66 pages 2 hours read

Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Chapters 1-4Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Summary

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses anti-gay bias, racism, domestic abuse, miscarriage, and suicide.

Frankie calls Monique into her office and tells her that Evelyn Hugo, a movie star from the 1960s, is ready to be interviewed about her life—and she has requested Monique. Though intimidated and confused, Monique is excited about the opportunity to make a name for herself. Monique, who has a Black father and a white mother, admits that one of the reasons she took the job at the New York magazine Vivant is because Frankie is a Black woman: “[T]here is something very inspiring about having a black woman running things. […] Frankie makes me feel more sure that I can one day run things, too.” (3).

Chapter 2 Summary

Monique researches Evelyn and learns about her seven marriages, her tumultuous career, and the scandals and glamor surrounding both. She is fascinated by Evelyn, a welcome distraction from her very recent separation from her husband, David.

Chapter 3 Summary

Monique is greeted by Evelyn’s assistant, Grace, at Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment. Grace eases Monique’s anxiety about meeting Evelyn, whom she describes as a kind and generous employer. When Evelyn descends the staircase, Monique finds herself breathless; Evelyn, at 70, is graceful and ageless.