The Museum of Broken Things

(Paperback)

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Description

A humorous, beautifully observed YA novel about overcoming grief amid the vulnerability of high school relationships. I didn't always live here. Not so long ago I was living in a thriving metropolis with more than one coffee shop on each block and four full bars of reception. I went to Heathmont High School, home to one thousand students, two best friends, a deeply average orchestra, and one cursed statue. Well, allegedly. Reece still isn't used to living in the small beachside town of Hamilton- she misses her old school, her old friends and her old life. She can't go back and she can't move forward- nothing feels right anymore. Not that she's trying very hard-she hasn't even unpacked yet, and the only new friend she's made is a middle-aged barista. But when Reece inherits a strange artefact that belonged to her beloved grandmother, she begins to unravel a mystery that might change the way she feels about everything around her, including her charismatic classmate Gideon... A lively, witty novel about letting go of the past and finding your place in the world, The Museum of Broken Things introduces a dazzling new voice in contemporary fiction.

Reviews

A clear-eyed, absorbing and atmospheric story of loss (and love) that pulls you in, then warmly holds you there. * Rhiannon Wilde, award-winning author of Henry Hamlets Heart *
Lauren Drapers The Museum of Broken Things is a warm, heartfelt debut that masterfully explores the lingering pain of grief and the power of love, family and friendship. * Gabrielle Tozer, award-winning author of Cant Say It Went To Plan, Remind Me How This Ends and The Intern *
Lauren Drapers debut YA novel immediately had me hooked...The well-crafted dialogue is filled with humour and emotion, while romance, friendship, familyand everything in betweenhelp build our heroines confidence and self-worth. Fans of Nina Kenwoods It Sounded Better in My Head and Lisa Walkers smart and sassy character Olivia Grace will not be disappointed by Drapers highly detailed coming-of-age mystery. * Books+Publishing *
Grabs your attention and emotions right from the startA story with a lot of heart and some great humour. Highly recommended for ages 14+. * Alexa Dretzke, Readings Monthly *
[A] well-crafted story dealing with teenage friendship and romance as well as a psychological journey into grief and the struggle of dealing with trauma. * ReadPlus *
A totally absorbing first novel by Lauren Draper * Magpies *
A heartfelt and heart-warming debut. * Ranges Trader Mail *
It feels like a mystery, it feels like a love storyit also feels like youre actually in the room with characters Reece and Gideon, which is an absolute credit to Laurens lovely writing. Pick this up for an exploration of griefand the challenges of moving forwardexecuted in a wonderfully witty way. * Herald Sun *
A generous, kind, thoughtful voice, one which is sustained on each page of [Lauren Drapers] debut novelThe Museum of Broken Things is an admirably candid, honest and reflective account. * Canberra Times *

Author Bio

Lauren Draper is a Melbourne-based writer and marketing professional. She is a graduate of RMIT's Professional Writing and Editing program and now works in children's publishing-she loves nothing more than a story infused with magic, hijinks and a touch of nostalgia. The Museum of Broken Things, her debut novel, was acquired after it was shortlisted in the 2020 Text Prize. Her work has also been longlisted in the 2019 Richell Prize and has appeared in various non-fiction publications. She grew up in Western Australia, mostly on land but often in water. She now lives in Melbourne with one struggling coffee machine, a moderately behaved golden retriever and her partner.