Alison Stone

Alison Espach, born in 1984, is an American author recognized for her three novels: "The Adults" (2011), "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" (2022), and "The Wedding People" (2024). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Providence College, where she later returned to teach, and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. Her debut novel, "The Adults," emerged from her MFA thesis and centers on a teenage girl's coming-of-age in a small Connecticut town.

Espach's subsequent works delve into more complex emotional landscapes. "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" examines a family grappling with the loss of an eldest child, characterized as a tragicomic bildungsroman. Her latest novel, "The Wedding People," follows a woman contemplating suicide who finds unexpected connection at a hotel wedding. This book achieved bestseller status and garnered awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for fiction. Espach's literary career is marked by critical acclaim and the acquisition of film rights for her novels.

Alison Espach's literary output comprises three novels that explore significant life transitions and emotional challenges. "The Adults" (2011) offers a coming-of-age narrative set in a privileged Connecticut community, noted for its sharp wit and insightful portrayal of adolescence. Her second novel, "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" (2022), tackles the profound impact of grief within a family structure, presenting a tragicomic exploration of loss. The most recent work, "The Wedding People" (2024), presents a narrative centered on existential themes, as the protagonist contemplates suicide but finds an unexpected turn of events. This novel achieved commercial success, reaching the New York Times Best Seller list and receiving accolades such as the Goodreads Choice Award.

Born in Trumbull, Connecticut, Alison Espach's academic journey began at Providence College in Rhode Island, where she earned her undergraduate degree in English in 2007, benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Peter Johnson. She further honed her writing skills by completing a Master of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. It was during this program that she developed the manuscript for her first novel. Following her graduate studies, Espach moved to New York to teach creative writing before returning to Providence College in 2013. She currently holds a position as a professor of English at the institution, contributing to the academic community through her teaching and literary work.

“coming of age with a quick wit and a sharp eye”

“an enviable first effort.”

“Subtle shifts of tone are all Gilbert needs to give Emily a convincing voice”

“tragicomic bildungsroman in the shadow of loss”

“highly recommended, deeply satisfying read.”