dianamallen 's review for:

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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It took me a minute to get invested, but once I did, I was IN. Phoebe’s outsider status on a rich Nantucket wedding provides a frank critique, but the author doesn’t stop there. As Phoebe becomes invested in the lives of the “wedding people,” she becomes one of them and is drawn into the machinations and polite dishonesty of a wedding weekend. Her “friendship” with perfectionist bridezilla Lila provides a character foil that highlights the importance of knowing and naming what you really want, deep down. I had very mixed feelings about the fact that Phoebe slept with her husband at the end - I was screaming NO at the audio - but I also understand this as her saying goodbye to the relationship on her own terms, as empowered. The ending back in the hot tub with Gary was chef’s kiss perfect - less is more - yet I can clearly imagine the happily ever after found family of Phoebe and Toast and Gary and their adopted dogs. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide