Book club questions for The Unwedding by Ally Condie explore the themes of grand loneliness, new beginnings, class disparity, motherhood, and the complexities of human relationships.
In a world where social media and technology offer the illusion of constant connectivity, the novel reminds us that true intimacy and understanding remain elusive.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
Ellery’s struggle and growth illustrate the transformative power of facing and embracing new beginnings, challenging us to consider how to navigate our own life transitions and the potential for personal evolution.
About the Author | Q&A with Ally Condie
Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations | Book Club Kit
About The Unwedding
The Unwedding follows Ellery Wainwright, who was supposed to celebrate her twentieth wedding anniversary at a beautiful resort in Big Sur, California. Instead, she ends up traveling alone and staying at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point.
During her stay, there’s a wedding happening at the resort, reminding Ellery of happier times. However, things take a dark turn when she discovers the body of the groom in the pool. As the police try to reach the resort, a mudslide traps all the guests, and another person dies, revealing that something sinister is going on.
Everyone at the resort has secrets, including Ellery. This book combines mystery and suspense with deep themes of grief and loss, making it an engaging read.
Release date: June 4, 2024
Genre: Women’s Divorce Fiction
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
About Ally Condie
Ally Condie is a celebrated author known for her #1 New York Times bestselling Matched trilogy. She has also co-authored the Darkdeep middle grade series and penned the novel Summerlost, which was an Edgar Award Finalist. With a background as a high school English teacher, Ally holds an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the founder and director of the WriteOut Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young writers.
Born in Cedar City, Utah, Ally discovered her passion for storytelling early in life. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA in English Teaching. Ally’s writing journey began after she left teaching to raise her children, leading to her debut novel, Yearbook, published in 2006.
The Matched trilogy, published by Dutton Penguin, catapulted her to international acclaim, with all three books becoming New York Times bestsellers and translated into over 30 languages. Her other notable works include the standalone novels Atlantia and Summerlost, as well as the Darkdeep trilogy co-written with Brendan Reichs.
Ally lives with her family outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, where she continues to write and inspire readers around the world. She is also involved in various nonprofit organizations, including the Yallwest Board and Go Jane Give.
Q&A about The Unwedding with Ally Condie
Q: For those who may not be familiar with the Unwedding yet, could you give us a brief overview?
A: Absolutely! The Unwedding is my debut adult novel, which just hit shelves a couple of days ago. It’s a murder mystery centered around a woman who, after her divorce, embarks on a solo vacation for the first time in years. The story is partly inspired by my own experiences post-divorce, where I found myself grappling with feelings of being unmoored and unnoticed. During that trip, I started crafting stories about the people around me, which eventually evolved into the plot of this novel.
Q: Transitioning from writing young adult novels to an adult murder mystery must have been quite a shift. What was that transition like for you?
A: Surprisingly smooth, actually. Since this project wasn’t something I was pressured into or under contract for, I had the freedom to experiment and have fun with it. My writing process typically starts with a character in a specific setting, and that remained consistent. The main difference was delving into themes and pacing that cater more to an adult audience, while still maintaining my narrative style.
Q: Your book incorporates some unique elements, like the interstitial weather reports and artwork. Could you talk about how those elements came together?
A: I’m glad you noticed! The formatting was inspired by those hotel room cards that give you daily weather updates and tidbits about the area. It felt fitting for a story set in a luxury resort. The artwork and nature quotes I included were a nod to the beautiful surroundings of the resort in Big Sur, which plays a significant role in the story. My mom, who is an artist, influenced my appreciation for art, and I wanted to weave that into the narrative.
Q: Speaking of Big Sur, the setting seems almost like a character itself in the book. What drew you to that location?
A: Big Sur captivated me during my first visit in 2017, especially after learning about the landslides that isolated the area temporarily. The dramatic landscape and its remote yet luxurious resorts provided the perfect backdrop for a locked-room mystery. Growing up in the stark landscapes of southern Utah also made me appreciate the contrasts and dangers that nature can present, which I wanted to reflect in the story.
Q: Building suspense and planting clues effectively are crucial in a murder mystery. Did you have any strategies or tricks for achieving that tension throughout the book?
A: As someone who grew up devouring Agatha Christie novels, I absorbed a lot about pacing and character dynamics from her work. Every character in a mystery needs to have secrets, a principle I stuck to while crafting The Unwedding. I also sought advice from an experienced mystery writer who emphasized the importance of keeping multiple suspects viable until the end of the story. This approach helped maintain the suspense and keep readers guessing.
Q: Your characters, Ellery and Olivia, both navigate their own journeys through grief in unique ways. What inspired their dynamics?
A: Ellery, navigating life post-divorce, and Olivia, on the brink of marriage, represent different stages of life intersecting at pivotal moments. This dynamic mirrors real-life experiences I’ve had where people in different phases of similar journeys cross paths unexpectedly. Their interactions explore mentorship, unintentional or otherwise, and the complexities of shared experiences despite differing circumstances.
Q: How does it feel now that your book is out in the world?
A: Surprising! I keep saying the word “magic,” but it does—it feels like someone came and sprinkled fairy dust on everything. Launching a book is fun, writing a book is fun. You don’t do it for these moments because you have no control if they’ll happen, but if they do, it just feels like kind of an explosion of wonderfulness around everything. I do kind of float through the day; I’m like, well, you know, the laundry’s not done, but Reese Witherspoon picked my book, so… you know?
Q: That’s incredible! What do you think made Reese Witherspoon pick your book?
A: I don’t know what made her pick it, but I am so glad that she did. It’s been a surreal experience.
Q: Let’s talk about writing advice. What would you suggest to someone who has never written a word but really wants to start?
A: Read everything—from shampoo bottles to the classics. Particularly if you’re writing a book, it’s good to read books because stories are structured in that way. But get your stories from everywhere; enjoy stories, spend time in them. For me, unexpected places like sports have been a great source of inspiration. Real-life stories like Michael Phelps’ or Simone Biles’ trajectories are so fascinating because real life is so interesting. Spend time writing your own story, even if it’s not a memoir. Just sitting down and typing a few words puts your subconscious to work. As they say, you can’t edit a blank page.
Q: That’s great advice! Moving on to your book’s genre, this is your first time writing in the thriller genre. Were you tempted to have a higher body count in the story?
A: Actually, no. I don’t like killing people. My dad, who was a judge, instilled in me a respect for the seriousness of crime and its impact on real people. So even though I had to include a murder in the story, I couldn’t bring myself to go overboard. Jody, my agent, joked that my characters seemed to keep bonking their heads and dying accidentally, which is true to an extent. In future works, though, I might challenge myself to explore different means of demise.
Q: How did you approach the plot for The Unwedding, especially since you weren’t sure who the perpetrator was until you finished the first draft?
A: I didn’t outline the book from start to finish, but I kept a running outline as I wrote. I have a wall next to my desk covered in Post-its where I would jot down scenes, character motivations, and potential plot points. It was like organizing a puzzle, moving pieces around to fit the evolving story. It’s a bit creepy, like something out of A Beautiful Mind, but it worked for me.
Q: Has your writing process evolved over time or stayed consistent across your books?
A: My process has evolved somewhat. I used to write late into the night while balancing a day job in a law office. Now, with more time to dedicate to writing full-time at home, I’ve established a more structured routine. But the essence of my process—messy, intuitive—has remained the same. Each book presents its own challenges and demands a slightly different approach, much like raising children. You adapt to what each “child” needs.
Book Club Questions for The Unwedding
- THE UNWEDDING presents a nightmare scenario for what should be a joyous occasion. Share a personal experience or a story you know about a wedding that was less than ideal. How did it compare to the chaos in the novel?
- How does Ellery’s journey from a grieving, newly-divorced woman to an amateur sleuth mirror her internal struggle and growth? Can you pinpoint specific moments in the book that showcase her emotional evolution, such as her reaction to discovering the groom’s body or her interactions with Luke’s new girlfriend, Imogen?
- The Resort at Broken Point is described as both luxurious and unsettling. How does the isolation of the resort, compounded by the mudslide that cuts off access, heighten the novel’s suspense? Discuss how specific elements of the setting, like the art installations or the storm, contribute to the overall atmosphere.
- Ellery’s reflections on her failed marriage and the bus crash incident are central to her character. How do these past traumas influence her actions and decisions during the events at the resort? In what ways do these themes parallel the unfolding mystery?
- How does the stunning landscape of Big Sur, California, enhance the storytelling beyond serving as a backdrop? Discuss specific ways in which the setting contributes to the novel’s atmosphere, mood, and plot development.
- The narrative frequently explores the theme of grand loneliness. What is the novel conveying about these emotions, and how are they embodied by different characters? Consider how this theme affects their actions and interactions.
- Ellery is experiencing a significant life change following her divorce from Luke. How does the story handle the theme of beginning anew and starting a new chapter later in life? How does this theme influence the plot and Ellery’s character development?
- Analyze the relationships between Ellery, Ravi, and Nina. How do their backgrounds and personal struggles contribute to their bond and their roles in solving the murders? What specific interactions or dialogues highlight the strengths and weaknesses in these relationships?
- Every guest at Broken Point has a secret. Which character’s secret did you find the most surprising, and why? How did these secrets drive the plot forward, particularly in the cases of the groom, Ben, and other key figures like Olivia and the resort staff?
- Initially, Ravi and Nina seem like glamorous, carefree individuals, contrasting with Ellery. How does their relationship with Ellery evolve throughout the novel? In what ways do Ravi and Nina support and rescue Ellery, both literally and figuratively?
- Motherhood is a central theme impacting many characters. Which depiction of motherhood resonated most with you, and how did it influence the overall narrative? Discuss how different experiences of motherhood shape the story.
- The novel showcases various types of relationships, including platonic, familial, and romantic. Which relationship between characters felt most crucial to the story, and why? Discuss how these relationships drive the plot and character development.
- How effective was the resort as a “locked-room” setting in maintaining the mystery and suspense? Compare the sense of claustrophobia and paranoia created in the novel to other locked-room mysteries you’ve read. How did the storm and mudslide enhance these feelings?
- Ellery’s backstory, including her recent divorce and the traumatic bus crash, is crucial to understanding her motivations. How do these past experiences shape her perspective and actions during the crisis at the resort? Do you think her past made her more or less prepared to handle the situation?
- Discuss the significance of the art pieces described at the beginning of each chapter. How do they reflect the themes of the story or the emotions of the characters? Can you identify any specific artworks that seemed particularly symbolic or meaningful?
- Many characters in “The Unwedding” exhibit shades of moral grayness. Discuss specific examples of this ambiguity, such as Luke’s quick move to a new relationship or the actions of the resort staff. How do these complexities add depth to the narrative?
- Trust is a major theme, especially as the guests become increasingly desperate. How does Ellery’s trust in other characters evolve, particularly in Ravi and Nina? What incidents challenge or reinforce her trust in them?
- Without revealing spoilers, discuss your thoughts on the identity of the murderer. Were there specific clues throughout the novel that led you to suspect this person, or were you completely surprised? How did the author plant these clues?
- What scene or moment in the book stood out to you the most, and why? Was it Ellery’s discovery of the groom’s body, a particular interaction between characters, or a climactic point in the mystery?
- How did you find Ally Condie’s transition from YA to adult fiction in terms of writing style, character development, and plot complexity? Compare “The Unwedding” to her previous works if you’ve read them.
- The novel highlights a clear class disparity among characters, with some enjoying luxury and others viewing the resort as a rare opportunity. How does the story address economic differences, and in what ways does this issue propel the narrative?
- Ellery’s past traumas resurface amidst the new horrors she faces, yet she is determined to uncover the truth behind Ben and Matt’s deaths. How does this new experience help Ellery confront her fears and start her journey toward healing?
- The cards given to guests at Broken Point contain quotations that provide insight into the day’s conditions, beyond just the weather. How do these quotes serve as markers throughout the story? Discuss how they guide the narrative and set expectations for the plot’s progression.
- Ellery’s journey of dealing with her divorce and unresolved grief is central to the narrative. Did you find any parallels to your own experiences or those of people you know? How realistically do you think the author portrayed these emotional struggles?
- Based on the themes and writing style in “The Unwedding,” what would you like to see in Ally Condie’s future works? Are there specific elements or themes she explored here that you hope she continues to develop?
Books Like The Unwedding
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Two writers with a complicated history end up working on the same TV show… Can they write themselves a new ending? A sexy and emotional enemies-to-lovers romance guaranteed to pull on your heartstrings and give you a book hangover from brilliant new voice Yulin Kuang
Helen Zhang hasn’t seen Grant Shepard once in the thirteen years sincethe tragic accident that bound their lives together forever.
Now a bestselling author, Helen pours everything into her career. She’s even scored a coveted spot in the writers’ room of the TV adaptation of her popular young adult novels, and if she can hide her imposter syndrome and overcome her writer’s block, surely the rest of her life will fall into place too. LA is the fresh start she needs. After all, no one knows her there. Except…
Grant has done everything in his power to move on from the past, including building a life across the country. And while the panic attacks have never quite gone away, he’s well liked around town as a screenwriter. He knows he shouldn’t have taken the job on Helen’s show, but it will open doors to developing his own projects that he just can’t pass up.
Grant’s exactly as Helen remembers him—charming, funny, popular, and lovable in ways that she’s never been. And Helen’s exactly as Grant remembers too—brilliant, beautiful, closed off. But working together is messy, and electrifying, and Helen’s parents, who have never forgiven Grant, have no idea he’s in the picture at all.
When secrets come to light, they must reckon with the fact that theirs was never meant to be any kind of love story. And yet… the key to making peace with their past—and themselves—might just lie in holding on to each other in the present.
The Duzy House of Mourning by Ka Hancock
On the night she was born, her father tragically died and her mother was forever damaged.
22 years later, January Duzinski works as an embalmer in her grandfather’s mortuary. She’s somewhat of an introvert, brilliant at the piano, and has a very conflicted relationship with her non-verbal, severely disabled mother, Claire.
But things are about to veer off course with the death her maternal grandparents–people she’s had no relationship with. It seems she’s been left a Steinway concert grand piano, and anything else that once belonged to Claire.
What ensues is January’s unwitting discovery of a woman she never imagined could be her mother, a woman who once enjoyed unparalleled privilege, wealth, strength, and talent. She also unearths the incredible love story that forced Claire’s disinheritance in trade for her independence…and a Polish mortician–January’s father.
What emerges is a sense of true belonging, and a bone-deep understanding of what it means to be loved…
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
The deliciously twisty new locked room murder mystery from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List and The Paris Apartment
It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something’s not right with the guests. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered.
It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at…The Midnight Feast.
Discussion Guide for The Unwedding (PDF)
Happy reading! ❤️
I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!