Greta and Valdin

Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly is an enchanting and witty exploration of modern love and familial bonds in the diverse and vibrant city of Auckland. At its heart, the novel follows the lives of siblings Greta and Valdin Vladisavljevic. Both are navigating the complicated landscapes of their personal and romantic lives, set against the backdrop of their eclectic Maori-Russian-Catalonian heritage.

Valdin is still nursing a heartache from his breakup with his ex-boyfriend Xabi, who once cruised the streets of Auckland in a ute and now speeds through Buenos Aires. Valdin’s struggle with letting go and moving on is a poignant thread in this narrative tapestry. Meanwhile, Greta, a spirited English tutor, finds herself infatuated with Holly, a colleague who can't quite pronounce Greta's unique surname. From their shared Auckland apartment, the siblings grapple with the capriciousness of love, life changes, and their intertwined fates.

Reilly's writing, interlaced with humour and a touch of Shakespearean flair, paints a world that feels both familiar and seductively more glamorous. The Vladisavljevic family is replete with quirks and warmth, lending authenticity and depth to the stories of Greta and Valdin as they confront their pasts, present dilemmas, and uncertain futures. This novel deftly captures the chaos and beauty of imperfect lives.

Rebecca K Reilly, an Adam Foundation Prize winner, masterfully crafts a narrative that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartache, questioned their life's direction, or pondered the hidden aspects of their family history. Greta and Valdin draws readers into a world that is both intimately personal and universally relatable.

Greta and Valdin is lauded for its warm and genuine representation of modern love and kinship. Kate Duignan, author of The New Ships and Breakwater, praises the novel's captivating world, noting its heartfelt tenderness, inventiveness, and charm.

Whether you're seeking a laugh, a heartfelt story, or a glimpse into a diverse and vibrant family dynamic, Greta and Valdin promises to be a delightful and memorable read.