The Wedding People: what happens when someone is a guest at an inn but not a guest for an upcoming wedding

The Wedding People by Alison Espach opens with a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island as Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn with no luggage and a lobby bustling with activity. It seems she is the only guest at the inn who is not there for a wedding. The Cornwall Inn has been a dream vacation destination for Phoebe and she is taking this chance to do all she wanted to do. When Phoebe runs into Lila, the bride, in the elevator, she reveals her plans for the weekend. Shocked and horrified, Lila begs Phoebe not to ruin her wedding week. Phoebe promises her planned activities will be quiet and will not interfere with Lila’s wedding. What Phoebe doesn’t count on is her connection with Lila and the two women confide in each other. Will Phoebe go ahead with her plan? Will Lila’s wedding go off without a hitch? 

Described as “propulsive,” “uncommonly wise,” “absurdly funny,” “devastatingly tender,”  and with numerous positive reviews on BookTok reviews, I decided to give The Wedding People a chance. The opening chapter was great as Phoebe arrives and she watches and overheard conversations. However, the story quickly falters as she meets Lila and confesses to a complete stranger to plans to end her life that weekend. I understand using humor as a defense mechanism; however, the humor in this story didn’t land very well. I didn’t smile or laugh at all. Even the sarcasm I didn’t enjoy. I did not enjoy this story. I also didn’t like how the author treated the subjects of depression and suicide. I did not like Phoebe. There was no growth or redemption for her. She cries over the actions of her ex-husband and yet decides to behave the same way. I do not recommend The Wedding People. 

The Wedding People is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook