A novel with potential that ultimately falls short – hints at big ideas about power and criticism struggle to turn into something cohesive.
‘The Wedding People’ by Alison Espach
4 August 2025
by Chris
This was an enjoyable read, though I felt it skimmed the surface of some of the heavier themes it raised, suicide and depression in particular. The premise initially drew me in, and while it wasn’t quite the page-turner I expected, I was still curious enough to see how it all unfolded.
Posted by Chris
4 August 2025
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‘The Wedding People’ by Alison Espach
This was an enjoyable read, though I felt it skimmed the surface of some of the heavier themes it raised, suicide and depression in particular. The premise initially drew me in, and while it wasn’t quite the page-turner I expected, I was still curious enough to see how it all unfolded.
This was an enjoyable read, though I felt it skimmed the surface of some of the heavier themes it raised, suicide and depression in particular. At times, it seemed to soften these issues a bit too much, which could come across as trivialising to some readers.
The premise initially drew me in, and while it wasn’t quite the page-turner I expected, I was still curious enough to see how it all unfolded. I did feel the sudden reappearance of the ex-husband towards the end was a bit forced (he vanished almost as quickly as he arrived) and didn’t seem necessary for Phoebe to come to the realisation that she no longer wanted him.
That said, I was satisfied with the ending, predictable as it was. Oddly enough, I even found myself wishing it had been more literal and on the nose about where Phoebe ended up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
FEATURED IN THIS POST
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‘Bring the House Down’ by Charlotte Runcie
A novel with potential that ultimately falls short – hints at big ideas about power and criticism struggle to turn into something cohesive.
‘The Names’ by Florence Knapp
Florence Knapp’s debut asks a simple but arresting question: what if the name you are given at birth alters the entire shape of your life?
My November Reads
Reviews of the books I read in November: ‘Crying in H Mart’ by Michelle Zauner & ‘Blue Sisters’ by Coco Mellors.
Two books I’ve read recently
Instead of posting separately, I thought I would talk out the two books I’ve read recently. My resolution for this year was to read more (more than I had the year previous) and I’m smashing that target.