evelyn exhibits a rare moment of self-awareness when she acknowledges that “taking pride in your beauty is a damning act” because it is something transitory. Evelyn has only ever been appreciated for her appearance and sexuality, and as she gets older, she must come to grips with the psychological effects of this. She is aware of her gift, but this admission shows that she still finds it difficult to recognize it regularly. This chapter humanizes Evelyn by demonstrating how troubled she is despite her luxury and accomplishment.
The love that has permeated the two homes as a result of their different nuptials is shown in Chapters 39 and 40. The choice to have a child by Harry and Evelyn is a study in unconventionality; Evelyn is 36 (definitely not too late but deemed later in the 1960s), both of them are in monogamous partnerships, and they see having a child as a means to an end. The choice seems subversive to arguments against queer people having children because the infant will be raised by four people who genuinely love one another and join together to care for that child’s needs.
The act of generating a child is also a good contrast to how Evelyn previously used her sexuality; as opposed to her earlier view of sex as a transactional means of achieving her goals, she now approaches the process of conception almost in a businesslike manner. She and Harry agree, but it is founded on love and trust. This is strengthened by Celia’s unexpected assistance; she decides to put up with the idea of Evelyn having a guy sleep with her in acknowledgment of the reality underlying the act. The novel presents the three characters as having collectively created the child by selecting it.
Chapters 41-45 Analysis
Parenthood’s ability to evolve is illustrated in Chapter 41. Harry and Evelyn discover something to love other than fame and wealth and regard one another as true life partners. Despite being overwhelming and intense, Celia’s love is conditional. Celia’s (perhaps unconscious) yearning to be with Evelyn The Bombshell as well as the real Evelyn serves as a vehicle for this message. The fact that Evelyn is not wounded by this revelation and sees it as more of a reason to love her shows how compatible they are as ethically and emotionally mature women.
The book rejects an overt admission of abuse that culminates in Chapters 42 and 43 with forgiveness. Instead, Reid uses Evelyn’s contradictory sentiments for Don to illustrate the whole range of human emotions. Evelyn achieves this by focusing on compassion; just as Monique’s love for Evelyn does not dismiss Evelyn’s imperfections, neither does Evelyn’s compassion for Don free him of his sins. Even in the best-case scenario, Don’s capacity for taking responsibility does not automatically entitle him to Evelyn’s unqualified forgiveness. The book illustrates the various conflicting facts that can exist in a relationship at once when Evelyn rejects his request for mercy while still showing him care.
The first climactic battle in the text is built up in chapters 44 and 45. How far Evelyn will go to succeed is illustrated in Chapter 44 by the issue of the morally corrupting cost of fame. She finds artistic fulfillment in performing, but her determination to follow her vision makes her forget about her domestic duties. Evelyn once more prioritizes work over Celia by lying to her. The fact that Celia chose to depart as soon as she realized the truth is evidence that she is aware of Evelyn’s tendency. On the surface of the text, it would appear that Celia is leaving Evelyn for lying, but in reality, she is leaving her for her history of excluding Celia from choices and for constantly prioritizing her work over the needs of her partner. Despite this terrible error, Chapter 45 shows how much Evelyn has changed since their initial breakup. This time, Evelyn is prepared to struggle and submit, demonstrating that she will pick Celia by offering to give up acting permanently. These chapters are an expression of the problems that have always existed in their relationship: the difficulty to communicate their needs and the homophobia of society that prevents them from publicly identifying as partners.
Chapters 46- 50 Analysis
Chapter 46 is on the unfair treatment of Evelyn in comparison to Max and Don. This affects Evelyn’s job. Due to her gender and her representation of unrestrained female desire, Evelyn is the most easily held accountable since she challenges the cultural assumption that only men may engage in sex. She was praised as a “sexpot,” which is paradoxical considering that she is now viewed as a “tramp” when she utilizes her reputation to promote sexual freedom for other women. This is used in the chapter to highlight Evelyn’s ongoing struggle as a woman in the entertainment industry as well as how groundbreaking her work is despite the media’s sexist portrayal of her. The chapter reinforces the overarching aim of the book, which is to depict identity as self-defined and always changing, by presenting the individualistic and complicated components of identity through Monique and Evelyn’s discussion of the subtleties of Evelyn’s sexuality.
The focus of Chapter 47’s examination of grief and companionship is John’s passing. As seen by Evelyn’s concern about how the public will perceive their connection, Harry’s intense sadness is made all the more painful by the fact that he cannot be identified as John’s lover and must keep himself in check. This also displays Evelyn’s development, though, as she keeps her worries to herself because she realizes that Harry’s need to mourn the loss of his life’s love is more significant than any rumors it could spread. Additionally, Evelyn’s caring for Harry and support of him reinforce her status as his platonic life partner. Throughout her life, she makes several decisions in favor of Harry, but one of the most significant ones is the time she shies away from Celia at the burial because she realizes that doing so would be exploiting Harry’s grief. In doing so, Evelyn demonstrates her ability to recognize when someone else’s needs are more important than her own.
As Harry and Evelyn reach the pinnacle of their professional achievement amidst their greatest emotional losses, chapters 48 and 49 underscore the price of celebrity. They both feel reenergized by their job, which is symbolic of how important their passion is to them both. Evelyn’s long-held goal of being recognized by the critics is finally fulfilled, and they have arrived at “the summit” of their aspirations, but the victory is marred by the absence of their partners. When Max proclaims his love to Evelyn, she is not touched by her affection for him but rather by the reality that she hasn’t felt desire since Celia. This absence is hinted at in the scene. As a result, Evelyn’s love for her director may be an effort to make up for the gap Celia left in her life.
The entire extent of Evelyn’s power is demonstrated in Chapter 50 by David’s return and Monique’s denial. Before meeting Evelyn, Monique was “reeling,” wishing David would come back. Monique gains the ability to understand that her sadness over her marriage’s impending collapse does not necessarily indicate that she wants to keep it together; rather, she can be unhappy because David is not the great love she desires as a result of Evelyn’s distinction between heartbreak and defeat. The biggest gift Evelyn gives Monique is this: she teaches her to ask for what she wants while also acknowledging that she is deserving of finding her “other half”.
Chapters 51 – 55 Analysis
Chapters 51 and 52 show how Evelyn’s emotional environment changes as she finds career fulfillment but still doesn’t have a romantic relationship. She is impacted more by the return of her passion than by his declaration of love, showing that what she views as love for him is satisfaction from being desired and feeling desire. Her overpowering desire for Max is the best example of this. Max, however, reinforces Evelyn’s fears by falling in love with Evelyn Hugo as a concept rather than a real person.
According to Evelyn’s experiences, men have consistently objectified and fetishized her to the point of considering her as a possession, as stated in the famous Rita Hayworth comment in Chapter 52. When they finally “have” her, they are disappointed to learn that she is merely human and not the realization of all their fantasies. Because of these experiences, Evelyn has come to see her physical attractiveness and sexuality as her greatest talents, and she now feels that her interior self is less deserving of love. Since Max believed she had finally moved over this in her life, she is the most disappointing of all. This realization aids Evelyn’s growth as a person because it causes her to see this as a weakness in others rather than in herself.
The following three chapters show Evelyn’s tremendous growth and show how she has finally come to accept her genuine self without worrying about the consequences. Evelyn signals her resolve to stop relying on deception in Chapter 53 when she signs Celia’s letter using her actual name for the first time. Celia and Evelyn put one another before pride by taking responsibility for it together. The best example of this is Evelyn’s interaction with Max in Chapter 54; despite his homophobic slur and demeaning remarks, she handles things with grace and strength. She declares her identity rather than hiding from what was once her darkest dread—being out in public. This chapter so concludes the novel’s thematic examination of coming to terms with one’s self.
When Celia and Evelyn finally cross paths in Chapter 55, their roles have essentially been reversed. Celia’s increased caution contrasts with Evelyn’s eagerness to be out. This implies that experience and maturity have taught them to appreciate each other’s viewpoint more fully; Evelyn recognizes that fame and wealth are nothing without love, while Celia understands that Evelyn was looking out for them both. This switch highlights how perfectly suited they are to one another—possibly even more so given that they are both aware of what they stand to lose. The devastating news that Celia is dying intensifies their desire to be together; Evelyn’s choice to spend Celia’s last time with her shows how deeply connected they are and how she would be unable to survive without Celia. The AIDS crisis is the subject of Chapter 54, which is the most important aspect. Celia is more afraid of coming out than she was before since she has witnessed how individuals who have died of AIDS are handled after their passing: “They just think that he deserves it because of how he got it”.
Celia is expressing her reluctance to lose something she battled for her entire life and how her legacy will be impacted if she comes out right before passing away. Furthermore, this allusion places the story in a historically significant era, the 1980s, which also saw the AIDS epidemic and the US government explicitly denying the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community. While the epidemic was at its height, Ronald Reagan, the president at the time, not only chose to ignore it but also explicitly asserted that gay rights are not the same as civil rights (1980 Campaign Speech, cited in Robert Scheer’s Playing President. Reid poignantly reminds her reader that although society has advanced significantly since the 1950s, it has not yet reached the point where it permits these two women—and the entire queer community—to live freely and without fear by bringing up Reagan and the AIDS pandemic.
Chapters 56 – 60 Analysis
The emotional high point of Chapter 56 is Harry’s passing, which prompts the chapter’s discussion of the futility of fame and worldly goods. This issue is first explored by Evelyn’s decision to stop acting; she also realizes that performing was never meant for her after realizing she had “proved it all”. This demonstrates that Evelyn doesn’t value the fame and money she sacrificed everything for, most particularly Celia. The story underscores the morally corrupting effects of fame and its dehumanizing cost when Evelyn’s driver asks for acting advice and refers to fame as the “false version of yourself”.
Finally, the chapter demonstrates how Harry’s death affected Evelyn’s life. He was her family, her teacher, and her lover. For Evelyn, losing him has caused significant trauma, demonstrating that people are what matter most in life. In the chapter, Evelyn exhibits just how far she will go to protect the people she loves when she arranges the crash scene to save Harry’s reputation. Her concern that a legacy of drunk driving will affect not only Harry but also Connor shows that Evelyn is cognizant of the influence of perception. It is implied that this, the deed Evelyn forewarned Monique about before the interview, is the worst thing Evelyn has ever done.
The actions of Connor in Chapter 57 show how pain and grief can have long-lasting impacts. Connor’s coping techniques are on par with the life of scandal and privilege she received from her mother, despite having lost her father and been forced to grieve in public. Evelyn once again demonstrates that she puts her family before herself by realizing this and being able to react swiftly and strongly for the benefit of her daughter. She puts her daughter’s mental well-being ahead of her work. Most importantly, Evelyn displays an unseen level of strength by telling her daughter the truth about who she is. Though Monique thinks that Evelyn’s terrible background has been exposed by her acts at the crash site, Evelyn’s insistence that she is “past redemption” suggests that she still has more misdeeds to unveil. This is hinted at in Chapter 58.
In Chapter 59, Celia and Evelyn finally get the happy ending they’ve been waiting for as they live a life of leisure together free from anxiety. The chapter also illustrates how alternate family structures, like the five-person family Evelyn, had before her breakup with Celia, might function. Robert serves as Connor’s father figure when he is in Spain. The marriage vows that Evelyn and Celia take emphasizes Celia’s role as her true life partner despite perspective. It is the most sincere vow that Evelyn has ever taken. The passing of Celia in Chapter 60 only serves to emphasize this point. The phrase “the devastating luxury of panic”, which attempts to capture the intense loss that comes after losing a lover, captures it well. Evelyn’s grief is, in a sense, a luxury—a luxury to have loved and to have time to grieve. By saying that it is sweeter to lose love than to never have had it, Evelyn is expressing a level of self-awareness even in her suffering.
Chapters 61- 65 Analysis
The motif of news stories is used in Chapter 61 to illustrate the subjectivity and malleability of narrative; despite the press’s evident access to the facts underlying Evelyn’s suffering, they chose to focus solely on the narrative that benefits them. When Evelyn realizes this, she is especially struck by how little the institutions she had been trying to conceal it from care about it. She is forced to face the fact that only she can reveal her truth once Celia passes away and that it may even be her duty to do so.
The greatest loss in Chapter 62 of Evelyn’s life is the loss of Connor. The sorrow of losing her only kid is heightened by Evelyn’s understanding that she is growing increasingly alone after finally obtaining some privacy. Additionally, it supports a theme that runs through the entire text: adopted family members are just as legitimate as blood relatives. Once more, Evelyn decides to support Grace’s family by hiring her. This does not lessen the impact of Connor’s untimely passing, though. Even though she’s made mistakes, Evelyn becomes more sympathetic as we witness her experience severe sorrow for the third time in her life.
The novel’s actual climax occurs in the following three chapters. First, Evelyn’s motivation for publishing a tell-all is made obvious when she urges Monique to expose the fact that she “got it wrong” by putting fame before love. Evelyn reconciles with her genuine self and realizes the ethically damaging price of fame by realizing that Evelyn Hugo is an idea that she invented. The biggest revelation of the book occurs in Chapter 64, as it is revealed that the man Evelyn left in the car was Monique’s father. To give Monique the power of the truth, Evelyn presumably picks the child of her greatest sorrow.
Monique is in the ideal position to provide Evelyn with the messy truth because Evelyn doesn’t want to be depicted in a positive light; perhaps this is the underlying motivation behind her selection. Monique’s rage in Chapter 65 serves as a reminder of the far-reaching effects of one’s actions. Evelyn’s snap judgment altered the way a family saw a father for the rest of their lives and took away his dignity. The chapter ultimately centers on James’ deep love for his family; by putting his family above the love of his life, James’ image is complicatedly restored in Monique’s mind. These chapters are intended to convey the idea that the truth is complicated but essential.
Chapters 66 – 69 Analysis
The two women’s effects on one another’s life are discussed in Chapters 66 and 67. The most visible change in Monique’s life was caused by Evelyn’s choice. Monique’s right-to-die essay informs Evelyn that ethically challenging matters may be successfully discussed, which in turn changes Evelyn’s life. Throughout the story, Evelyn has told Monique that she won’t be around for very long, but the mention of Monique’s piece implies Evelyn’s interest in selecting her death, which also foreshadows her coming death from breast cancer. Chapter 67 confirms Evelyn’s long-lasting influence on Monique. With the coffee table back, Monique is reminded of forgiveness and the fact that Evelyn has given her power that no one else has, which is how this is explored. The extremely complex relationship Monique will always have with her subject is effectively implied by this.
In Chapter 68, Evelyn’s impact is first seen from without; despite her hatred, Monique finds herself pulled to the actress. She refers to this as “it,” although Evelyn’s allure is a symbol of her charm and self-awareness. The chapter discusses Evelyn’s preparations, and Monique’s awareness that Evelyn is preparing for her death—and her ensuing silence—are both crucial moments. Monique doesn’t pass judgment at the time and lets her maintain her autonomy.
The moral dilemma Monique faces in Chapter 69 is whether she should interfere with Evelyn’s suicide out of a sense of duty or if she should respect Evelyn’s right to a dignified death. Even though Monique despises Evelyn, her failure to stop her shows that she can respect her wishes. As the chapter comes to a close, Monique is comforted by her father’s memory and finds strength in her family. She follows Evelyn’s lead and chooses family above truth. This shows that Monique has really learned from Evelyn’s errors and that she now values her relationships with her loved ones above all else. By sharing Evelyn’s tale, Monique’s post pays tribute to her legacy. Monique accurately portrays Evelyn by describing her as “a liar and a cheat”, which is how Evelyn wished to be perceived.
Discussion Questions
How does the text explore the recurring theme of fame and its morally corrupting and dehumanizing effects, particularly through Evelyn’s experiences? What role does Evelyn’s virginity play in illustrating the cost of fame? How does her realization about using her sexuality as a tool impact her decision to trade her virginity for a chance to go to Hollywood? What are some of the decisions that Evelyn has to make to maintain her fame? How do these decisions impact her moral compass? In what ways do these choices compromise her safety and happiness? What are the reasons behind Evelyn’s decision to not disclose or leave Don despite being aware of his abusive behavior? How does she perceive the potential impact on her career? How does Evelyn’s disregard for Celia’s feelings impact their relationship, especially in situations like sleeping with Mick?
How does Evelyn’s reflection on her life reveal the negative impact of her pursuit of fame and greed? Why does the protagonist realize that no matter how much money she earns, it will never truly satisfy her? What might be the reasons for her feeling embarrassed about her casual spending habits later in life? How does the literalization of the cost of fame highlight the insufficiency of the money Evelyn earns in filling the void within her? What factors contribute to Evelyn’s awareness of the privilege and toxicity associated with her wealth? How does her willingness to donate money to the LGBTQ+ cause reflect this awareness? What might be the potential consequences for Evelyn’s public image if she were to openly advocate for the cause?
What is the significance of Evelyn’s bitter realization about the true cost of fame, as expressed in her statement about having to deny her heritage, commodify her body, lie to good people, and sacrifice loved ones to meet societal expectations? How does choosing a false version of yourself lead to forgetting your original identity? What are the potential consequences of fame on Evelyn’s life, relationships, and sense of self? How does the novel utilize the deterioration of Evelyn’s relationship with Celia and her sense of disconnection from her heritage and identity to convey the emptiness in Evelyn’s life? Despite possessing all the material possessions she desires, why does Evelyn ultimately yearn for more time with her loved ones during the last moments of her existence? How does the text use the theme of honoring oneself and loved ones to explore the concept of true emotional fulfillment?
How can one reconcile with their true self?
How does the novel explore the complexities of identity and the internal struggle faced by the main characters in embracing their multiple facets? How does Evelyn’s confident demeanor hide the self-loathing that she experiences? How does Reid emphasize the significance of identity politics in the text by negating Evelyn’s Cuban identity? What actions does Evelyn take to conform to the studio’s expectations? How does the immediate success following this transformation highlight the industry’s prioritization of certain perceptions over authenticity? In what ways does Evelyn’s Cuban identity still play a role in her success, even though she is perceived as white?
How does Evelyn’s relationship with the Spanish language symbolize her estrangement from her Cuban heritage? How does Evelyn’s reaction to Luisa’s speech reflect both defensiveness and nostalgia? In what ways does she assert her previously denied identity? How does the sound of Luisa’s speech provide comfort to Evelyn and remind her of her mother? How does Evelyn’s anxiety in speaking Spanish reflect her concerns about her Latin identity? How does Luisa’s confidence in herself highlight the ongoing self-doubt that Evelyn experiences?
Does Monique’s questioning of whether she is “black enough” reflect a common struggle in understanding one’s racial identity? How does Monique’s biracial identity contribute to her struggle in perceiving herself as a complete individual? How does the loss of her father contribute to the intensification of Monique’s feelings of being unrepresented and marginalized in a society that seeks essentialist definitions of self? How do both women overcome their challenges and come to fully accept themselves? What role do age and experience play in Evelyn’s journey of self-discovery and authenticity? How does the individual demonstrate their acceptance of their identity in the biography? How does Monique’s parents’ love contribute to her ability to love herself? In what ways does this love help her view herself as completely loved and belonging to her parents? How does the text use the characters of Monique and Evelyn to highlight the significance of embracing one’s identity? In what ways do they struggle with reconciling different aspects of their identity, and how do they ultimately find fulfillment and inner peace by overcoming self-doubt?
What are the impacts of the over-sexualization and commodification of female bodies in society?
How does Reid depict the flagrant hyper-sexualization and commodification of women in the novel? How does the novel explore the theme of Hollywood’s mistreatment of women and what does it suggest about the broader experiences of women globally? How does Evelyn’s adherence to conventional beauty standards empower and destabilize her sense of self? How does society’s constant emphasis on Evelyn’s physicality condition her to believe that her only redeeming quality is something she cannot control and that will eventually fade? How does the character’s experience of aging highlight the universal struggle with insecurity and self-doubt, regardless of one’s perceived beauty or status?
What are some potential effects of being exposed to unwanted attention from men at a young age? Why does Evelyn’s father start keeping a close eye on her in Hell’s Kitchen, and what does this realization mean for her sense of safety? What are the implications of a person’s first sexual experience being unwanted, and how might they navigate the situation to their advantage? Why do men believe that it is the woman’s fault if they want her? How do the lessons Evelyn learns about herself manifest in various aspects of her life? In what ways does she view her sexuality as her greatest power? Why does she believe that men are only interested in her because of her beauty? How does the belief that she is nothing more than “a nice pair of tits” affect Evelyn’s perception of herself? How does the final lesson in the story push Evelyn to constantly prove herself as a true actress? Does the pursuit of fame blind and corrupt the protagonist? Is she unable to recognize that her talent, wit, and determination are what brought her success? Furthermore, is she willing to give up anything to attain her next objective?
What are the potential consequences of a child engaging in sexual activities with adults in exchange for career opportunities? Is it ethical for young people to engage in non-consensual interactions to pursue their dreams? How does the moment described in the text illustrate the dynamics of sexual power relations between actresses and their producers/directors? In what ways are young women placed in vulnerable positions, and how does this impact their ability to assert agency? How does the theme of commodification of female bodies in Hollywood and society contribute to the lasting degradation of women’s self-esteem? How does the theme of the history of women’s dichotomic place in Hollywood, as either sexualized or nonexistent, resonate in the context of the film? Why does Evelyn feel the need to fight to maintain her status as a “sexpot”? What does she believe would happen if she didn’t? How does the novel portray the impact of over-sexualization on Evelyn’s life and mental state, and what does this suggest about the treatment and perception of women?
Reflection Essays
1. Describe the significance of the title of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. What does this title reveal about the overall narrative?
2. Consider Evelyn’s first relationship with the boy who worked at the corner store. How does this shape her understanding of sexuality? How is this lesson represented in the relationships throughout her life? Does her understanding of this part of her sexuality ever change? If so, how?
3. Evelyn must suppress her Cuban identity to flourish in Hollywood. Explain how her relationship to the Spanish language is reflected in this decision. Does this ever evolve?
4. Describe how Evelyn and Monique are positioned as foils early in the novel. Despite their differences, how are they similar? Why do you think Reid chose to position them in this way?
5. How do Monique’s interactions with Evelyn change Monique? Do you think Evelyn’s interactions with Monique change Evelyn?
6. How is Evelyn’s relationship to her Cuban identity similar to her relationship to her identity as a bisexual woman? Use specific instances from the text to demonstrate how they are paralleled.
7. What about this text makes it historical fiction? Does the novel subscribe to any other genres? Cite examples from the novel to support your answer.
8. What is the overall message of the novel regarding morality and regret? Do you agree with Evelyn’s decision not to regret any of her choices—no matter who they hurt?
9. The fascination around Evelyn’s love life commandeers her legacy; how does she attempt to rectify this with a biography? Is Evelyn’s biography truly about love, as Monique initially believes?
10. How does Reid’s portrayal of Evelyn’s experiences in Hollywood reflect reality? To what ends, do you think, does she work to convey the differences between women and men’s experiences working in the industry?