by Alison Espach
Published
July 30, 2024
Pages
355 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Henry Holt and Co.
Kindle
$14.99
Hardcover
$20.63
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew. It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event.
Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other. In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.
In the heart of a bustling city, where tradition dances with modernity, The Wedding People weaves an enchanting tale of intertwined destinies. As the seasons unfold, a kaleidoscope of vibrant personalities emerges, with each character bringing their unique hues to a grand tapestry of familial bonds and romance. Set against a backdrop of elaborate wedding preparations, the story draws readers into a world where hope, secrets, and unexpected discoveries come together to paint a vivid portrait of love and cultural heritage.
Explores rich cultural traditions and modern relationships with humor and warmth Captures the intricate dynamics of family and community through engaging storytelling Celebrates the resilience and adaptability of love across generations and boundaries
In The Wedding People, readers are invited into a world where weddings are not merely ceremonial occasions but vibrant celebrations of culture and identity. As the narrative unfolds amidst elaborate preparations, unexpected bonds and secrets emerge, inviting introspection and growth. This novel intricately explores how modernity interacts with tradition, providing a colorful and engaging backdrop of laughter, love, and understanding.
Characters, each with their distinct voices and stories, navigate the challenges of their worlds, bringing forth universal themes of family, loyalty, and hope. The vivid imprint of cultural customs acts as both a binding force and a backdrop for the unfolding drama, infusing the storyline with humor and depth. Readers are swept along a heartfelt journey, resonating with the joys and trials that accompany life's celebrations.
Amidst the backdrop of ever-changing personal landscapes, the novel highlights the essence of transformation through empathy and understanding. As secrets surface and reality converges with expectations, protagonists are compelled to reflect on their values, fostering new insights and connections. The narrative reinforces the beauty of discovering oneself through love, friendship, and embracing heritage.
Ultimately, The Wedding People captivates audiences with its delicate balance of comedic relief, poignant moments, and a profound exploration of life’s grand celebrations. The story's radiant tapestry engages hearts and minds, warmly inviting readers to witness both the grandeur and subtleties of human experiences shared during times of festive union.
The Wedding People masterfully combines humor and heart crafting a tale where every reader can find a piece of themselves reflected in its pages The novel’s charm lies in its ability to marry cultural nuances with universally relatable storytelling It stands out with its rich character development and intricate narratives weaving stories that vividly portray the intersections of family commitments and personal desires This book celebrates the complexity of relationships with grace and empathy Through a nuanced exploration of cultural identity and personal growth the novel delves deep into the emotional landscapes of its characters offering a compelling tribute to community and individuality resonating with readers long after the last page is turned.
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Based on 8285 ratings
Enjoyed the characters and the messages in this story. Easy read. Very entertaining. Almost predictable. Recommend for a summer read.
Well, this book makes you want to attend a wedding, a week long, extravagant wedding. I absolutely am in love with these characters, especially Phoebe, who really knows how to crash a wedding, and walk away with a new life beginning that makes you happy just to be alive yourself and glad that you let her become your new friend for ever. This novel is funny, smart, and has well written dialogue that moves at a great pace. Frankly, as a reader, I feel like I was there. After all, isn’t that what we so hope for in every novel. I highly recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and read The Wedding People.
Great writing style. Even the side characters had interesting backgrounds and communication challenges. The first half was the best part: unpredictable, quirky. As the story developed and the main characters became more complex, the plot became more predictable. Although the overall development and story was extremely pleasing, the relationship development well done, missed the element of surprise that was so well done in the beginning. Overall, great read. Thank you!
This book is a well-written journey of a woman's self-realization. I enjoyed all the characters and interwoven stories. Having spent so much time in Rhode Island, I enjoyed all the references to familiar places: there really is a clam shake with water levels reached during hurricanes painted on the side of the building!
If Espach intended to write a story about superficial, self-absorbed women then she succeeded. As far as characterization she did a great job. However, who wants to read a story about women like that? The plot is silly and peppered with “me,me,me” and “whine, whine, whine” with too many f bombs. It’s okay for a light read but not for me. But reading tastes vary so this is only my opinion.
I absolutely loved “The Wedding People!” One of the most enjoyable, relatable, introspective, and funny books I’ve read in a long time. This is one of those rare book I will re-read! The story centers around Phoebe Stone, an adjunct literature professor, who is recently divorced after a long battle with infertility. She comes to a crisis point after her cat passes away, and decides she wants to die. She books a one way plane ticket a one night in a hotel she’s always dreamed of staying in, so she can end her life in “her happy place.” There she immediately runs into a large wedding party, and a bride who needs a confident… This book was absolutely captivating; it’s funny, emotional, and pulls you right into the story. In many parts I laughed out loud. The author did a wonder job capturing the complex nature of friendship, marriage, and family dynamics, the family we imagine for ourselves, who we are vs who we want to be, and how our hopes and dreams shape our identity. I listened to the Audiobook, narrated by Helen Laser, and provided by MacMillan Audio through NetGalley. The narrator did an excellent job; there minor are some issues with sound quality/ consistency, but it doesn’t detract from the book. Many thanks for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
The novel is powerful and so moving, but the first 1/3 or so is very dark deep. Definitely worth reading! But maybe not a beach read.
I loved each of the well-drawn characters, and the number of lines that are real gems is impressive. A unique plot that never sags. An easy, satisfying read that makes this one of my favorite books of the year. If you're on the fence about it, I say just dive in. You'll be glad you did.