Alison Espach's Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance is praised for its poignant exploration of grief and sisterhood, conveyed through a unique narrative voice. Positive reviews highlight its emotional depth and lyrical prose. Some critiques note a slower pace in parts, which may not appeal to all. Overall, it balances tragedy with humor, offering a compelling read.

Fans of poignant coming-of-age stories and emotional explorations of grief will cherish Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach. Ideal for readers who appreciate the depth of Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere and the narrative style of Ann Patchett's The Dutch House.

In Research Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach, a person navigates the complexities of loss, love, and growing up after a tragic event reshapes their life and family dynamics. The narrative explores how personal and familial relationships evolve in the aftermath of unexpected change.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Emotional

**Sally Holt**  
The main character and narrator, struggling to find her own identity in the shadow of her deceased older sister, Kathy. 

**Kathy Holt**  
Sally's older sister, whose life and death significantly influence the other characters, especially Sally's development. 

**Billy Barnes**  
Sally's romantic interest, whose life is intertwined with hers through shared history and profound emotions following a significant tragedy.

**Susan Holt**  
Sally and Kathy's mother, struggling under the weight of grief, and searching for ways to cope with her loss.

**Richard Holt**  
Sally's father, whose practical and safety-oriented worldview is challenged by tragedy, leading to emotional withdrawal.

**Peter Heart**  
A stable and conventional young man who offers a path of normalcy and ambition to Sally but lacks an understanding of her complex emotional landscape.

**Valerie Mitt**  
Sally’s close friend, who provides a connection to typical teenage experiences amidst her more complex life situation.

**Priscilla Mountain**  
Kathy’s best friend, representing a link to the vibrant life Kathy leaves behind.

**Rick Stevenson**  
A peer of Sally and Billy, embodying the immaturity and casual cruelty typical of adolescence.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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About Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance

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Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death, bullying, sexual harassment, and cursing.

Part 1 Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, mental illness, substance use, and sexual content.

Part 2 Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, substance use, and mental illness.

Part 4 Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Character Analysis

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Themes

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Themes

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Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of child death.

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance

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