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Preloved

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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

©2023 Lauren Bravo (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, UK
Coming of Age Dark Humour Fiction Literary Fiction Short Stories Feel-Good Witty Heartfelt Comedy
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What listeners say about Preloved

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for anyone who appreciates preloved things

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!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

charity shop goodness if you love charity shops

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.

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  • Overall
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Lovely theme and heartfelt story

Absolutely loved it! Beautifully narrated.
You navigate between the main story and anecdotes from the charity shop, all in a warm and intimate atmosphere. Well written, offering lots of occasions to smile and giggle as well as feel compassion for every character, their story, or the preloved possessions donated to the charity shop.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Soooooooo pointless

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.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exactly what I needed

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.

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1 person found this helpful

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Perfect listen

I absolutely loved this story. It made me laugh a lot but is also quite deep at times. I was sad to finish it. The narration is excellent.

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Loved the characters and the vocal performance

Very entertaining audiobook, and laugh-out-loud funny in parts.

If you have lived in or near London at any time over the past 15 years, the references in this book will be extremely familiar and over time will probably become quite nostalgic.

Additionally, the character narration was excellent with multiple accents and tones of voice. Great performance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Slow burner initially but turned into a proper goodie!

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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Seems to forget about a storylin

I feel this book tried to tackle too many issues and by doing this missed the boat on most of them. the underlying story felt rushed at the end and i felt the maun character became unlikable!

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Wonderful

A gorgeous, heartfelt, clever book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is gently but assuredly thought-provoking and will encourage you to reevaluate what we value in our lives and why. The characters are brilliantly drawn and every page is witty and warm. A fantastic listen!

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