Evelyn Hugo is a biracial, bicultural, bisexual Hollywood actress, whose story is revealed through conversation with biracial narrator Monique.

I think the main premise of the story is about bisexuality, specifically when you cannot come out due to the lack of acceptance that may exist. I wish that more of this novel would have focused on the bicultural/biracial elements of Evelyn Hugo. While it is mentioned occasionally, I think it did not have a true impact on her rise to fame, and it would have added to that side of her character to show what she had to overcome as a person of color in Hollywood. As the novel currently stands, Evelyn feels very much like a white woman, and I think it would have been fine to have been written like that, since the main focus is on sex and sexuality.

As I neared the end of this novel, I began to wonder, do I like or hate Evelyn Hugo? And to that, I think the answer is the same as the narrators: it’s complicated. Evelyn is portrayed as a truly flawed character who may have made poor choices but ultimately stands by her decisions, and I respect that.

3.5 to 4 stars. While I may not know how to feel about Evelyn, I know that is the point of the book and the writing was consistently engaging.