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A review by poppyjessica
Victoria Park by Gemma Reeves
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.