Reviews

Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey

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bunnymother's review against another edition

4.0

The way this book talks about the case is easily digestible for people just getting into reading true crime and it does a great job breaking up the past and perspectives of the people involved in the crime.

happilywilted's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

5.0

A well written description of the brutal crime that happened in a small town. I felt that I was transported to this friend group through this authors writing. Usually non-fiction is a drag for me, but it was written in a very interactive way; always getting my interest and attention.
I felt so sad for Reena. She wasn't even given a chance to discover who she was. She was just scratching the surface of life and discovery. To have your life ended on such a developmental period is disheartening and sad.
At her age, I was unsure of who I was and making awkward decisions that I look back on and cringe. Knowing that she never can look back on hers is heartbreaking.
I feel for her family and hope that they are able to continue on with some semblance of peace. That would be understandably very difficult to do in their circumstances.

wandering_canuck's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

The Reena Virk story sits vividly in my memory, so was intrigued to read this book. Written by an journalist cum novelist, this book is a great example of narrative non-fiction.

This tale is an exposé of the teens that committed the crime, and spends little time on Reena's personal story. The author's choice to tell the story from this perspective has resulted in a bit of outrage, with people unhappy that Reena's story gets lost. My opinion is that this perspective was compelling. The book feels honest and fair. Not once did I sense the author was giving anyone a pass on how their violence led directly to Reena's murder.

I did appreciate how the Virks were depicted in this book. Reena's mother, especially, is presented as the epitome of grace. Some of the players have improved their lives and searched for redemption, while others, namely Kelly Ellard, seems far beyond hope of being redeemed.

kschmehl's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

3.5

james_siebs's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

A heart-wrenching telling of Reena Virk’s story. This book personalized Reena and the whole Virk family, explaining how their faith and grace allowed them to reconcile and pursue restorative justice with one of the killers in the face of tragedy.

I think this book did an excellent job of maintaining a fair view of each person involved. It also did a great job demonstrating the complex web of relationships in View Royal at this time and how something so horrible could have come to pass.

I have passed by the area a few times and wish that there was a memorial for Reena was on the Craigflower Bridge.