Characters & Relationships
She is the main character who arrives at the Cornwall Inn with no luggage.
Who is Phoebe Stone?
Phoebe is mistaken for this when she checks into the Cornwall Inn.
What is a wedding guest?
The Cornwall Inn is located in this city.
What is Newport?
Phoebe travels to the Cornwall Inn after this major life change.
What is her divorce?
The week's main event revolves around this traditional celebration.
What is Lila and Gary's wedding?
This character character convinces Phoebe not to carry out her intended task at the Cornwall.
Who is Lila?
Phoebe's secret mission/ goal when arriving at the Cornwall Inn.
What is 'to end her life'?
From the Cornwall Inn, guests can see this large body of water.
What is the Atlantic Ocean?
Phoebe begins the novel with this mindset.
What is hopelessness/suicidal thoughts?
The planning of events shows the cost of trying to achieve this ideal.
What is perfection?
Gary carries grief from this past event that shapes his relationship with Lila.
What is the death of his wife?
This person interacted with and was originally interested in Lila.
Who is Jim?
Phoebe arrives wearing this striking outfit.
What is a green dress and gold heels?
Lila's acceptance of Phoebe in the wedding shows Phoebe that she still has this.
What is value/belonging/place in a the world?
In contrast to the wedding's polished image, Phoebe symbolizes this.
What is human imperfection/vulnerability?
Phoebe and Juice connect over this shared feeling.
What is being an outsider/not fitting in?
This person unexpectedly admits to wanting to be in a relationship with Phoebe.
Who is Matt?
Phoebe's intended destination after the wedding.
The reason Phoebe feels more comfortable being honest/ her true self with strangers, rather than her loved ones.
What is not feeling like she has to meet expectations?
This "mistake" is why Lila refuses to attend the wedding.
What is not having a vintage car to take her to the venue?
These two characters form an unlikely bond, each revealing truths they don't share with their own families.
Who are Phoebe and Lila?
Phoebe's plans now that she has reclaimed her life.
What is selling her home, becoming a winter keeper for the Newcomb Mansion, and write?
The setting emphasizes the theme of appearances vs. reality, showing the contrast between a perfect wedding and this inner truth.
What is personal pain/hidden struggles?
The turning point for Phoebe in becoming true to herself.
What is when Matt finds her and says he wants to be together?
What is when Lila admits that she doesn't want to marry Gary?
This person is the original maid of honor, before Phoebe steps in to take her place.
Who is Vivian?