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thumbetina's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookoffimreading's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book and thought the concept was brilliant as we get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of twelve different characters over the course of a year, so each chapter is a different month and focuses on a different character, living or working around Victoria Park. I really enjoyed this unusual structure and thought it was a really beautiful, fresh and modern piece of writing.
The author sensitively writes about the challenges faced by an array of diverse and fascinating characters. With issues ranging from looking after a loved one with alzheimer’s, the pain of infertility, teenage issues and and an extra marital affair, amongst others. Each character was brilliantly drawn and so convincing that I felt I was listening in on the characters and observing each interaction myself. The author really picked up on each characters different personalities, mannerisms and backgrounds and I thought that the writing was exceptional in this regard. It was also interesting when the characters and their relationships would overlap slightly so that they would pop up in another chapter where you weren’t expecting them.
The story also subtly shows how events, such as a terrible acid attack in the park, can have a far reaching affect on a community even in a large city like London. And of course the thirteenth character in this book is Victoria Park, I loved the setting and the sense of place and the vibe of London through the changing seasons, it really added to the reading experience for me.
I thought that this was a brilliant debut novel. It was brilliantly observed, perceptive and thought provoking and I would highly recommend to fans of modern literary fiction.
The author sensitively writes about the challenges faced by an array of diverse and fascinating characters. With issues ranging from looking after a loved one with alzheimer’s, the pain of infertility, teenage issues and and an extra marital affair, amongst others. Each character was brilliantly drawn and so convincing that I felt I was listening in on the characters and observing each interaction myself. The author really picked up on each characters different personalities, mannerisms and backgrounds and I thought that the writing was exceptional in this regard. It was also interesting when the characters and their relationships would overlap slightly so that they would pop up in another chapter where you weren’t expecting them.
The story also subtly shows how events, such as a terrible acid attack in the park, can have a far reaching affect on a community even in a large city like London. And of course the thirteenth character in this book is Victoria Park, I loved the setting and the sense of place and the vibe of London through the changing seasons, it really added to the reading experience for me.
I thought that this was a brilliant debut novel. It was brilliantly observed, perceptive and thought provoking and I would highly recommend to fans of modern literary fiction.
meganleonard's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sarahbish's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
claire_b's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
belsbooks_'s review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book from the very opening. It opens with rich, detailed imagery of various food dishes. The rest of the book contained similarly detailed imagery, as it told the story of different people who lived around Victoria Park. I loved the way that the author wrote about such a plethora of people, all from different backgrounds, all of different ages. I loved the way the stories interconnected, to concentrate on ideas like memory, love, and the inevitability of the passage of time.
I would really recommend this book, it's so well written, and although there are sad moments that will make you tear up, it is well worth the read.
I would really recommend this book, it's so well written, and although there are sad moments that will make you tear up, it is well worth the read.
poppyjessica's review against another edition
5.0
Gemma Reeves' 'Victoria Park' is a stunning reflection on humanity and how our lives are affected by the unforgiving passage of time. The plot follows the disparate local residents who live around Victoria Park and the events which affect the community across the course of a year, the reader witnessing how much life can alter, for the better or worse, in 12 short months. Reeves writing is lyrically woven and beautifully introspective, ordinary daily experiences depicted with sensitivity throughout.
Each chapter follows a different person or family who lives within the community, bookended by the story of Wolfie and Mona. They have been married for 65 years and are an important part of the spirit of the local area with Wolfie's deli having legendary salmon. We heartbreakingly realise that Mona is slowly losing her memories of the last 65 years and Wolfie struggling to hold onto the woman he has grown old with.
This is characteristic of the tales Reeves tells across each chapter, weaving together stories which highlight both the most joyous and the darkest times humans face across their lives. Stories of new beginnings are juxtaposed with endings, these seemingly ordinary events illustrating the importance of us having empathy for our fellow humans: what happens behind others' closed doors can never truly be understood.
This novel is subtle yet packs a huge emotional punch. What is certain is that I will be hugging my family a little tighter and telling them I love them a little more frequently. Reeves' new book is a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each chapter follows a different person or family who lives within the community, bookended by the story of Wolfie and Mona. They have been married for 65 years and are an important part of the spirit of the local area with Wolfie's deli having legendary salmon. We heartbreakingly realise that Mona is slowly losing her memories of the last 65 years and Wolfie struggling to hold onto the woman he has grown old with.
This is characteristic of the tales Reeves tells across each chapter, weaving together stories which highlight both the most joyous and the darkest times humans face across their lives. Stories of new beginnings are juxtaposed with endings, these seemingly ordinary events illustrating the importance of us having empathy for our fellow humans: what happens behind others' closed doors can never truly be understood.
This novel is subtle yet packs a huge emotional punch. What is certain is that I will be hugging my family a little tighter and telling them I love them a little more frequently. Reeves' new book is a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
rebel_smile's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sarahvt97's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5