Review by chrstnlvly - The Wedding People

chrstnlvly 's review for:

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

4.0

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A darkly humorous and unexpectedly moving novel that shows how a single chance encounter—whether at the best or worst possible moment—can open the door to healing.

And maybe that's it: You do things in the moment for the person you hope you might be two years from now.

I wasn’t prepared for how emotional this book made me feel right from the start. At first, I couldn’t pinpoint why, but then it clicked: I related deeply to Phoebe’s inner world and the way she processed life. As someone who was diagnosed with depression earlier this year, her thoughts and feelings hit very close to home.

Despite the heavier themes, there’s a sharp undercurrent of humor—at times not “funny haha,” but “smirking funny.” My favorite example?

When Lila asked Phoebe about her mother, and Phoebe replied that she had passed away. Lila’s response: “Oh. Well, you’re lucky then.”

I laughed, probably more than I should have.

This is definitely a slower-paced read, more focused on character exploration than plot twists, so it’s perfect if you enjoy sinking into people’s inner lives. There are several references to the Covid pandemic—not in a way that dominates the story, but as natural touchpoints of the characters’ pasts. Personally, I didn’t mind; it felt honest. That period shaped all of us in some way, and the book reflects that reality. But if you prefer to avoid pandemic mentions entirely, just know they’re here in passing.

Overall, The Wedding People is thoughtful, layered, and beautifully written. For me, it wasn’t quite a five-star read, but it’s one I’ll remember for how it managed to be both tender and bitingly funny at the same time.

Content Warnings