Under the Bridge

By: Rebecca Godfrey

Narrated by: Rebecca Godfrey, Erin Moon, Mary Gaitskill - introduction

Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a Hulu limited series starring Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone.

“A swift, harrowing classic perfect for these unnerving times.” (Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation)

One moonlit night, 14-year-old Reena Virk went to join friends at a party and never returned home. In this “tour de force of crime reportage” (Kirkus Reviews), acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey takes us into the hidden world of the seven teenage girls - and boy - accused of a savage murder. As she follows the investigation and trials, Godfrey reveals the startling truth about the unlikely killers. Laced with lyricism and insight, Under the Bridge is an unforgettable look at a haunting modern tragedy.

©2005 Rebecca Godfrey (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With a gripping journalistic style, novelist Godfrey (The Torn Skirt) recounts the story behind a horrific murder in a small British Columbia town. One November night in 1997, 14-year-old Reena Virk was savagely beaten and drowned under a waterway bridge. From a small East Indian community, Reena was alienated from her family and spent her time desperately trying to find a place with a tough crowd of teenagers, several of whom had been in trouble with the law. But one of the girls held a grudge against her, and Reena apparently was lured to her violent end by a promise of friendship. Seven girls and one boy initially were charged with assault. Two were convicted of murder: Warren Glowatski, now serving a life sentence, and Kelly Ellard, who was found guilty in 2005 after three trials. Godfrey is careful not to make judgments, but her informed writing reveals a remorseful Warren, an unrepentant Kelly (who denies her guilt) and other psychologically damaged members of the group, sharply etched, whose casual brutality, enabled by drug use, led to a brutal and senseless death. Godfrey's account contains some recreated dialogue but overall is meticulously researched and harrowing to read." -- Publishers' Weekly

"Godfrey approaches a brutal crime in an unlikely spot the way a novelist would, by tracing, first of all, how the victim and persecutors came to be in that place, through all the tangled byroads of families seeking a better life. In November 1997, the body of a 14-year-old girl, whose family had emigrated from India, was found in the waters off Victoria Island in British Columbia. The victim, Reena Virk, had been beaten to death. Seven girls and one boy, all high-schoolers, were charged with the crime. Godfrey follows the case from discovery through verdict at trial, seeking to answer the one question the trial testimony could not: Why did a gang of mostly well-off teens commit casual murder? Her interviews with all the principals, ranging from the police scuba team that found the body through prosecution and defense attorneys, suburban families, teachers, and the accused themselves, bring this case disturbingly alive." -- Connie Fletcher, Booklist

Why do Indian accents???

I was very interested in this book but the narration is horrible.She could just read it in her voice the kid ones were annoying but I stopped and returned this book after hearing the Indian accents. I am not sure why someone thought this was a good idea it really ruined th storytelling for me. Honestly I feel like the accents felt crude because at that time it was speaking about the victims family.

Amazing!!!

So well written, I couldn't stop listening! RIP Rebecca Godfrey. Enjoed the interview as well

True Crime with depth of character

True Crime that reads more like a novel. Characters are fully formed. You can tell the author was fully committed to exploring the complexities of the case. Narration was one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.

Excellent!

Never heard of this until I saw it in Audible. Strong story w/ shocking events .. we ell written AND performed

Sad but intriguing - excellent narration

Wish the story was fiction because it's so tragic, but reflects excellent investigation and superb writing skills. Narration is great too!

Riveting true crime tale expertly narrated

I listen to a lot of true crime and I especially like a well researched, layered book which digs below beneath the surface of the story to explore the social context and the back stories. This is a prime example. At first it was a bit difficult to find my footing with all the different people being introduced, but as it went on, I got drawn in more and more. The court room scenes were absolutely riveting, I just couldn't stop listening.
I love the fact that the author takes time to report on what became of the various young people whose lives were so deeply affected, whether victim, bystander or perpetrator. Yet at no time did I find there was too much detail, to me there were very few boring moments and there were many times I was on the edge of my seat.

The narrator is excellent. I have read some reviews that criticised her use of an Indian accent, however for someone who gets totally put off by bad accents, I found it superbly done. She brings something unique to each individual voice and truly brings the events to life.
Well worth the credit.

Captivating

This book was absolutely amazing. it was well written, showed respect to the family. I think everyone needs to listen to this book!

Completely heartbreaking story

This is beautiful written & completely heartbreaking. It’s almost hard to believe this happened. I highly recommend this book. The events that took place are completely unbelievable my heart goes out to the Victim & th Virk family.

Very engaging

This book was extremely well written and was so engaging. The story is sad but, is told with a lot of understanding of each character. The narrator is wonderful!

Humanity

Saw TV version and felt there must be more to these characters and there is! Did not disappoint!