Review: The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

Goodreads rating: 3.98/5

My rating: 3.5/5

Remember Noah and Allie Calhoun from the notebook? Well, this is about their daughter's relationship with her husband. Wilson Lewis and Jane had been married for 30 years and like any marriage, it was not a perfect one. However, Wilson realizes his shortcomings and finds a way to make it up to his beloved. With their anniversary coming up, he plans a surprise for Jane that she's always wanted and will never forget with the hopes that it will reignite their passion for one another.

The whole time I was reading this book, I kept imagining Wilson to be the actor Richard Jenkins. Ironically enough, he's acted in a Nicholas Sparks movie. He might be old for the role but Wilson's personality felt like it would suit him. Anyhow, let's talk about the book. The pace was honestly really slow for me, it took me awhile to get through this tiny book which is unusual for me when it comes to NS's books. I usually read his books in a day. The beginning was mainly focused on Wilson and his history with Jane which made it quite dull for me. I wanted to read about more interactions than past events. I'm also not used to reading about matured love stories so this was different for me. It was nice to imagine a love that could last that long though.

One of the pros of this story was the plot twist, I seriously did not expect it. The story was so slow paced but the ending made it worth the read. The things Wilson had planned made me wish for a love that existed in their story, for no less. I wish to be treated the same way Jane was, one day, InshaAllah!

A con is the lack of Noah's appearance in the book. Maybe he was in it enough, but it just was not enough for me. I wanted to find out more about his life after Allie and I did get glimpses but I craved more of their big love story. There wasn't even a chapter from his perspective, everything was from Wilson's. However, Noah has a miraculous encounter that I was able to predict and it was as wonderful as could be. Noah and Allie's love story was so tragic, why do such big loves end so tragically? Remember a walk to remember? They all ended because of some illness, hmft! I guess it's better though than the typical happily ever after. Hope I'm not spoiling anything for anyone btw, I'm assuming the whole world has already watched 'A walk to remember' and 'The Notebook'. If you haven't, what the hell are you waiting for?!

Would I recommend this story? No. It was generally boring for me, the only part I enjoyed was the last 2 chapters. But if you're a fan of 'the Notebook' and are curious enough to find out what happened after, give it a go like I did. Won't harm you to read it anyhow. If you do, let me know if you end up with higher expectations for your love lives.