๐ช taylor jenkins reid = problematic and evelyn hugo is problematic too #booktube | Summary and Q&A
TL;DR
This comprehensive analysis explores the problematic elements in "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," including the treatment of black characters and the use of race as a plot twist.
Key Insights
- ๐ "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" gained popularity for its representation of a Cuban-American actress and a bisexual relationship.
- ๐ค However, the book has several problematic elements, including the mistreatment and disposal of black characters.
- ๐ The author's handling of race in other books, such as "Malibu Rising" and "Carrie Soto," has also been criticized.
- ๐ค There is a need for authors to approach race with nuance and avoid using black characters as plot devices.
- ๐ฆ By addressing these issues, authors can improve their future works and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives.
- ๐ Readers who enjoyed "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" may find satisfaction in the books of Sarah Waters, a queer author who writes historical fiction with sapphic themes.
Transcript
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Questions & Answers
Q: What is "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" about?
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" follows the story of a Cuban-American actress named Evelyn Hugo and her interviews with a reporter named Monique.
Q: What made people gravitate towards this book?
The book received praise for its bisexual representation and the secret relationship between Evelyn Hugo and another actress, Cecilia St. James.
Q: What problematic elements are found in the book?
One major issue is the treatment of a black queer male character who is used as a plot device and is ultimately killed off. The book also mishandles the biracial main character's race and lacks proper characterization for her.
Q: How has the author, Taylor Jenkins Reid, been criticized in relation to race?
Reid's handling of race has faced criticism not only in "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" but also in other books like "Malibu Rising" and "Carrie Soto." Her inclusion of racial themes without proper exploration or justification has been seen as problematic.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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The video discusses the popularity and impact of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," a highly acclaimed book in the book community.
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The content creator shares personal thoughts on the book, initially finding it average but later understanding the hype.
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The analysis highlights the problematic aspects of the book, particularly the treatment of black characters and the handling of race.