Reena: A Father's Story

by Manjit Virk

Shortlisted for the 2009 George Ryga Award.

This is the story of an average family that has never been the same . . . since its eldest child was swarmed and killed by her peers on a moonlit night, November 14, 1997 . . . It is the story of what sudden and horrific violence can do to a family, and how a family somehow remains intact in the face of such events.—from the prologue by Lynne Van Luven

At the time of their 14-year-old daughter Reena's murder, Manjit and Suman Virk had already been let down by both social-services and law-enforcement authorities. They had struggled with the challenges of conflicting cultures and religions and child-rearing ideologies, and with the anguish of allegations of wrongdoing and the tarnished reputations that resulted.

In Reena, Manjit speaks for the first time about life before and after the murder of his daughter, a tragedy that remains one of the most widely discussed crimes of our time. It is a book about what was and what was not, about his immigration to a new land and his attempts to raise his family in a safe and simple fashion, about the events that forever derailed those efforts.

Genres: Memoir, True Crime, Nonfiction, Canada

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Robin G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend reading Manjit’s book over Godfrey’s “Under the Bridge”. Godfrey dehumanizes Reena and empathizes with the killers while Reena is barely discussed besides her appearance and weight. Manjit gives us insight into Reena as a human being and the tragedies and difficulties he faced in his life.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book really didn't go into the typical true crime story line but I felt for the father. He faced so many challenges and I am sure after writing this book he must have felt some relief if any could be found.

[Allison Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this book Manjit. I hope it was therapeutic for you to write it. I purchased it just after the 20th anniversary of the horrible events of November 14, 1997 when Reena was murdered. I remember wondering then how it could happen in our town of Victoria. I still can’t believe it.
Much love to the Virk family.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that I read this memoir.  It was very interesting to read from Reena's father's perspective and what life was like for them before and after Reena's death.  It was a hard read, but it was a good one.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreakigng account from Reen'a father, Manjit Virk, about his daughter who was murdered by bullies in the late 90s (in Victoria, BC, Canada).

[DT]

I don’t know how to rate this book. It’s just so heartbreaking. It’s not a “true crime” book, but a father pouring out his heart.

[whatsherface9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone whose parents traveled away from their home country and culture and who struggled to find the balance between my surroundings and my background, I cried multiple times reading this book as I related to the struggles of an immigrant father to provide the best he could for his children. Other reviewers have mentioned that they were disappointed because they did not get all the answers they wanted, but they fail to understand that that's exactly the point - no one got the answers they wanted, there was no closure, and the heartbreaking account of a father who struggled to find closure and explanations was the best he could do. A powerful, haunting, relatable, and beautifully-written read that will pull at heartstrings, spark empathy in even the most serious of people, and remind us all about the fragility and unfairness of life.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent insight into the life of Reena and her family. The family has been through so much and it’s heartbreaking. It was nice to hear more about Reena and her family.

[Kieanna]

I did not read the book yet, but I just wanna say that I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my mom 3 years ago so I know how it feels to lose someone you love. I don't know how it feels to lose a child, because I don't have a child and I have not had a child, because I am 17 but I know that pain is unimaginable. I watched the lil short show on Hulu and it upset me so much. I'm so sorry. I bet Reena is so happy and is making Heaven a beautiful place with her smile and her mom. Just remember her and her mother are watching you and her siblings from Heaven, Reena was a beautiful young girl and she didn't deserve what happened to her.

[Doug Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a worthy companion to Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey. As a juror on the third murder trial back in 2005, I have an interest in this topic, renewed by the currently playing Under the Bridge 8 episode series on Disney+.
I knew that Reena was no angel from both the trial and the Under the Bridge novel. This book, written by her father, shows it was even sorrier and troubled than I suspected.
It was a heart wrenching trial, but I cannot even imagine what it was like for the Virk family after reading of their family life, both before and after the murder.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Suman has since passed since this book was written by her husband, but my hope and wish for the entire Virk family is peace. I hope writing this story was healing for Manjit in some way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

[Jasmyne Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart wrenching memoir of Reena. The Hulu mini series didn’t do Reena justice. The details in her father’s book are far worse than what Hulu depicted and I appreciate how he included information about the after of Reena, and those involved in her murder. This family really was put through severe injustices

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Fantastic read all these years later Reena Virk's death still haunts me . Justice was not served . A beautiful life lost .