Reviews

Victoria Park by Gemma Reeves

aboutjasi's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

bookietracey's review against another edition

3.0

This book is written so well but it read like a short story collection and not a novel. I was constantly left wanting more and left unfulfilled.

I did enjoy this book but I felt like I had no attachment to the characters. This book didn’t grip me.

georgiaahxo's review against another edition

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

darkereader44's review against another edition

4.0

This is such a well written novel about twelve people living around Victoria Park in London over the space of a year. This all takes place against the backdrop of an acid attack within the park. Each persons story is like a short novella though some of the stories loosely overlap they are not closely linked, many just recognise a face across from the street as they go about their day, just like in a real life neighbourhood. You almost feel like a voyeur looking into homes, lives and minds of the residents. The characters are a wide variety of ages and situations from the loveable owner of the Deli, Wolfie and Mona who have lived on Victoria Park for over fifty years to the younger pizza delivery guy. Over the course of the year you learn about the characters hopes, dreams, loves and varied pasts. Gemma Reeves has written a moving novel about resilience love and loss, I really enjoyed this uplifting urban tale.

ells123's review

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

sumad's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 out of 5

isering's review

3.0

A bit cheesy, very sweet, and an easy read

swishing's review

emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-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

4.25

booksbakesbecky23's review against another edition

3.0

A great book focused on the interwoven lives of one community throughout the year

The story is focused around the people who live around Victoria Park. Although the story switches between the lives of several families, the stories are beautifully interwoven. Although I have read stories with this sort of structure before, I loved how they were all based in the same location, showing how different people’s lives can be even though the live in the same place. Although all the personal stories are different, there was an overarching sense of community which I enjoyed.
Unfortunately, I do not believe there was enough actual storyline. I loved getting to know all the characters, however I feel like there needed to be more development. The story takes place over an entire year however I didnt feel like I developed a strong attachment to any of characters or felt truly invested.
I think there is always a risk with telling a story from multiple perspectives. There isnt a huge amount of time for extensive character development. Having said this, I still enjoyed reading it thoroughly and would recommend.

lunasigle's review

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-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

3.5