The Unwedding Author:Ally Condie Ellery Wainwright is alone at the edge of the world. — She and her husband, Luke, were supposed to spend their twentieth wedding anniversary together at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. Where better to celebrate a marriage, a family, and a life together than at one of the most stunning places on earth? — But now she&rsq... more »uo;s traveling solo.
To add insult to injury, there’s a wedding at Broken Point scheduled during her stay. Ellery remembers how it felt to be on the cusp of everything new and wonderful, with a loved and certain future glimmering just ahead. Now, she isn’t certain of anything except for her love for her kids and her growing realization that this place, though beautiful, is unsettling.
When Ellery discovers the body of the groom floating in the pool in the rain, she realizes that she is not the only one whose future is no longer guaranteed. Before the police can reach Broken Point, a mudslide takes out the road to the resort, leaving the guests trapped. When another guest dies, it’s clear something horrible is brewing.
Everyone at Broken Point has a secret. And everyone has a shadow. Including Ellery.« less
The first third of this book is excellent, with an interesting setting in Big Sur and fresh characters. Then the book devolves into tedious figuring-out and absurd complications.
The Unwedding reminded me of Golding's Lord of the Flies with its exotic setting at Big Sur and trapped characters, seemingly under threat from each other.
The illustrative map of the resort and surrounding woods was helpful. The use of art and sculpture dotted around the resort highlighted the eerie atmosphere of the setting.
However, the plot was bogged down by needless details, making it difficult to follow the actions of several characters moving in and out of the story. Extraneous story lines that went nowhere (the missing screen! Look out!) added to the confusion. It was plodding and boring, a missed opportunity.