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.