Lauren Bravo
Teoksen The Second Chance Store: A Novel tekijä
Tekijän teokset
How To Break Up With Fast Fashion: A guilt-free guide to changing the way you shop – for good (2020) 26 kappaletta
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Ein Ort für Herzensdinge 1 kappale
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Jäseniä
Kirja-arvosteluja
Tilastot
- Teokset
- 6
- Jäseniä
- 84
- Suosituimmuussija
- #216,911
- Arvio (tähdet)
- 3.0
- Kirja-arvosteluja
- 3
- ISBN:t
- 11
On her 38th birthday, single and newly redundant, Gwen sits alone in a gastropub, and makes a list; * 1. Find something to do * 2. Instigate social occasions * 3. Call mum and dad * 4. Go to the dentist * 5. Get rid of it (it being the physical reminders of her emotional baggage). A week later Gwen enters her local charity shop to donate the detritus of her long ago relationship, including her emerald cut engagement ring, and on a whim applies to become a volunteer.
Gwen’s story unfolds slowly over the novel, revealing a woman who is weighed down by past disappointments, missed opportunities and loss. She’s lonely, and alone, but
like the goods in the second hand store, Gwen is hoping for a second chance at life. Bravo writes with both compassion and affection for Gwen, and thoughtful insight into her struggles. I found Gwen’s woebegone attitude a little exhausting to be honest, but I was sympathetic, and I admired her courage to move on.
In between Gwen’s narrative, vignettes tell the story of some of the items that find their way into, and out of, the shop, from a brooch shaped like a small silver ship to a bruise-colored coat. I really enjoyed these asides, they seem to be randomly chosen items at first but eventually reveal a significance.
Similarly, Gwen’s colleagues at the store have their own stories, pieces of which are revealed as the story unfolds. They are an eclectic group whom I found interesting,
Bravo explores several serious themes, including alienation, trauma, loss and grief. Unemployment, broken relationships, burnout, loss, and depression are among the difficult issues raised that readers may relate to. But there is also humour, joy, bravery, and healing, with the story ending on an uplifting note.… (lisätietoja)