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Lauren Bravo

Teoksen The Second Chance Store: A Novel tekijä

6 teosta 84 jäsentä 3 arvostelua

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A poignant, character driven tale The Second Chance Store is Lauren Bravo’s debut fiction novel.

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)
 
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shelleyraec | 1 muu arvostelu | Aug 24, 2023 |
It was the cover of Lauren Bravo's new novel - The Second Chance Store - that caught my eye. I can't ever walk past a second hand store...there are treasures just waiting for me!

Thirty-eight old Gwen has just been made redundant at work. She's trying hard to convince herself that this is a positive thing - she can take this time to figure out what she really wants to do with her life. She also needs/wants people in her life - friends and maybe a special someone? After cleaning out some stuff in her closet, she finds herself in a second chance store. And finds herself filling out a volunteer application...

I love the characters Bravo has created, especially Gwen. She's believable, and I think many of us will identify with her inner dialogue, thoughts and actions. The supporting cast is a very mixed bag of quirky characters who all bring something to the table. Their stories and lives are just as compelling.

It was a joy to see Gwen move forward (with more than a few side steps). I'm going to leave it for you to discover how that happens. I don't think Gwen is unique in her situation. Covid has left many folks isolated and lonely.

Now, here's the fun bit. Alternating with Gwen's narrative are small stories. About many of the items found in the Second Chance Store! I've done this myself when in a used goods store. Who had this, why did they let it go?

The Second Chance Store is a lovely, slower paced tale. I found myself picking up and putting down the book over a few weeks but I did really enjoy it.
… (lisätietoja)
½
 
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Twink | 1 muu arvostelu | Jul 27, 2023 |
Preloved is all about Gwen. In her late-thirties, she's just been made redundant and realises that she's feeling a bit redundant in her life generally. She makes a list and at the top of it is 'Find something to do". Taking that on board she volunteers at her local charity shop, working alongside some real characters and it's where Gwen finds out what she wants from her life and starts to forge a new future for herself.

This book is everything I want my books to be. It's incredibly funny and I guffawed out loud so many times, but behind the veil of humour there are serious and touching day to day issues such as changing friendships, dealing with loss, a lack of love life, parental problems, career woes and more. I found it incredibly relatable - somehow Lauren Bravo managed to hone in on things that seemed so personally relevant to me and I suspect other readers will find the same but with different subjects. Because of this I savoured every word. It's the kind of book where I want to take my time to read every bit and take it in. It completely hit the spot with me and is observed perfectly.

I so enjoyed the detail of the shop, the stock, the customers, the volunteers. When I was at school I did two stints volunteering in a charity shop. It's a long time ago now but I loved it and this book reminded me of why. Not just the glow that comes of doing something for others, but the joy of going through the donations and finding treasures. Intertwined with Gwen's story we are treated to some gloriously circular vignettes about certain donations and how they found their way into the shop.

Preloved is beautiful inside and out. The characters are everything and they're brilliantly drawn. All of human life passes through the door of the charity shop which is a character in its own right. My copy will be staying with me but if you ever see one in a charity shop then I urge you to pick it up and give it a home. You won't be disappointed. Bravo, Ms Bravo!
… (lisätietoja)
 
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nicx27 | Apr 29, 2023 |

Tilastot

Teokset
6
Jäseniä
84
Suosituimmuussija
#216,911
Arvio (tähdet)
3.0
Kirja-arvosteluja
3
ISBN:t
11

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