Really Loved

Contemporary Literature

Published 2024 by Henry Holt Books

Audiobook – advanced copy gifted by publisher

Learning to Fly – Tom Petty

Can one conversation, one chance encounter in an elevator, change someone’s life? Have you stopped to wonder what happened to a stranger you met in a waiting room or shared a table with at a coffee shop? Did that moment touch them? In her latest novel, Alison Espach explores the power of human connection through the eyes of a woman who feels she has no connections left.

Pheobe Stone travels to Newport, RI, intending to kill herself from an occean point of view. Instead, she finds herself inserted into an over-the-top wedding week, the confidant to the bride, Lila, and befriending the sister and daughter of the groom. Through her interactions with ‘the wedding people, ’ Phoebe somehow finds herself beginning to enjoy life again. There is so much heartbreak and yet so many optimistic moments along the way.

Dark yet uplifting,𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 is the perfect blend of humor, life’s unpredictability, and what happens when we truly let ourselves be honest. Espach’s writing is engaging, thoughtful, and full of the messiness of life. She takes the seriousness of suicide and several other complex themes and infuses a heartening character study and, quite frankly, a deep insight into the things that truly make life good. (Note: Check content warnings as needed.)

Helen Laser’s narration perfectly captures Pheobe’s emotions, from sorrow to joy, as she reinvents how she presents herself to the world. Through her impressive range, she makes each character sound unique and deepens the reader’s connection to each one. There is a rich tone to her voice that elevates this impressive narrative even higher. I frequently replayed the audio to hear the many insightful quotes. This novel tugs at your brain and your heart.

Through wit, unique bonds, and wonderfully written prose, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 will capture your heart and leave you missing the wedding people long after they have all left Newport. I am so excited for this book to make it out into the world and cannot recommend it enough.