The Book Lisp: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Discussion

Hosts: Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Episode: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Discussion
Release Date: January 27, 2025

1. Introduction to the Discussion

The episode kicks off with Jon Ryan expressing his nervousness about discussing "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," highlighting his deep appreciation for the book. Sarah Colonna reassures him, noting the pressure that comes with reviewing a beloved book, especially when it holds personal significance. They briefly touch on personal anecdotes, setting a relaxed and friendly tone for the discussion.

2. Overview of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo"

Jon selected "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid as January's book pick. The novel chronicles the life of Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress who reflects on her glamorous yet tumultuous life, marked by seven marriages. The story delves into themes of love, fame, sexuality, and legacy, offering a deep exploration of Evelyn's complex character.

3. Key Plot Points and Twists

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the unexpected twists in the book. Both hosts were taken aback by the revelation that Monique, Evelyn's biographer, is actually her father. Jon shares, “It was a big twist” [06:37], emphasizing how it recontextualizes the entire narrative. They also discuss Evelyn's plan to die on her own terms, highlighting her desire for control over her legacy.

Sarah adds, “I think it's a sad story” [11:12], reflecting on Evelyn's struggles with maintaining her true self amidst the demands of Hollywood and societal expectations. The couple delves into the intricacies of Evelyn's relationships, particularly her genuine love for Celia, juxtaposed against her strategic marriages designed to protect her personal life and career.

4. Character Analysis: Evelyn Hugo

Evelyn Hugo is portrayed as a multifaceted character whose actions oscillate between manipulation and vulnerability. Jon questions Evelyn’s morality, pondering, “I still question whether or not you like Evelyn Hugo or is she a good person?” [09:32]. They explore her ability to navigate the male-dominated film industry, often at the expense of her personal happiness.

Sarah counters by acknowledging Evelyn's relentless fight to protect those she cares about, stating, “I ended up still liking her no matter what because I felt like she fought so hard” [11:12]. They discuss her relationships, particularly with Celia, highlighting the sacrifices Evelyn makes to keep her love concealed, ultimately leading to her profound loneliness.

5. Favorite Husbands and Their Impact

The hosts share their favorite husbands from Evelyn's seven marriages, noting that Rex stood out as a sincere and decent partner. Sarah mentions, “I think my favorite husband was probably Rex” [07:04], appreciating his authenticity compared to Evelyn’s other husbands, who often served more strategic purposes.

Jon reminisces about Harry Cameron, Evelyn's best friend and the love of her life, discussing their 15-year supportive marriage that provided Evelyn with emotional stability amidst her public life. He remarks, “Harry Cameron is everyone's favorite husband” [35:12], underscoring the depth of their bond and its significance in the narrative.

6. Themes and Insights

The discussion delves into overarching themes such as the cost of fame, the pursuit of personal happiness versus public image, and the complexities of love and identity. Jon reflects on the paradox of Evelyn's fame leading to personal isolation, stating, “Everyone wants to live forever, but they don't realize the consequences of living forever” [30:12].

Sarah highlights the exploration of bisexuality and the challenges Evelyn faces in embracing her true self within the constraints of her time. They discuss the societal pressures and the double life Evelyn leads to protect her relationship with Celia, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes.

7. Comparisons and Real-Life Parallels

The hosts draw parallels between Evelyn Hugo's experiences and real-life issues, such as LGBTQ+ representation and the struggles of maintaining authenticity in the public eye. Sarah references their own lives, relating Evelyn's need to hide her true identity to societal expectations they’ve encountered.

Jon mentions how the book reflects historical contexts, comparing Hollywood's past to present-day struggles with fame and personal identity. They also touch upon how Evelyn's strategic thinking mirrors real-world individuals who navigate complex social landscapes to achieve their goals.

8. Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Both Jon and Sarah conclude that "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" offers a profound and layered narrative that transcends typical celebrity stories. They appreciate the book's ability to intertwine personal struggles with broader societal themes, making Evelyn Hugo a relatable yet enigmatic character.

Jon summarizes, “Overall, it was a good book... it gets more and more layers. It's pretty deep” [53:01], while Sarah echoes the sentiment, appreciating the emotional depth and character development. They express excitement for future discussions and upcoming book selections, inviting listeners to engage through their Patreon and social media platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Jon Ryan [06:37]: “It was a big twist.”

• Sarah Colonna [11:12]: “I ended up still liking her no matter what because I felt like she fought so hard.”

• Jon Ryan [09:32]: “I still question whether or not you like Evelyn Hugo or is she a good person?”

• Sarah Colonna [07:04]: “I think my favorite husband was probably Rex.”

• Jon Ryan [35:12]: “Harry Cameron is everyone's favorite husband.”

• Jon Ryan [30:12]: “Everyone wants to live forever, but they don't realize the consequences of living forever.”

• Jon Ryan [53:01]: “Overall, it was a good book... it gets more and more layers. It's pretty deep.”

Join the Conversation:
Listeners are encouraged to join the "Book Listeners" Facebook group, leave comments on Instagram, or engage via Patreon for bonus content. Upcoming discussions will explore "The Housemaid's Wedding" by Freda McFadden and "The New Wife" by Sue Watson, with detailed schedules provided for consistent engagement.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Book Lisp. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and book reviews next month!