Clover Quinn was a surprise. She used to imagine she was the good kind, but now she's not sure. She’d like to ask Dad about it, but growing up in the saddest chapter of someone else’s story is difficult. She tries not to skate on the thin ice of his memories.
Darren has studied his daughter like a seismologist on the lookout for waves and surrounded her with everything she might want – everything he can think of, at least - to be happy.
Clover wants answers. This summer, she thinks she can find them in the second bedroom, which is still full of her mother’s belongings. Volume isn’t important, what she is looking for is essence; the undiluted bits: a collection of things that will tell her the full story of her mother, her father and who she is going to be.
But what you find depends on what you’re searching for.
[Bray] reveals herself once again to be a gifted pathologist of the bereaved... a story of optimism and, unexpectedly, delightful humour - Carol Midgley, The Times
Wise, moving and tender, it confirms Bray as a perceptive and sensitive storyteller - Hannah Beckerman, The Observer
It is funny, earthy, truthful; and beyond that, it is bold... [Clover's] story and hinterland come to life with exceptional energy - Helen Dunmore, The Guardian
She excels at the accurate and touching depiction of the mundane... there is a beautifully observed realism about their [the characters'] interactions, daft jokes and flashes of insight, and the way they cloak deep feelings in ordinary statements - Suzi Feay, The Tablet
Compassionate and hugely enjoyable - Eithne Farry, Mail on Sunday
Poetically and sensitively written - Wendy Holden, Daily Mail
A heartwarmingly beautiful story and an absolute joy of a novel. Five stars just doesn't seem enough - Jade Craddock, The Sun
Praise from Book Bloggers
I think readers who are looking for a contemporary writer with flair, talent and the ability to touch the soul will love Carys Bray. She is fast becoming one of my favourite writers. I cannot recommend The Museum of You highly enough - Linda Hill, lindasbookbag.com
Full of emotion, this gently told, beautiful story will work its way into your heart - Laura Delve, lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot.co.uk
An absorbing, tender read, and an affirmation of the power of the extended family in all of its trials and misunderstandings. I loved it - Sarah Jasmon, sarahjasmon.com
Moving and well told, this is a considered portrait of what make us who we are, how we are defined by the people around us but also by those who are absent - Janet Emson, fromfirstpagetolast.wordpress.com
The Museum of You is tender and compassionate, will make you laugh, maybe bring you to tears... an absolute joy to read - Mary Mayfield, ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.co.uk
I was totally bewitched by the writing, the story and the absolutely wonderfully created characters. The story consumed me, the depth astounded me, and best of all, it also made me laugh ... out loud - Anne Cater, randomthingsthroughmyletterbox.blogspot.co.uk
Carys Bray writes grief and quiet unassuming love like nobody else I can think of, in a way that hurts your heart but at the same time makes you feel hopeful and somehow better - Jo Wilkinson, livetoread.blogspot.co.uk
A beautifully and sensitively crafted story with unforgettable characters - Alix Long, delightfulbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
A wonderfully profound novel. I rated it 5 out of 5 and can’t recommend it highly enough - Hayley Carlyle, rathertoofondofbooks.com
The writing is absolutely beautiful... uplifting and life-affirming - Bunny Lovell, bookswithbunny.blogspot.co.uk
I highly recommend this wonderful book. Beautifully sad, yet full of tentative hope for a new future. As enjoyable and delicious as a jar of Biscoff spread - Louise Wykes, shazsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk