The Museum of Broken Things

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.

‘Grabs your attention and emotions right from the start…A story with a lot of heart and some great humour. Highly recommended for ages 14+.’ Alexa Dretzke, Readings Monthly

‘A generous, kind, thoughtful voice, one which is sustained on each page…The Museum of Broken Things is an admirably candid, honest and reflective account.’ Mark Thomas, Canberra Times

‘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 Can’t Say It Went To Plan, Remind Me How This Ends and The Intern

‘It feels like a mystery, it feels like a love story…it also feels like you’re actually in the room with characters Reece and Gideon, which is an absolute credit to Lauren’s lovely writing. Pick this up for an exploration of grief—and the challenges of moving forward—executed in a wonderfully witty way.’ Samera Kamaleddine, Herald Sun

‘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 Hamlet’s Heart