9. On page 54, Evelyn uses the saying “all’s well that ends well” as part of her explanation for not regretting her actions. Do you think Evelyn truly believes this? Using examples from later in her life, discuss why or why not. How do you think this idea relates to the similar but more negatively associated phrase “the ends justify the means”?
10. Evelyn offers some firm words of wisdom throughout her recounting of her life, such as “Be wary of men with something to prove” (p. 77), “Never let anyone make you feel ordinary” (p. 208), and “It is OK to grovel for something you really want” (p.192). What is your favorite piece of advice from Evelyn? Were there any assertions you strongly disagreed with?
11. Several times, Evelyn mentions having cosmetic surgery. What was your reaction to this? How do these decisions jibe with the value system and ethical code that she seems to live by? Why do you think Evelyn continues to dye her hair at the end of her life?
12. Review the scenes on pages 199 and 348, in which Evelyn relays memories of conversing in Spanish after years without speaking it. Discuss the role language plays in her understanding of who she is. In what ways does her relationship to her Cuban identity parallel her experiences with her sexuality, and in what ways does it differ?
13. If you could meet and interview one celebrity at the end of their life, who would it be? What would you ask them?
Enhance Your Book Club
1. In the book, Evelyn Hugo starred in her first movie in 1956. Consider hosting a classic Hollywood movie night for your group, watching films from that year with similarly iconic stars, such as Grace Kelly in High Society or Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop. For added fun, have everyone dress up in their best Evelyn Hugo–emerald green outfits.
2. Monique Grant impresses both her boss and Evelyn with her article on the right-to-die movement. For an in-depth look at this controversial topic, consider reading Wild and Precious Life by Deborah Ziegler with your book club. This memoir chronicles a mother’s last year with her child, Brittany Maynard, who captured national attention with her vlog about deciding to end her life after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
3. Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of four other novels: One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Pick one to read as a group and compare it with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. What are the messages about love in this other book, and how do they align or contrast with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TAYLOR JENKINS REID lives in Los Angeles and is the acclaimed author of One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her novels have been named best books of summer by People, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, Us Weekly, Parade, PopSugar, BuzzFeed, Bustle, Brit + Co, Goodreads, and others. To learn more, visit TaylorJenkinsReid.com.
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Interior design by Carly Loman
Jacket design by Laywan Kwan
Jacket photograph by Jill Wachter/Gallerystock
Author photograph by Scott Witter
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016032066
ISBN 978-1-5011-3923-9
ISBN 978-1-5011-3924-6 (ebook)
Table of Contents
Dedication
Evelyn Hugo to Auction Off Gowns
Chapter 1
Evelyn Hugo’s Coming Clean
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Part I: Poor Ernie Diaz Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Part II: Goddamn Don Adler Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Sub Rosa: March 4, 1957
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Sub Rosa: June 22, 1959
Chapter 16
Sub Rosa: June 29, 1959
Chapter 17
PhotoMoment: November 2, 1959
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Sub Rosa: December 30, 1959
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Part III: Gullible Mick Riva PhotoMoment: February 1, 1960
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
PhotoMoment: September 15, 1961
Hollywood Digest: October 2, 1961
Sub Rosa: October 23, 1961
Chapter 26
Sub Rosa: November 1, 1961
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
PhotoMoment: December 4, 1961
Sub Rosa: December 12, 1961
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Part IV: Clever Rex North Chapter 31
PhotoMoment: November 26, 1962
PhotoMoment: December 10, 1962
Hollywood Digest: December 17, 1962
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter
34
Chapter 35
Part V: Brilliant, Kindhearted, Tortured Harry Cameron Chapter 36
PhotoMoment: August 14, 1967
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
PhotoMoment: May 23, 1975
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Now This: July 3, 1980
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Part VI: Disappointing Max Girard Now This: June 11, 1982
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Now This: July 1, 1988
Chapter 56
Now This: February 28, 1989
Now This: September 4, 1989
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Part VII: Agreeable Robert Jamison Now This: January 8, 1990
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Now This: July 5, 2000
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Evelyn Hugo, Legendary Film Siren, Has Died
Evelyn and Me
Acknowledgments
Reading Group Guide
About the Author
Copyright
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Page 35