The Unwedding

How does the motif of Big Sur and the Monterrey Peninsula reflect Ellery’s struggles and grief throughout the novel? In what ways does Condie’s choice of setting contribute to the novel’s thematic engagement with The Trauma of Survivor’s Guilt?

Although he does not feature in the action of the novel, Ellery’s ex-husband Luke plays a key role in her experience of the weekend. What devices does Condie use to characterize Luke even in his absence?

The Unwedding belongs to a long line of closed-circle mysteries, a subgenre in which a murder occurs in a closed space in which the murderer and investigators are isolated together. How does Condie’s novel employ or subvert standard tropes of this genre?

Multiple guests and employees of The Resort at Broken Point emerge as suspects over the course of the novel, consistent with the classic structure of closed circle mystery narratives. How does Ellery’s suspicion of these potential murderers reflect her growing paranoia?

Morgan and Maddox are influencers on a fictional social media app called “Like Me”. Why might Condie have chosen to invent an app rather than referencing a real-life app like Instagram or TikTok? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Analyze the significance of the title The Unwedding. How does it unite Ellery’s backstory and the murder mystery at The Resort?

Compare and contrast parental relationships in the novel. Consider Gary and Grace, Catherine and Olivia, and Ellery and her children in your argument.

Explore the significance of art throughout the novel. How do the large-scale art pieces scattered across the property reinforce the novel’s thematic exploration of Class Tensions in Luxury Tourism?