Play, Rewind

Play, Rewind by John Vurro
4/29/25; 338 pages
Tortoise Books

Play, Rewind by John Vurro is a highly recommended literary family drama set in Queens, New York, during the year 2000.

Wes, 26, is caring for his mother who has Alzheimer’s and still working as a clerk at Video Planet. He had planned to go to film school for a future career in the movies. Now that dream is gone and he's struggling but committed to caring for his mother. His father walked out on them years ago. The home health care nurse, Gloria, helps with his mom when he's at work. His days are like a video tape, play and rewind.

Then some changes happen to Wes's world. Vito takes over the store from Dom and begins to make changes, including giving Wes a raise, cleaning up the store, and expecting Dom to actually work too. An even more welcomed change is Lola. They knew each other in high school and she returns to the neighborhood and seeks out Wes. The two begin a relationship.

This is in many ways a difficult novel to read as readers see Wes dealing with his mother's dementia, but even amidst the struggles there are moments of hope. Gloria has been a great support for Wes, but she is also realistically telling him it is time to get his mother into a home with full time care. Lola is a wonderful addition to his life. Wes is a young man who should have friends and be connecting with other people. 

In some ways this is also a tribute to movies and video stores. There is a plethora of movies mentioned throughout the novel. Readers who love movies are going to relish this. For those who remember video stores, the lists of movies will also bring back memories of going in and searching the aisles to pick out a movie or two.

Wes is a sympathetic character in a difficult situation. He is portrayed as a realistic individual with strengths and weaknesses. His mother's dementia is realistically portrayed and heartbreaking. Lola is an interesting character whose character is developed and secrets are revealed over the course of the novel.

Play, Rewind is a well-written literary novel that will be appreciated by those who enjoy family dramas and movies. Thanks to Tortoise Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.