Preloved: A sparklingly witty and relatable debut novel (Paperback) - Lauren Bravo

Brimming with life, love and the stories bound up in even the most everyday items, Preloved is a tale about friendship, loss, being true to oneself no matter the expectations - and the enduring power and joy of charity shops.

'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'Donohue, 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

About the Author

Lauren Bravo is an author, journalist and lifelong hypochondriac who has written about fashion, popular culture, food and feminism for titles including Grazia, Stylist, Vogue and Sunday Times Style. Her debut novel, Preloved, was named one of Red's best books of 2023. She lives in London with her husband and daughter.