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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
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
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
eloise_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I picked up Victoria Park in a charity shop after the cover and premise intrigued me. Essentially the book follows several different characters who all live by Victoria Park over one year and is told in short stories for each month.
I can see why this book isn't for everyone as I'm usually not a short stories sort of person. I was left wanting more and wished some of the characters popped up more and we learnt more about what happened to them, however I appreciated how plot points from previous stories were weaved into later stories so we did get some updates on earlier characters.
Gemma Reeves writing style really worked for me and I'd definitely pick up another book by her in the future. I just found this to be an easy, pleasant read and yes I did cry at the end.
I can see why this book isn't for everyone as I'm usually not a short stories sort of person. I was left wanting more and wished some of the characters popped up more and we learnt more about what happened to them, however I appreciated how plot points from previous stories were weaved into later stories so we did get some updates on earlier characters.
Gemma Reeves writing style really worked for me and I'd definitely pick up another book by her in the future. I just found this to be an easy, pleasant read and yes I did cry at the end.
emmaeng1992's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.0