Alison Espach

Alison Espach is an American novelist and educator known for her work in contemporary literary fiction. Espach earned a Bachelor of Arts from Providence College and a master's degree in creative writing from Washington University in St. Louis. She serves as a professor of English at Providence College in Rhode Island, where she teaches creative writing. Her writing has appeared in McSweeney's, Glamour, Salon, The Daily Beast, and Writer's Digest, among other publications.

Espach is the author of three novels: "The Adults," "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance," and "The Wedding People." Her debut, "The Adults," was named a New York Times Editor's Choice and a Barnes and Noble Discover pick. "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" explores a family's experience following the death of its eldest child and was named a best book by Chicago Tribune and NPR, as well as an Indie Next Pick and Amazon Editors' Pick.

Espach's third novel, "The Wedding People," marked a breakthrough in mainstream success. The novel follows Phoebe Stone, who travels to a hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, intending to end her life, but her plans change after befriending a bride at the hotel. The book became a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times Editor's Choice, a TODAY Show ReadwithJenna Book Club pick, a Barnes and Noble Book Club Pick, and the number one Indie Next Pick. It has been published in more than 20 countries and received recognition from People magazine and Goodreads.

"The Wedding People" also received significant awards recognition, appearing on the New York Times Best Seller list and winning the fiction category in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It was shortlisted for the Published Novels section of the Comedy Women in Print Prize and was a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. The book received reviews from Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, The New York Times Book Review, People, and Booklist. Prior to publication, TriStar Pictures acquired rights to a film adaptation, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon as directors and Nicole Holofcener as writer.

Throughout her career, Espach has established a voice in literary fiction, exploring themes of grief, identity, and human connection. Critics have noted her storytelling as complex and her ability to create moments that engage readers. Espach continues to contribute to the field of creative writing and literary fiction through her novels and teaching.