Table of Contents
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels are renowned for their ability to spark captivating book club conversations. If you’re looking for thought-provoking topics to dive into during your next meeting, these discussion questions on “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” will provide plenty of food for thought.
What Were Your Initial Impressions of Evelyn Hugo?
Before encountering Evelyn in person, we catch glimpses of her through the article about her charity auction. Based on these introductory chapters, what kind of person did you envision Evelynn to be?
Monique’s Dilemma: Loyalty or Opportunity?
At the outset of the story, Monique is faced with a life-altering decision: whether or not to write Evelyn’s biography in secret, potentially betraying the trust of her magazine editor. Put yourself in Monique’s shoes. Would you seize the opportunity, or remain loyal to your employer? What do you think Monique’s choice reveals about her character?
Evelyn’s Motivation: Clearing the Air
Driven by a desire to share her unvarnished truth, Evelyn is brutally honest with Monique about her husbands and close friends. Do you think it was right for her to expose their secrets, even though they cannot read the finished biography? How do you feel about Evelyn’s motivation to confront the past?
Exploring the Seven Husbands: A Kaleidoscope of Love
Each of Evelyn’s husbands is distinct, depicted through her unique nicknames for them. Which husband’s story resonated with you the most? Do you believe Evelyn genuinely loved all of them? Who do you think brought her the most happiness?
Monique’s Journey: A Weighty Undertaking
As Monique delves into Evelyn’s life, she’s burdened by the weight of the starlet’s experiences. What are your thoughts on Monique’s character? Did you feel you truly understood and connected with her?
Evelyn’s Views on Beauty: A Complex Relationship
While Evelyn acknowledges her physical beauty, she also explores the complexities and challenges it brings. What do you make of Evelyn’s perspective on beauty? How did it shape her experiences and relationships throughout the novel?
The Protective Arrangement: Harry, Evelyn, and Celia
Evelyn enters into a marriage of convenience with her close friend, Harry, to protect their true relationships—Evelyn’s secret love for Celia and Harry’s affair with John. What are your thoughts on this arrangement? Do you believe it was fair to all parties involved? Were the difficulties they faced accurately portrayed in the book?
Evelyn’s Profound Loss: The Impact of Connor’s Death
Connor, Evelyn’s daughter, tragically passes away from breast cancer, leaving Evelyn utterly alone. How did you perceive their relationship? How did Connor’s death influence Evelyn’s decision to share her story with the world?
Celia is the love of Evelyn’s life, and having the freedom to openly discuss their relationship is a profound relief for Evelyn. However, their love story is not without its darker moments. How did you feel about their relationship? Did it resonate with you?
Hollywood Inspirations: Iconic Figures and Larger-Than-Life Characters
Jenkins-Reid drew inspiration from Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Rita Hayworth, as well as actor Tab Hunter. Did this story remind you of other legendary figures from the silver screen? How effectively did Jenkins-Reid capture the essence of these larger-than-life characters?
An Unexpected Twist: Hidden Connections Unveiled
A significant twist awaits readers towards the end of the book, revealing the closely intertwined lives of Evelyn and Monique. Monique’s father died in a car accident caused by Harry Cameron, an event that Evelyn helped to conceal. How did you react to this revelation? Were you aware of the upcoming twist, or did it catch you by surprise? How would you have felt if you were in Monique’s position?
Monique’s Moral Choice: Respecting Evelyn’s Wishes
Upon realizing Evelyn’s intention to end her life, Monique faces a crucial decision. She has the power to intervene or alert the authorities but chooses to respect Evelyn’s desires. What are your thoughts on Monique’s choice? Was it an act of kindness, or should she have intervened to prevent Evelyn’s suicide?
Evelyn’s Legacy: The Impact of Her Story
After Evelyn’s passing, her book is published, finally revealing the truth of her life and her love story with Celia. What do you think people’s reactions to the book would have been? Would they have forgiven Evelyn for her mistakes? How would society perceive her love for Celia?
With these thought-provoking discussion points, you and your book club members are bound to have an engaging session exploring the intricate world of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”