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The Park
Rebecca doesn’t expect to make new friends at this stage of her life. But when she becomes mother to little Amy, she finds herself spending her afternoons in the park. There she meets other first flamboyant, fun Rose, and then single-mom Lilith, whose inner strength is tangible, and whose eyes never leave her toddler. Very soon the women have formed a trio – the type of friends who feel at home in each other’s kitchens – and their daughters begin to behave like sisters. But Rebecca is about to learn that friendship is not always what it seems, and that sometimes you trust the wrong people. At exactly the moment when she needs to lean on them, one of her new friends harbours a shocking secret, and the other will turn on her in a way she could never have anticipated. Her two park friends will change Rebecca’s life – and her family – forever.
- GenresBook Club
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2017
25 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Gail Schimmel
10 books104 followersGAIL SCHIMMEL has been writing stories since she could put pen to paper. By day she is a qualified attorney, and the CEO of the South African Advertising Regulatory Board. But she still makes sure that to write!
In South Africa, Gail published a children’s book, Claude & Millie, in 2007, under her married name Gail van Onselen. Her first
adult novel, Marriage Vows, was published in 2008, by Kwela Books. Whatever Happened to the Cowley Twins? was published by Kwela in June 2013. The Park, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2017 and The Accident in 2019 (The Accident was released internationally as The Aftermath in 2021). Two Month was published in South Africa in 2020.
Gail is also half of the writer Katie Gayle.
Gail's newest book - Never Tell A Lie - will be available internationally on 30 November 2021.
Gail lives in Johannesburg with her husband, two children, two naughty dogs and one very very old cat.
In South Africa, Gail published a children’s book, Claude & Millie, in 2007, under her married name Gail van Onselen. Her first
adult novel, Marriage Vows, was published in 2008, by Kwela Books. Whatever Happened to the Cowley Twins? was published by Kwela in June 2013. The Park, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2017 and The Accident in 2019 (The Accident was released internationally as The Aftermath in 2021). Two Month was published in South Africa in 2020.
Gail is also half of the writer Katie Gayle.
Gail's newest book - Never Tell A Lie - will be available internationally on 30 November 2021.
Gail lives in Johannesburg with her husband, two children, two naughty dogs and one very very old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 23, 2017
This book was terrible for my productivity. Once I started it I couldn't do anything else until I'd turned the last page.
It's about the friendships and rivalries between women, and the lengths to which desperation will push us. I was particularly impressed by how well researched all the legal and child-protection issues were.
I didn't once think, "No, that would never happen." It was all plausible and procedurally realistic.
If I had to compare this to the work of another author, I'd pick Liane Moriarty. Same emotionally intuitive, tense, and unputdownable qualities.
It's about the friendships and rivalries between women, and the lengths to which desperation will push us. I was particularly impressed by how well researched all the legal and child-protection issues were.
I didn't once think, "No, that would never happen." It was all plausible and procedurally realistic.
If I had to compare this to the work of another author, I'd pick Liane Moriarty. Same emotionally intuitive, tense, and unputdownable qualities.
January 15, 2024
Gail Schimmel has nailed her formula.
The Park was published earlier than The Accident, Two Months and Never Tell a Lie that I had read prior.
Again, the suburban setting, young families carving a life.
The gradual plot built set the tone for Lilith's story. Though annoyed at first, I found the slow pace towards the WHAT, worked so well for the big reveal.
A worthy read.
The Park was published earlier than The Accident, Two Months and Never Tell a Lie that I had read prior.
Again, the suburban setting, young families carving a life.
The gradual plot built set the tone for Lilith's story. Though annoyed at first, I found the slow pace towards the WHAT, worked so well for the big reveal.
A worthy read.
October 8, 2019
Letto in un giorno. Ho scoperto la casa editrice Astoria quest’anno e finora non ne sono mai rimasta delusa. Bei racconti, avvincenti, veloci, con la giusta carica di suspense e di mistero. La vicenda viene raccontata dal punto di vista di Rebecca, madre amorevole e affettuosa, che nel parco vicino casa fa amicizia con altre mamme della sua stessa età. Da qui il racconto si snoda in un susseguirsi di colpi di scena e con un crescendo di tensione che tuttavia, finisce per sgonfiarsi all’improvviso nelle ultime pagine. È stato come se l’autrice ci abbia abituati per tutta la durata della vicenda a dei livelli di attenzione e di tensione molto alti... poi però, tutto è scemato e la tensione è precipitata velocemente con una spiegazione che poteva essere sviluppata meglio. Nonostante questo, stra consigliato.
December 9, 2019
An easy read with important themes
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June 4, 2017I finished this after an overnight binge read. I'm in an SA fiction reading frenzy right now.
I'm not a mom, and I'm not married, so it's not the kind of fiction I would normally be drawn to. That being said, it's certainly thrilling. It's issue-driven fiction with all the pull of a whodunnit, but it's more of a whydunnit. This book raises major questions about family issues, like adoption, abandonment, IVF, race, parental rights, and it was illuminating on the ways and views of the courts in these matters. The author is a lawyer so the legal details rang true, she's clearly done her homework.
I'm not a mom, and I'm not married, so it's not the kind of fiction I would normally be drawn to. That being said, it's certainly thrilling. It's issue-driven fiction with all the pull of a whodunnit, but it's more of a whydunnit. This book raises major questions about family issues, like adoption, abandonment, IVF, race, parental rights, and it was illuminating on the ways and views of the courts in these matters. The author is a lawyer so the legal details rang true, she's clearly done her homework.
June 27, 2017
Easy read but a bit too contrived for my liking.
October 28, 2017
This is a very intriguing book that really kept my attention. I liked the familiar South African setting and the author's humour, which comes through delightfully in her writing. I particularly enjoyed her characters--often unimportant secondary ones--that she brings surprisingly to life through their actions or words. It's always great to discover good South African writers and Schimmel is definitely one of them. #ProudlySouthAfrican #Localislekker
November 16, 2021
I didn't enjoy this as much as The Aftermath by her, mainly because it had more mistakes in and also because she used so many terms in this one I had to keep looking up, which interrupted the flow for me. A glossary at the beginning would be helpful for those of us unfamiliar with South African phrases or foodstuffs. I'd no idea what a doek or slops or struggle heroes or Prestick or BEE or Vienna Sausages were.
She also refers to kids emigrating a lot, so I imagine this is a frequent occurrence over there. I made a note that this one "was a bit heavy on the old racials" as we kept having a lot of black and white stuff. I guess because they adopted a mixed-race daughter we'd get some of that but I thought it went on a bit with Lerato's opinions, especially.
Love the cover on this one....nice and simple and eye-catching, too. I also liked the little chapter headings, too.
The story was a fascinating one, I greatly enjoyed it and if not for my niggles it would've easily made 5*. It had some really funny lines in it, mainly from Rebecca's innermost thoughts to herself. I adored Sean and Eugenie as characters, too.
She has this most peculiar habit as well I picked up a few times. For example, she writes, "The playdate at Rose went well" when it should've read at Rose's or with Rose. Again with, "....but he phoned while I was at Rose" and "Try call her again" when it needs to be try and call or try calling, then "Ruby-Mae is staying us" as opposed to at ours or with us. Strange mistakes I've not happened upon before and I'm sure she didn't use in her other story I read. It happened more often but I can't be bothered typing more out here.....
She wrote scrunchy not scrunchie, discrete not discreet, ringer not wringer and play dough not Play Doh.......all errors that should've been picked up.
However, I'll be reading her again as she writes great stories.
She also refers to kids emigrating a lot, so I imagine this is a frequent occurrence over there. I made a note that this one "was a bit heavy on the old racials" as we kept having a lot of black and white stuff. I guess because they adopted a mixed-race daughter we'd get some of that but I thought it went on a bit with Lerato's opinions, especially.
Love the cover on this one....nice and simple and eye-catching, too. I also liked the little chapter headings, too.
The story was a fascinating one, I greatly enjoyed it and if not for my niggles it would've easily made 5*. It had some really funny lines in it, mainly from Rebecca's innermost thoughts to herself. I adored Sean and Eugenie as characters, too.
She has this most peculiar habit as well I picked up a few times. For example, she writes, "The playdate at Rose went well" when it should've read at Rose's or with Rose. Again with, "....but he phoned while I was at Rose" and "Try call her again" when it needs to be try and call or try calling, then "Ruby-Mae is staying us" as opposed to at ours or with us. Strange mistakes I've not happened upon before and I'm sure she didn't use in her other story I read. It happened more often but I can't be bothered typing more out here.....
She wrote scrunchy not scrunchie, discrete not discreet, ringer not wringer and play dough not Play Doh.......all errors that should've been picked up.
However, I'll be reading her again as she writes great stories.
March 7, 2017
I have recently become a reviewer for Pan MacMillan South Africa. This is really exciting and I am so looking forward to working with them. As part of my first batch of books for review, I received Gail Schimmel’s new novel, ‘The Park’.
The story is told in first person narrative by the main character, Rebecca Prince. Rebecca and her husband, Sean, (who are white) have an adopted mixed race daughter, Amy. Rebecca starts taking little Amy to the park, where she befriends two other mothers with daughters around Amy’s age – Rose and Lilith. They soon become close friends and confidantes of one another, spending time at each other’s houses and sometimes Rebecca even looks after Ruby-Mae, Lilith’s daughter.
However, after some time, both Lilith’s and Rose’s behaviour becomes a bit strange, but for completely different reasons. Rebecca is then faced with a completely unconceivable situation, which she has to navigate along with her own stresses and troubles. She has to do this without the support of Rose and Lilith, on whom she relied heavily prior to the recent events.
As those of you who read this blog know, I am an avid supporter of South African writers. I was very excited that this book was written and published locally. I was even more pleased when the book turned out to be extremely well-written and enjoyable. I loved the world that Schimmel created and found myself thinking about what would happen next when I wasn’t reading the book – always a good sign.
The book also beautifully looks at the struggles of motherhood and, on top of that, being an adoptive mother. Rebecca’s character is honest and raw, and I really liked that. Schimmel also deal, albeit briefly, with issues of race and having an interracial family.
The only criticism that I have of this book is that it relies somewhat on the strength of Rebecca’s friendship with Rose to make certain points. However, I don’t feel that their friendship was sufficiently developed or explored for the reader to grasp the full effect of Rose’s actions on Rebecca.
All in all though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
My rating: 4.5*
Happy reading!
The Paperback Reader©
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The story is told in first person narrative by the main character, Rebecca Prince. Rebecca and her husband, Sean, (who are white) have an adopted mixed race daughter, Amy. Rebecca starts taking little Amy to the park, where she befriends two other mothers with daughters around Amy’s age – Rose and Lilith. They soon become close friends and confidantes of one another, spending time at each other’s houses and sometimes Rebecca even looks after Ruby-Mae, Lilith’s daughter.
However, after some time, both Lilith’s and Rose’s behaviour becomes a bit strange, but for completely different reasons. Rebecca is then faced with a completely unconceivable situation, which she has to navigate along with her own stresses and troubles. She has to do this without the support of Rose and Lilith, on whom she relied heavily prior to the recent events.
As those of you who read this blog know, I am an avid supporter of South African writers. I was very excited that this book was written and published locally. I was even more pleased when the book turned out to be extremely well-written and enjoyable. I loved the world that Schimmel created and found myself thinking about what would happen next when I wasn’t reading the book – always a good sign.
The book also beautifully looks at the struggles of motherhood and, on top of that, being an adoptive mother. Rebecca’s character is honest and raw, and I really liked that. Schimmel also deal, albeit briefly, with issues of race and having an interracial family.
The only criticism that I have of this book is that it relies somewhat on the strength of Rebecca’s friendship with Rose to make certain points. However, I don’t feel that their friendship was sufficiently developed or explored for the reader to grasp the full effect of Rose’s actions on Rebecca.
All in all though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
My rating: 4.5*
Happy reading!
The Paperback Reader©
If you like this post, please follow my pages on Instagram, Facebook, and Goodreads.
December 25, 2017
A very different, but interesting story. Loved reading the works of a South African author and the humour she brought into her writing. Some spelling and grammatical errors which were a bit annoying but the storyline made up for it.
July 25, 2017
I whipped through this rather quickly. I'm an audible enthusiast and disappointed that I had to READ this, rather than have it chatting at me. We reviewed it at book club - and being a keen dog walker in LOERIE Park, Johannesburg was keen to learn more about park dynamics. Yes, indeed it endorses a view that park frequenters should be allocated to the acquaintance category. Nod and move on. I had envisaged landing with an unwanted dog in the Park. But this takes the cake. Unlike those who are applauding the plausibility and realistic application of the law, I found the story line a bit too much of a stretch - and in parts superficial and unsubstantial.
January 15, 2022
I had just finished The Aftermath so I thought I would read another of Gail’s books. I downloaded a sample but was not hooked enough to order the book..yet. However, I finally did get the whole book because I love her writing and her humour and could find nothing else to read that was as “playful” as her work. The story began to unfold and I was hooked. She tackles themes of race, adoption, friendship, infertility and death in ways that are not just a veil for her own views. There is always a lightness, along with a depth of perception, which makes her work so enjoyable. Some of the comments of the mother in law are jaw dropping! Good stuff.
August 25, 2021
The Park
The Park is the second book I have read by Gail Schimmel and it was very engrossing. I thought at first one child would be abducted. Glad that didn't happen. I loved the ending. Anxious to read another book by Ms. Schimmel. Chris Pilgrim
The Park is the second book I have read by Gail Schimmel and it was very engrossing. I thought at first one child would be abducted. Glad that didn't happen. I loved the ending. Anxious to read another book by Ms. Schimmel. Chris Pilgrim
October 13, 2021
Another excellent book!
This writer is gifted. She draws on her law experience to flesh out the characters, and there's plenty there to work with. Part family drama, part comedy, part suspense. Enjoy!
This writer is gifted. She draws on her law experience to flesh out the characters, and there's plenty there to work with. Part family drama, part comedy, part suspense. Enjoy!
January 7, 2022
After reading Gail’s latest in a day, I googled her other books and ordered them all. I have wizzed through all of them, this being the last one. Love her writing, so easy to read but captivating. Now to wait for her next book.
September 26, 2018
A fun and entertaining read. Well researched and an interesting story. The ending was a bit inevitable but it was still a good read.
April 11, 2020
Very good reading.
September 16, 2020
Un bel romanza,che ti prende dalla prima pagina. Difficile smettere la lettura.
September 27, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! Really fresh writing and narrative style. Loved it.
December 18, 2021
Was totally engrossed in this novel. Gail's style is captivating, and her characters immensely addictive. Very thought-provoking.
February 3, 2022
Addresses so many real issues. So relatable when you recognize places in SA that are familiar. A tale of best friends, makeups and breakups and all the things we live through.
March 22, 2022
Finished this in one sitting last night. Loved it.
May 6, 2022
Great read! Couldn't put it down.
June 26, 2023
Absolutely brilliant!!!
November 9, 2023
Flew through this one! Such easy reading to just zone out. I thoroughly enjoy this South African author's work.
January 26, 2023
Beautiful story about family, but Rebecca is lacklustre with major main character vibes and that’s kinda gross.
November 22, 2021
bland
The story started out okay, but with all these issues everything still worked out perfectly in the end. I don’t like unrealistic stories. Not only did everything work out, but much better. Come on. People don’t want this sappy writing.
The story started out okay, but with all these issues everything still worked out perfectly in the end. I don’t like unrealistic stories. Not only did everything work out, but much better. Come on. People don’t want this sappy writing.
October 1, 2017
This was a truly lovely South African book. It's a book about friendship, parenting, marriage and just commentary on human nature. Loved it and am passing it along to all my friends!
I loved references to areas in Johannesburg like The Patisserie!
If I can detour just a bit, this is exactly what I want compared to the Tannie Sannie books which I felt was terrible.
I loved references to areas in Johannesburg like The Patisserie!
If I can detour just a bit, this is exactly what I want compared to the Tannie Sannie books which I felt was terrible.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews