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** spoiler alert ** Rating: 3.6�/5
If you enjoy thoughtful symbolism, layered themes, and humorous chaos, it’s worth the read—even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.

Whew! Nostalgia, suburban surrealism, and chaotic romance collide. Think As the World Turns soap opera meets Little Orphan Annie.

In a nutshell: The Last One at the Wedding is a thoughtful exploration of belonging, nostalgia, privilege and (to an extent) social pressure to conform or appease the folks who are near and dear to us, but its fast-paced ending felt too neat and tidy. It doesn't help that I'd just finished watching The Perfect Couple on Netflix, which shared some wedding-centric similarities to this book. The symbolism is rich and thought-provoking, yet its potential feels unfulfilled, especially with the unresolved mysteries and lack of closure (see: my questions listed below). Still, there’s so much to appreciate in its exploration of motherhood, connection, and the messiness of relationships.

Ms. Toggart’s depiction of motherhood stood out—I’m glad Frank braved that arduous trek down the hill (and outside Hugo’s watchful eye) to visit her and (try to) uncover the truth about Dawn. It added an emotional layer to Frank’s journey and showed a quieter strength in Ms. Toggart’s story.

The Potterhead in me loved the Harry Potter mentions: the "next JKR" quip, the "Bible" (under the disguise of maybe The Deathly Hallows), and the Hogwarts LEGO castle were subtle but meaningful nods to nostalgia and the struggle between childhood comforts and adult chaos. That said, some motifs—like the daddy long legs. bird-themed cottages at Osprey Cove and Waffle House pancakes—felt underexplored, and Ms. Szatowski’s death? A glaring mystery left untouched.

So many unanswered (rhetorical, Book Club conversation starter) questions:
* Was "the picture" real or fake? If fake, why?
* How did Ms. Szatowski die? And why was her death left unexplained?
* How much does it cost to ignore the obvious (Tammy, looking at you)?
* * * HOW did Maggie get away with so much chaos (almost) unscathed?
* Did Frank ever resolve his back pain (literal or metaphorical)?
* * * * * Why did the wedding charades continue after someone died on the property?

Observations
The book’s physicality was so vivid—Frank’s back pain, Hugo’s piercing interrogations, and the disgust (and mystery) surrounding watching Catherine wither away in her room all leapt off the page. The geography of Osprey Cove was meticulously described, emphasizing just how much exploration Frank undertook in the longest (and messiest) 72 hours of his life.

Verdict
The ending felt rushed, like the story ran out of steam just when it needed to slow down. It left me feeling like I’d experienced an Orange is the New Black-style whirlwind—chaotic, intriguing, but incomplete. Still, I don’t regret reading it. Matching its dreamy, gaslighting, and messy romantic energy to Chemtrails Over the Country Club, Sea Change and Frank Sinatra ballads added another layer of enjoyment and a way for me to expand my music playlist.