The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Synopsis

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AND TIKTOK SENSATION
SOON TO BE A NETFLIX FILM

'Riveting, heart-wrenching and full of Old Hollywood glamour' BuzzFeed
'This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama' PopSugar

From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six in which a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means and what it costs to face the truth.
 

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Summary

Chapter 1

Evelyn Hugo, an aging Hollywood icon, gives a tell-all interview to Monique Grant, a young journalist. Evelyn reveals that she has had seven husbands and wants to set the record straight about her life and career.

Real-life example:
Marilyn Monroe's numerous marriages and her enigmatic public persona.

Chapter 2

Evelyn recounts her childhood in Hell's Kitchen, New York, and her early aspirations to become an actress. She meets her first husband, Harry Cameron, a struggling actor, and they marry in haste.

Real-life example:
Judy Garland's early marriage to David Rose at age 19.

Chapter 3

Evelyn's career takes off with her role in the film "The Blue Girl," but her marriage to Harry crumbles due to his alcoholism and infidelity. She divorces him and marries her second husband, Don Adler, a wealthy and influential studio executive.

Real-life example:
Lana Turner's marriage to Artie Shaw and her subsequent divorce due to his infidelity.

Chapter 4

Evelyn and Don's marriage is a sham, as Don uses her fame to promote his own agenda. She meets Cuban actress Celia St. James and begins a secret affair with her, despite the societal stigma attached to lesbian relationships.

Real-life example:
Rock Hudson's marriage to Phyllis Gates to hide his homosexuality.

Chapter 5

Evelyn's affair with Celia threatens to ruin her career, but she courageously comes out as bisexual and marries Sonny Costa, a rising young actor. However, their marriage is doomed by Sonny's drug addiction and their differing values.

Real-life example:
Elizabeth Taylor's numerous marriages and her struggles with addiction.

Chapter 6

Evelyn divorces Sonny and marries her fourth husband, Mack Leighton, a senator who provides her with a sense of stability and safety. They have a daughter, Connor, but their marriage ends due to Mack's political ambitions.

Real-life example:
Jane Fonda's marriage to Tom Hayden and her political activism.

Chapter 7

Evelyn's sixth husband, Harry Cameron, returns and they rekindle their romance. However, he is diagnosed with a terminal illness, and their reunion is short-lived.

Real-life example:
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's marriage and their tragic loss to cancer.

Chapter 8

After Harry's death, Evelyn marries her seventh and final husband, Rex North, a renowned actor. They spend their remaining years together, providing each other with companionship and love.

Real-life example:
Audrey Hepburn and Robert Wolders' marriage and their lifelong bond.