THE WEDDING PEOPLE

‘The Wedding People’ by Alison Espach is an alternative sharp and dark romance that unleashes unexpected drama, in a week of wedding nuptials, held on a beachside hotel on Rhode Island. A thoroughly modern affair of the heart.

Professor Phoebe Stone is a professor of Victorian literature, with a special interest in female identity and the heroine’s preoccupation with the social constraints of marriage and romance. Think 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights'. Whilst her work has kept her fulfilled her broken marriage and increasing solitude has led Phoebe to a dark place.

The novel opens with Phoebe as the damsel in distress. Phoebe has arrived at a grand hotel on Rhode Island, the Cornwall Inn, wearing a stunning emerald silk dress and her gold wedding shoes - but no husband, luggage or connection with the wedding party. The wedding people have gathered for a week-long programme of pres, ‘the blending of families’, a rehearsal dinner, and great expectations synonymous with the million dollar wedding. When the bride Lila, the archetypal spoilt little rich girl, discovers her week could be ruined by Phoebe - a depressed divorcee, Lila is far from happy. However as the wedding party settles in, Lila seeks out Phoebe as a voice of reason and confidante to her nuptial nerves, especially as her entourage of family and friends are clearly crowd pleasers. Can Phoebe offer Lila tangible advice on marriage, friendship and the groom? Whilst pushing back on Lila’s tantrums? And can Lila persuade Phoebe to rethink her plans, embrace life and assist in the impending practicalities?

This is a definitely a modern perspective on love and marriage. Love in the modern world is complicated and Espach astutely captures what this looks like in a funny and entertaining novel. One for the weekend break or indulgent 'me time'.  And then lots of discussion in book club and amongst good friends!