Visiting a thrift shop is like going on an archeological dig. Who knows what treasure might be found digging through piles of books, hunting through mounds of scarves, exploring trays of earrings and brooches, or scavenging around in racks of dresses, sweaters, blouses, jackets, and suits. Each item has a history. Was that golden clock once a treasured family heirloom? That ring a symbol of a failed engagement? That guitar abandoned when the band finally broke up?
I’ve always loved thrift shops, or as they are called in London, charity shops, since many support charitable causes. Others might feel these places are filled with junk. But as Lauren Bravo emphasizes in The Second Chance Store’s subtitle, the novel is “a love story about things.” From dented tin plates, to lightly worn shirts, at one time someone bought this item, used or wore it, and loved it. Donating it to a charity shop signals a gesture of love. “I once owned and cherished this whatever is is. Now I hope you will, too.”
When Gwen broke off her engagement to Ryan, she was conflicted about the ring. Neither keeping it nor selling it felt right. On a whim she decided to give it to The Second Chance Store. That way she could make a donation to charity and possibly someone in a happier relationship would one day wear that emerald cut diamond. Gwen would also give herself to the shop. Newly let go from her job – made necessary because of redundancy – she’s not ready to jump back into the labor market. Volunteering at the charity shop seems like a win-win. She would be helping a good cause while keeping herself working, although without pay.
The volunteers may be unpaid, but the shop, run by St. Michael, as he is dubbed by his workers, are well trained and dedicated. And like the goods that they clean, sort, and steam each day, Gwen and her co-workers are proud of what is displayed in their window, on shelves, and racks. Sales people in Harrods should be so knowledgeable and helpful. And St. Michael is competitive, upset when upscale donations go to a rival charity shop and when – horrors! – a staffer deserts for the competition.
There’s a sadness around Gwen, something that the shop’s staff picks up on. Nicholas is attracted to her and although Gwen is not eager to date, she finds herself accepting his offers for dinner and other events. They sleep together, but after Gwen takes him to a party given by her friends, she finds him annoying. She drinks too much and falls asleep in one of the bedrooms. She can’t avoid him at work, but her coolness soon signals to him that their relationship is over.
Connie, an older woman, makes Gwen her project, having her over for dinners and giving her job leads. Turns out, Connie is estranged from her own daughter and Gwen becomes a possible substitute. When Gwen balks at the interference in her life, Connie is resentful and pulls back. Gwen does take one piece of advice from Connie, meeting with Ryan after six years. The dinner isn’t as awkward as Gwen had feared and goes a long way towards giving her closure.
While Gwen keeps in touch with her parents, she doesn’t share the news that’s she’s unemployed. When she finally visits them, we learn the reason for Gwen’s depression and her inability to move forward. Both Gwen and her mother, Marjorie, realize that they have never dealt with their guilt and anger over a loss that struck their family. Communication between the two women improves, but still has a way to go.
Bravo alternates the narrative between Gwen’s story and short tales about the many items that wind up in the store. If you’ve ever donated something to a thrift shop, these accounts will resonate. I’m still thinking about that dress I gave away, the one I wore on a blind date that turned into an engagement and a wedding. Like Gwen’s ring, I hope that donation has brought someone else true happiness.
The Second Chance Store
Lauren Bravo
Top photo: Bigstock
