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Preloved

A sparklingly witty and relatable debut novel

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Preloved

By: Lauren Bravo
Narrated by: Jane Collingwood
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About this listen

 ‘Lauren Bravo is one of my very favourite writers’ Dolly Alderton

Gwen is coasting through life. She’s in her mid-thirties, perpetually single, her friends are busy procreating in the countryside and conversations with her parents seem to revolve entirely around the council’s wheelie-bin timetable.

And she’s lonely. But then, isn’t everyone?

When she’s made redundant from a job she hardly cares about, she takes herself out for a fancy dinner. There she has the best sticky toffee pudding of her life and realises she has no one to tell. She vows to begin living her life fully, reconnect with her friends and family, and finally book that dentist’s appointment.

Gwen decides to start where all things get a second chance: her local charity shop. There, with the help of the weird and wonderful people and donated items bursting with untold stories, Gwen will find a way to move forward with bravery, tenacity, and more regular dental care.

Dazzlingly witty, Preloved is a tale about friendship, loss and being true to yourself no matter the expectations. Lovingly celebrating the enduring power and joy of charity shops.

Praise for Preloved

'An absolute gem of a novel' Sarra Manning

'I think I’ve been waiting for a novel like Preloved for my whole reading life' Daisy Buchanan

'Preloved is full of sharp observations on life, loss, regret and self-preservation' Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

'Just like that once-in-a-lifetime charity shop find, Preloved is a gleaming prize to be treasured' Caroline O'Donoghue, author of Promising Young Woman

‘Preloved has taken up residence in my heart and I will be recommending it to everyone I know . . . I'm officially obsessed’ Lucy Vine

'Laugh-out-loud funny but also poignant and tender' Laura Price, author of Single Bald Female Anthologies & Short Stories Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Short Stories Women's Fiction Feel-Good Witty Heartfelt Comedy

Critic reviews

'Preloved is one for your keeper shelves'
'An absolute gem of a novel, like finding vintage Dior in your local chazza. It's hard to believe that this tender-hearted, wryly observed and exquisitely written story is a debut and its heroine Gwen, as lost as the unwanted donations she prices up, will resonate with so many readers. Preloved is one for your keeper shelves' (Sarra Manning)
'I think I’ve been waiting for a novel like Preloved for my whole reading life. This is a luscious, shimmering book of depth and delicacy. It’s sad, hilarious, sad, tender, brutal, brilliantly observed – there is a sense of magic on every page' (Daisy Buchanan, author of Insatiable)
'Preloved is full of sharp observations on life, loss, regret and self-preservation . . . spilling over with wit and hope. Cleverly interwoven with stories of the myriad reasons items find their way into charity shops, the joy, friendship and ultimate enlightenment Gwen discovers offers a quirky and poignant reminder that one person's trash is always somebody else's treasure' (Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman)
'Preloved has taken up residence in my heart and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. It's completely enchanting, completely captivating, completely brilliant, I adored everything about it. It has so much heart and warmth, while Gwen is so well-written and relatable. I was already a fan of Lauren Bravo's writing, and now I'm officially obsessed' (Lucy Vine)
'Laugh-out-loud funny but also poignant and tender, Preloved is an absorbingly special debut novel. I devoured in equal measure the delicious descriptions of food and the moving vignettes of preloved treasures peppered throughout the book, while the nineties and noughties nostalgia had me gasping with pleasure' (Laura Price, author of Single Bald Female)
'Full of relatable anecdotes, lively, funny and modern, Preloved is a moving tale of emancipation and friendship. I loved it!' (Margaux Vialleron, author of The Yellow Kitchen)
'Beautifully considered and wonderfully crafted with characters who feel true to life. Full of witty observations and dazzling retorts and withering reactions . . . it won’t disappoint' (Justin Myers/The Guyliner)
'Preloved is a beautiful, funny novel full of pitch perfect insight and detail. In a world of fast fashion, fast friendships and fast opinion, this is a refreshing and relatable alternative, celebrating and challenging our ideas about objects and ownership. For anyone (like me) who has ever stood behind the counter of a charity shop, it will spark particular joy. Political, delightful and very very funny'

(Nell Frizzell)
All stars
Most relevant
What a gorgeous book!

I loved Lauren Bravo’s other work, so was really excited to read her first fiction. She’s always so witty and smart. Preloved is brilliant. The characters were so considered and believable that they made me think of the complexities of real people I know. I loved the nuanced Millennial city living references, some of them made me smile and others hit me hard in my heart. The main character was so brilliantly written; a relatable, grubby, hot mess who you feel compassion for one minute and want to roll your eyes at the next. Love, love, love. Highly recommend plugging in and walking around your city while listening, while the Gwen’s of the world walk by you.

Exactly what I needed

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not for you if you don't like stories jumping around, it's a sweet patchwork of charity shop reality. I was a charity shop manager and lots is very true but even I lost track of all the stories half way through. a trip to the dentist? felt like it was in there just to tick a box. shame, the narrator was good.
Big thumbs up for women actually being able to say they don't want kids, but could have been handled slightly better.
I won't be recommending this book, sorry.

charity shop goodness if you love charity shops

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Initially, the main character was a little bit grating, and I didn’t really feel compelled by the novel but actually it’s really charming and gentle with really evocative stories about all sorts of peoples lives so I was completely wrong. Most excellent read.

Slow burner initially but turned into a proper goodie!

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Far too much going on that it all came to nothing. it just went on and on about nothing in particular, too many story lines it was near on impossible to follow. Had such hopes for this book but feel utterly disappointed. Worth listening to if it's free I guess but wouldn't pay/use your credits.

Soooooooo pointless

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This is such a lovely story. I loved the addition of the back stories for items found in charity shops. Great to listen to a story about a woman in her late 30s still trying to figure it out who hasn't just been chested on/divorced etc. A gem!

for anyone who appreciates preloved things

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