Why The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Is Perfect for Book Clubs

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has become the book club book of the past few years. What makes a Hollywood saga about a fictional starlet so universally beloved—and so discussion-rich?

The Premise

Aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo finally tells her story—including the truth about her seven marriages. But why has she chosen an unknown journalist to hear her confession? The answer reframes everything.

Why It Works for Every Type of Reader

For the Entertainment Readers

• Golden Age Hollywood glamour and scandal
• Seven marriages with distinct dramas
• Plot twists that genuinely surprise
• A protagonist who is unapologetically ambitious

For the Literary Readers

• Complex exploration of bisexuality and identity
• Examination of fame and its costs
• Morally gray protagonist with real depth
• The question of how we tell our own stories

Discussion Gold

This book generates passionate discussion because Evelyn herself is so controversial:

• Is Evelyn sympathetic or selfish? Can she be both?
• Did she use her husbands, or were the arrangements mutual?
• What does the book say about the cost of ambition for women?
• How does Evelyn's bisexuality shape her choices? Could she have chosen differently?
• What did you think of the ending revelation?

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