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The Death of Mungo Blackwell
WINNER OF THE ACFW AWARD FOR BEST CONTEMPORY FICTION
The Blackwells are a family with an extraordinary history and astounding traditions, which include attending their own funerals before they die! Their ways are questionable and their stories about deceased relatives are as bold as their red hair, but it is their eclectic wares that keep tourists coming back to their market in the town of Coraloo.
Charlie Price, whose world has come crumbling down after a lapse in judgement leaves him unemployed, finds himself flung into the chaotic world of the Blackwells when he relocates to Coraloo with his socialite wife, Velveteen, and shy son, Gideon. Here Charlie attempts to make a living as a 'picker', reselling under-priced items he picks up at the market. Charlie soon finds this new way of life under threat and his quest for simplicity seems to be crumbling. Perhaps it's time for Charlie to have a funeral of his own?
The Blackwells are a family with an extraordinary history and astounding traditions, which include attending their own funerals before they die! Their ways are questionable and their stories about deceased relatives are as bold as their red hair, but it is their eclectic wares that keep tourists coming back to their market in the town of Coraloo.
Charlie Price, whose world has come crumbling down after a lapse in judgement leaves him unemployed, finds himself flung into the chaotic world of the Blackwells when he relocates to Coraloo with his socialite wife, Velveteen, and shy son, Gideon. Here Charlie attempts to make a living as a 'picker', reselling under-priced items he picks up at the market. Charlie soon finds this new way of life under threat and his quest for simplicity seems to be crumbling. Perhaps it's time for Charlie to have a funeral of his own?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Lauren H. Brandenburg
14 books92 followersLauren H. Brandenburg is a mentor, speaker, and author who happily blurs the lines between traditional genres in both middle-grade and cozy women's fiction. Her fourth book in The Books of the Gardener series, Orlo: The Created, was a finalist for the Selah Award middle-grade novel of the year. The Death of Mungo Blackwell, a humorous family fiction (Lion Hudson publishing) was longlisted for the People's Book Prize in the United Kingdom and won the ACFW award for contemporary fiction. Lauren is a former junior high and high school English teacher who stepped away from her profession to raise and homeschool her two children. She currently lives with her husband, Jamie, and their children in a lovely little town just south of Nashville, Tennessee where they eat and laugh a lot. www.LaurenHBrandenburg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 22, 2020
My review my website. www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
I couldn’t agree more The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a charming story of hope that will warm your heart and make your imagination soar.
For Charlie Price he is going through a dark place in his life he has just lost his job with this blow, it could start to cause some havoc for the Price family. In a nutshell, Charlie and his wife Velveteen could lose everything .
With Velveteen’s Christmas party planning is in full swing with a night of glitz and glamour, poor Charlie couldn’t have it within his heart to stop the Christmas party even though they were drowning in debt.
The luxury things that they had, was slowly disappearing. Velveteen’s car gets repossessed and their dream home served with foreclosure.
This part of the story sees the hurt that as a man Charlie Price has to swallow his pride and joy to part with his belongings and his wife’s things and list everything that he thinks might make him a profit.
The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a story where Charlie Price has important things to say, and do with much more things to come to welcome readers.
I couldn’t agree more The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a charming story of hope that will warm your heart and make your imagination soar.
For Charlie Price he is going through a dark place in his life he has just lost his job with this blow, it could start to cause some havoc for the Price family. In a nutshell, Charlie and his wife Velveteen could lose everything .
With Velveteen’s Christmas party planning is in full swing with a night of glitz and glamour, poor Charlie couldn’t have it within his heart to stop the Christmas party even though they were drowning in debt.
The luxury things that they had, was slowly disappearing. Velveteen’s car gets repossessed and their dream home served with foreclosure.
This part of the story sees the hurt that as a man Charlie Price has to swallow his pride and joy to part with his belongings and his wife’s things and list everything that he thinks might make him a profit.
The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a story where Charlie Price has important things to say, and do with much more things to come to welcome readers.
December 31, 2019
Finding your own book on Goodreads is such a lovely thing! And because The Death of Mungo Blackwell is my MOST FAVORITE thing I've ever written (I mean, this book gives me joy just thinking about it), I had to give it FIVE STARS! *****
And as the author, I thought of a few things you should know:
1. While many of the incidents in this novel are based on our own experiences with financial loss in 2008, I DID NOT throw macarons at the forclosure agent... however I was hosting a ladies event in my living room and totally played it off as a UPS delivery.
2. My husband was a full time "picker" for an entire year! While an inconsistent income can be a bit stressful, we not only paid our bills, we fully paid for a family trip to Disney... including flight! Feel free to message me about this one.
3. Granny is based on a blending of my own grandmothers. Neither carried a shotgun.
4. I do adore macarons and spent over a year learning to make them in order to write just one scene. I post them often on my Instagram!
5. I have a distant relative who inspired the tales of Mungo Blackwell. And... according to family history, he really did have his funeral before he died.
And a personal note or two...
I learned a lot about myself while writing The Death of Mungo Blackwell. Not only did I learn that I can actually write a novel for adults (eight years of writing for middle graders made me wonder), I found a peace in storytelling, not just the crafting of a novel with plot and characterization, but really telling a tale. I wanted The Death of Mungo Blackwell to have a bit of a whimsical flair like Big Fish or Second Hand Lions, sort of meshing the hard realities of adulting with the hard to believe. Mungo started with a bit of my own family history about a man who had his funeral before he died. By the time it was done, the core of the story was actually our story – the tale of a husband and wife finding their identity after a massive financial loss. It’s why Mungo has such a quirky feel. It’s kind of like a novel and collection of tall tales rolled up into one.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! I hope my cozy, quirky tale brings you as much joy as it brought me! Happy Reading! - Lauren
And as the author, I thought of a few things you should know:
1. While many of the incidents in this novel are based on our own experiences with financial loss in 2008, I DID NOT throw macarons at the forclosure agent... however I was hosting a ladies event in my living room and totally played it off as a UPS delivery.
2. My husband was a full time "picker" for an entire year! While an inconsistent income can be a bit stressful, we not only paid our bills, we fully paid for a family trip to Disney... including flight! Feel free to message me about this one.
3. Granny is based on a blending of my own grandmothers. Neither carried a shotgun.
4. I do adore macarons and spent over a year learning to make them in order to write just one scene. I post them often on my Instagram!
5. I have a distant relative who inspired the tales of Mungo Blackwell. And... according to family history, he really did have his funeral before he died.
And a personal note or two...
I learned a lot about myself while writing The Death of Mungo Blackwell. Not only did I learn that I can actually write a novel for adults (eight years of writing for middle graders made me wonder), I found a peace in storytelling, not just the crafting of a novel with plot and characterization, but really telling a tale. I wanted The Death of Mungo Blackwell to have a bit of a whimsical flair like Big Fish or Second Hand Lions, sort of meshing the hard realities of adulting with the hard to believe. Mungo started with a bit of my own family history about a man who had his funeral before he died. By the time it was done, the core of the story was actually our story – the tale of a husband and wife finding their identity after a massive financial loss. It’s why Mungo has such a quirky feel. It’s kind of like a novel and collection of tall tales rolled up into one.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! I hope my cozy, quirky tale brings you as much joy as it brought me! Happy Reading! - Lauren
June 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I very much enjoyed reading.
December 2, 2020
I have already read the second book in this fabulous series and could not wait for the third book, so here I am taking one step back and getting some more grassroots. The books read well as standalone’s, even though I read them Topsey-Turvey.
Charlie and Velveteen Price had been used to high society life before Charlie lost his job after making a bad judgement call at work. This meant a new start for them and their son in a new town, a rented house and somewhere that no-one would hopefully know them. What they got was a tiny house with a colour scheme like no other and a town with a feud between the Blackwells and the Tofts that was that old it didn’t have a beginning!
The thing about a small town like Caraloo was that everyone knew everyone else and if they didn’t then they would jolly well find out about them! So much for living under the radar! One of my top characters in this book has to be granny, a full-bodied character that spectacularly ruled the roost.
I love the way that these stories are unfolded because the story being told maybe the blossom, but the root of it all belongs to the characters in the titles, and like all roots, they wind around and anchor what is above. It is all so very clever. Coming across other characters too from the second book was brilliant and will work both ways. I can’t wait to see who will be centre stage next I hope they are all waiting in the wings in a long, wonderful series.
Charlie and Velveteen Price had been used to high society life before Charlie lost his job after making a bad judgement call at work. This meant a new start for them and their son in a new town, a rented house and somewhere that no-one would hopefully know them. What they got was a tiny house with a colour scheme like no other and a town with a feud between the Blackwells and the Tofts that was that old it didn’t have a beginning!
The thing about a small town like Caraloo was that everyone knew everyone else and if they didn’t then they would jolly well find out about them! So much for living under the radar! One of my top characters in this book has to be granny, a full-bodied character that spectacularly ruled the roost.
I love the way that these stories are unfolded because the story being told maybe the blossom, but the root of it all belongs to the characters in the titles, and like all roots, they wind around and anchor what is above. It is all so very clever. Coming across other characters too from the second book was brilliant and will work both ways. I can’t wait to see who will be centre stage next I hope they are all waiting in the wings in a long, wonderful series.
November 4, 2019
Unique and unconventional, The Death of Mungo Blackwell has its moments of fantasy (pirate kinds, pygmies, and a curse are all parts of the Blackwell history that reads like a tall tale). Yet Lauren H. Brandenburg also examines two areas of life that everyone can relate to on one level or another: failure and change.
When Charlie Price loses his VP job, his family moves from the city to the town of Coraloo in search of a simpler life. But change is rarely easy and failure casts a longer shadow than we sometimes realize. With the help of unexpected friends, Charlie, Velveteen, and Gideon learn that life isn’t about the chase (the next deal, keeping up with up with the Joneses, a better career, or something else). It’s about finding happiness and contentment in the stage of life you are in.
Memorable characters, moments of hilarity, and a message that encourages readers to embrace the good in life every day, Brandenburg has given readers a delightful gift in this story.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When Charlie Price loses his VP job, his family moves from the city to the town of Coraloo in search of a simpler life. But change is rarely easy and failure casts a longer shadow than we sometimes realize. With the help of unexpected friends, Charlie, Velveteen, and Gideon learn that life isn’t about the chase (the next deal, keeping up with up with the Joneses, a better career, or something else). It’s about finding happiness and contentment in the stage of life you are in.
Memorable characters, moments of hilarity, and a message that encourages readers to embrace the good in life every day, Brandenburg has given readers a delightful gift in this story.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 6, 2020
A lovely read!
I loved this quirky, kindhearted book. I had no idea where it would go but found myself racing to the end to find out. A wonderful balance of different and so utterly relatable.
I loved this quirky, kindhearted book. I had no idea where it would go but found myself racing to the end to find out. A wonderful balance of different and so utterly relatable.
October 4, 2019
I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one that fell in love with the blurb. I mean, the whole funeral before dying bit intrigue me and I couldn’t wait until I dived into this read. Needless to say that was the only exciting part about this release. The story was sloooooow going and I found my found either dozing off or skimming pages to find something, anything to draw me back into the read. And what did I find? Nada. Zilch. I almost dropped this novel a number of times but was able to pull through and make it to the end. Bless me. Nevertheless this novel would be a good choice for anyone looking to read a book on a heartwarming tale about a family that struggles to cope with the whole riches to rags scenario. Too bad this just wasn’t for me.
October 21, 2019
The Death of Mungo Blackwell is the refreshingly quirky new title from debut novelist Lauren Brandenburg. When a food-poisoning food truck incident causes banker Charlie Price to lose his job, he decides a change of both location and career is just what’s needed. But when Charlie and his wife, Velveteen, move to the tiny town of Coraloo, nothing is as they expected it to be. Plopped into the middle of a centuries old feud between the Blackwells and the Tofts, Charlie and Velveteen scramble to find their footing and carve out a life for themselves and their young son in the shadow of the mysterious Coraloo Flea Market.
Brilliantly written, Brandenburg’s fictional little world springs to life in this story of perseverance and the quest for what truly matters in life. Her characters are both imaginative and so down-to-earth real you expect to meet them on your next trip to the flea market.
With pirates, a missing treasure, and flying macarons, Mungo is unlike anything I’ve read in a very long time, and it has earned a rare spot on my must-read-it-again bookshelf. I found myself tearing up, cheering on, laughing out loud, and shaking my head at the antics of the Prices, Blackwells, and Tofts—and perhaps contemplating a Rooning or two of my own!
Brilliantly written, Brandenburg’s fictional little world springs to life in this story of perseverance and the quest for what truly matters in life. Her characters are both imaginative and so down-to-earth real you expect to meet them on your next trip to the flea market.
With pirates, a missing treasure, and flying macarons, Mungo is unlike anything I’ve read in a very long time, and it has earned a rare spot on my must-read-it-again bookshelf. I found myself tearing up, cheering on, laughing out loud, and shaking my head at the antics of the Prices, Blackwells, and Tofts—and perhaps contemplating a Rooning or two of my own!
January 19, 2021
This was a fun, quirky, charming read! I found Velveteen so much more interesting than I thought she would be. I loved her determination to support her husband through his struggles, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.
This book reminds readers of what's really important. It's a lighthearted story, but with a lot of heart.
This book reminds readers of what's really important. It's a lighthearted story, but with a lot of heart.
November 24, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is available for purchase now.
Peculiar, but highly entertaining, this is one that I’d file under “cozy books”.” After an incident involving a food truck leaves Charlie Price jobless, he moves to small Coraloo with his wife and son. They find themselves thrown in the middle of a feud between two old families: the Tofts and the Blackwells.
What originally drew me to the book was the part of the description that mentions the Blackwells attending their own funerals before they die. It sounded like a fun, quirky read. However, the funeral isn’t actually the focal point, or the thing that stuck with me. This book is full of small-town eccentricities and charm to spare. It’s not a trite book, though; it found a sweet, quiet way of talking about stress, adjusting to new and scary circumstances, and “blooming where you’re planted.”
Equally funny and touching, this book managed to warm my cold little heart. I highly recommend it.
Peculiar, but highly entertaining, this is one that I’d file under “cozy books”.” After an incident involving a food truck leaves Charlie Price jobless, he moves to small Coraloo with his wife and son. They find themselves thrown in the middle of a feud between two old families: the Tofts and the Blackwells.
What originally drew me to the book was the part of the description that mentions the Blackwells attending their own funerals before they die. It sounded like a fun, quirky read. However, the funeral isn’t actually the focal point, or the thing that stuck with me. This book is full of small-town eccentricities and charm to spare. It’s not a trite book, though; it found a sweet, quiet way of talking about stress, adjusting to new and scary circumstances, and “blooming where you’re planted.”
Equally funny and touching, this book managed to warm my cold little heart. I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2019
We must all fall in order to find what makes us happy.
Charlie Price is living one of his worst nightmares. After a major professional mistake, he has lost his high-paying job. His wife and son can't have the same life anymore. Now, he must find another way to make ends meet. And that's how he finds Coraloo.
Since they can't afford life at the city anymore, the Price family moves to Coraloo: a small, strange village with a street market that's known for the antiques people can find. Charlie is determined to do just that: to buy various old items and auction them online. But is that enough to sustain his family?
As his wife, Vee, struggles to come to terms with life at a strange village, and one of the main runners of the market threatens to kick him out, Charlie finds himself in a situation that just keeps getting worse and worse.
But he's not alone. The Blackwell family is (well, mostly) on his side. And, through stories, experience and gestures, the Blackwell family will help Charlie see life from another point of view. And, who knows? Maybe having a funeral he can actually attend - like the great Blackwell ancestor, Mungo - will make him see things more clearly.
The Death of Mungo Blackwell was, indeed, a peculiar book to read. An original concept, an amazing, far-from-boring plot, and some great life lessons are combined to create a beautiful story. But what stood out the most was by far the character structure: colorful characters, great dialogue, names and people that came alive while you read. The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a story for all kinds of audience: it's not a mystery, and it's not horror; it's not romance, and it's not fantasy - it's a beautifully narrated story that makes you laugh, cry, and helps you put your life into perspective.
An absolute must-read.
Charlie Price is living one of his worst nightmares. After a major professional mistake, he has lost his high-paying job. His wife and son can't have the same life anymore. Now, he must find another way to make ends meet. And that's how he finds Coraloo.
Since they can't afford life at the city anymore, the Price family moves to Coraloo: a small, strange village with a street market that's known for the antiques people can find. Charlie is determined to do just that: to buy various old items and auction them online. But is that enough to sustain his family?
As his wife, Vee, struggles to come to terms with life at a strange village, and one of the main runners of the market threatens to kick him out, Charlie finds himself in a situation that just keeps getting worse and worse.
But he's not alone. The Blackwell family is (well, mostly) on his side. And, through stories, experience and gestures, the Blackwell family will help Charlie see life from another point of view. And, who knows? Maybe having a funeral he can actually attend - like the great Blackwell ancestor, Mungo - will make him see things more clearly.
The Death of Mungo Blackwell was, indeed, a peculiar book to read. An original concept, an amazing, far-from-boring plot, and some great life lessons are combined to create a beautiful story. But what stood out the most was by far the character structure: colorful characters, great dialogue, names and people that came alive while you read. The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a story for all kinds of audience: it's not a mystery, and it's not horror; it's not romance, and it's not fantasy - it's a beautifully narrated story that makes you laugh, cry, and helps you put your life into perspective.
An absolute must-read.
October 9, 2019
This book was wonderful! Brandenburg so carefully balances desire and defeat, confusion and contentment. The characters are so well rendered, with a fitting history as a backdrop for tradition and nostalgia that lives on in a small flea market. This market is a nice contrast to the big city where there is still longing, yet no hope. Charlie and Velveteen each find their own way to understanding that the only real hope is with Gideon in their small Toft home and with less money but more time. Time is a fascinating concept in this novel--Coraloo is a fitting palimpsest for the numerous narratives rising to the surface as the characters understand their own journey, their own obstacles (physical and emotional), and their own passions set in relief by what came before, by the worn shoes in Shug's attic loft. More time used to equal more money, but it now means more understanding between a dynamic couple and their past filled with aching reversals of fortune. I was intrigued by the idea of money and value and investment throughout this novel (Charlie PRICE), and saw a great expense on a storied marriage with an unequaled return on investment. Velveteen is an unforgettable character, and will teach every reader that value is in the heart, not the herringbone design or the brand name stitched into the fabric. Charlie and Vee's tale is one of redemption, and I'm glad I took part in the journey. So roll up the ends of your mustaches and get to reading this book before your funeral--or after your funeral, in true Blackwell fashion--because it's one to die for.
January 7, 2020
This is a story of love and redemption with a little bit of quirky fun thrown in! It was very easy to read. I found myself carving out time in my day to read it so I didn’t have to put it down very often. Lauren has a way of storytelling that flows so easily you can’t help but be drawn in. (I laugh every time I picture macarons flying through the air aimed straight at that delivery man!) If Coraloo actually existed, it would be on my bucket list of places to visit - especially the market. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it very highly!
October 1, 2019
This is one of the truly unique books out there. It's quirky and heartwarming and downright funny. THEN, you totally see yourself in one of the characters and whoa, this book is suddenly deep as well. It's about starting over and finding your joy. It's a cast of characters that you will totally fall in love with. You'll not forget this world anytime soon!
July 14, 2020
Such a lovely getaway to a coastal town, the kind of quirky town I'd love to visit myself. A story of love and renewal, of mistakes and hope, of silly moments and deeper threads. Lauren Brandenburg crafts a whimsical, fun-loving place for so much change to happen, and to let us know that losing it all doesn't mean losing our true value.
November 22, 2019
I really loved this book! The characters are quickly but instantly engaging. It's funny and entertaining and relatable. A gem of a book
June 17, 2020
A quirky, funny, and inspiring story. It was so different but in a good way. There is nothing cookie-cutter about this book. The characters and setting are unique and lovable.
July 14, 2020
Replete with fabulous characters and offbeat humour, The Death of Mungo Blackwell is an imaginative tour de force and a delightful read, fluently written with warmth and wit.
August 3, 2024
Wow! This was SUCH an adorable book, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a hot cocoa while you read. ;) It was sooooo cozy, a little eccentric, and had a whole lot of heart. Between the flea market visits and the home cooking, the constant baking and the quirky family members, it actually made me feel a bit homesick for all the gatherings I used to attend when I lived closer to family. It was a sweet story about redemption and finding contentment with where you make your home, and I enjoyed it immensely! I cant wait to read book two because I’m not quite ready to leave Coraloo just yet!
June 7, 2021
The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a fun and unique read that poses some very real questions. When Charlie Price loses his job and its accompanying lifestyle he moves to Coraloo with his wife, Velveteen, and son. Coraloo is home to the Blackwells, the Tofts and the market. With a fabulous cast of characters, there's always someone to be cheering on. My particular favourite was Velveteen Price.
February 19, 2021
Lovely book that you don't want to put down. Very cute and engaging story line and keeps you guessing til the end. It's one you hope has a sequel (it does!!). And very clean which is something I appreciate more and more in popular fiction these days!
November 27, 2020
Lovely read, thoroughly enjoyed it. made me wonder if I should start baking macarons... At first I thought it was set in the past, as it reads like a much older book, but when I realised it was a modern setting, I enjoyed it even more. It wasn't the fastest moving of books nor my usual genre, but I enjoyed the characters very much. Highly recommend it!
December 27, 2020
This was such a cute and quirky story - it was really enjoyable. I'd highly recommend it!
September 5, 2020
The Death Of Mungo Blackwell by Lauren Brandenburg is a beautiful contemporary Christian novel about the most important things in life – faith and family.
Some people chase wealth but the richest people are those with others to love them.
The family unit is important. Within the novel there is a family who has a change of circumstances and with it, a reorganising of priorities.
Life in the city is stifling. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, it is all chasing the wind – we work to get money to buy things we do not need. We spend our lives chasing the next ‘big’ thing. We entrap ourselves. In contrast life in the country brings freedom – freedom to be who we were created to be. The family unit is strong. It pulls together to offer love and support.
Within the novel there are those who live in the valley and those who live on the heights. They do not mix. This can be seen as a metaphor for our lives – we have valley and mountaintop experiences – our lives must be a blend of both. We cannot stay in the valley or on the mountaintop, our lives experience both.
The love within the novel shines through as characters practice sacrificial love. All the characters were unique and well drawn. My personal favourite was Granny Blackwell.
There is the motif of shoes within the novel. We must not judge others when we have not walked in their shoes. We must wear the correct shoes for our unique journey. Our journey and our shoes are for us and us alone.
The Death Of Mungo Blackwell was a unique read which I really enjoyed. On the surface it is a great story or dig a little deeper and you will find the hidden gems beneath the surface.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Some people chase wealth but the richest people are those with others to love them.
The family unit is important. Within the novel there is a family who has a change of circumstances and with it, a reorganising of priorities.
Life in the city is stifling. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, it is all chasing the wind – we work to get money to buy things we do not need. We spend our lives chasing the next ‘big’ thing. We entrap ourselves. In contrast life in the country brings freedom – freedom to be who we were created to be. The family unit is strong. It pulls together to offer love and support.
Within the novel there are those who live in the valley and those who live on the heights. They do not mix. This can be seen as a metaphor for our lives – we have valley and mountaintop experiences – our lives must be a blend of both. We cannot stay in the valley or on the mountaintop, our lives experience both.
The love within the novel shines through as characters practice sacrificial love. All the characters were unique and well drawn. My personal favourite was Granny Blackwell.
There is the motif of shoes within the novel. We must not judge others when we have not walked in their shoes. We must wear the correct shoes for our unique journey. Our journey and our shoes are for us and us alone.
The Death Of Mungo Blackwell was a unique read which I really enjoyed. On the surface it is a great story or dig a little deeper and you will find the hidden gems beneath the surface.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 27, 2025
Due to a simple business mistake, Charlie Price finds his world turned upside down. His life of comfort in the big city has come to an end, his life and his reputation are both in tatters, and he finds himself in Coraloo, a tiny place utterly different to the big city.
His socialite wife Velveteen and shy son Gideon find it hard to adjust, but Charlie is more hopeful. A local fair sells things cheaply, and Charlie buys them cheaply and sells them on at a profit, enough profit to keep the family in Coraloo and their heads just about above the bread line.
However, his deeds, which some people believe to be morally wrong, find him the subject of unwanted attention, particularly from the Blackwells, who run the market, and the cake stall, and have an old grudge going back decades with the former owners of the house that the Prices now live in.
The Blackwells are an exciting family, a lot different from the money and status families that the Prices are used to. They charm their way into a new way of understanding, with both families benefitting from each other, the Prices becoming warmer and more approachable.
Soon though, Charlie begins to struggle, his new way of life is only sustainable in the short term, and he will have to make some tough choices to maintain it.
The story is told in two different timelines, one in the present day and the other in the 1920s and 1930s, about the life and times of the Blackwell family. The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a novel about the importance of family, the importance of second chances, both given and earned and the possibility of redemption. The story is told with believable, relatable characters, and the ending is touching and fitting.
His socialite wife Velveteen and shy son Gideon find it hard to adjust, but Charlie is more hopeful. A local fair sells things cheaply, and Charlie buys them cheaply and sells them on at a profit, enough profit to keep the family in Coraloo and their heads just about above the bread line.
However, his deeds, which some people believe to be morally wrong, find him the subject of unwanted attention, particularly from the Blackwells, who run the market, and the cake stall, and have an old grudge going back decades with the former owners of the house that the Prices now live in.
The Blackwells are an exciting family, a lot different from the money and status families that the Prices are used to. They charm their way into a new way of understanding, with both families benefitting from each other, the Prices becoming warmer and more approachable.
Soon though, Charlie begins to struggle, his new way of life is only sustainable in the short term, and he will have to make some tough choices to maintain it.
The story is told in two different timelines, one in the present day and the other in the 1920s and 1930s, about the life and times of the Blackwell family. The Death of Mungo Blackwell is a novel about the importance of family, the importance of second chances, both given and earned and the possibility of redemption. The story is told with believable, relatable characters, and the ending is touching and fitting.
March 28, 2020
This book made me tear up in multiple places. I absolutely fell in love with the town and the characters, and I enjoyed how Lauren takes you on a journey without telling you what to think about it. I gave this book five stars because it is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed not having to read a predictable plot, and the book was both easy to read and challenging to apply. You can tell the lessons woven into the fabric of the book were hard-earned, and I think this book could be a light-hearted way to help people, especially as we face an unknown financial future with the current economic conditions. Well done and A+++! Grab a cozy blanket and curl up for a good read!
February 20, 2020
To be fair, "The Death of Mungo Blackwell" is not the genre that I would usually read but when a friend recommended it I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. This is a very well written riches to rags type of story in which the author skillfully provides depth to her characters. I really enjoyed the toggling back and forth in time, something the author does in a seamless way.
This is a unique story and I highly recommend it!
This is a unique story and I highly recommend it!
February 22, 2020
Excellent book!!!
October 4, 2019
I've started this book in expectation of a mild Halloween read. The name of the book and even the cover slightly suggest something thrilling. However, I was far from the truth. This book feels more like movies people enjoy during the Christmas holidays. A family-oriented, little bit of drama and satisfying ending.
The book tells us a story of a wealthy family, who suddenly looses almost everything. They need to come to terms with their new "simple" lifestyle, no unnecessary spending and ruin of former social status. The most drastic change is moving from a high-end apartment in the city to a small house in the village of Coraloo. Famous for its markets and quirky history, this place is a new beginning for the family of Prices who needs to adapt as much as possible. Charlie, the main character of this story, determined to take care of his family starts a risky job as an amateur antique seller.
His wife Velveteen, obsessed with her bookish hero Melba and macarons, takes the change the hardest. She feels out of place in a town of people living in camp vans and walking barefoot. However, Gideon, their only son, seems to welcome the change and finally finds some friends. The story also tells us the family history of the Blackwells, owners of the markets, who will help Prices find the best in the new situation.
"When you were a boy, did you ever imagine life would be so hard? I mean, no one ever really tells you that it's going to be this way. Responsibility was taking the trash out, and disappointment was losing the game. I kind of feel like we've been cheated."
I enjoyed the excerpts of Blackwell's family history. They were a nice way how to add more complexity to some of the slower plot points.
I had a little bit of a problem of understanding the characters, mostly Velveteen. Some times she feels like a caricature of a silly housewife and other times she surprises with a mature love and understanding. Many times I didn't agree with the characters' actions but that is only my personal point of view.
Finally, I found interesting how this book can be suitable for almost everyone, as it doesn't have any distinctive features of a particular genre. There are bits of humor, sadness, danger, bad life decisions and life in general. The story is pretty straightforward and simple but still carries an important life lesson.
The book tells us a story of a wealthy family, who suddenly looses almost everything. They need to come to terms with their new "simple" lifestyle, no unnecessary spending and ruin of former social status. The most drastic change is moving from a high-end apartment in the city to a small house in the village of Coraloo. Famous for its markets and quirky history, this place is a new beginning for the family of Prices who needs to adapt as much as possible. Charlie, the main character of this story, determined to take care of his family starts a risky job as an amateur antique seller.
His wife Velveteen, obsessed with her bookish hero Melba and macarons, takes the change the hardest. She feels out of place in a town of people living in camp vans and walking barefoot. However, Gideon, their only son, seems to welcome the change and finally finds some friends. The story also tells us the family history of the Blackwells, owners of the markets, who will help Prices find the best in the new situation.
"When you were a boy, did you ever imagine life would be so hard? I mean, no one ever really tells you that it's going to be this way. Responsibility was taking the trash out, and disappointment was losing the game. I kind of feel like we've been cheated."
I enjoyed the excerpts of Blackwell's family history. They were a nice way how to add more complexity to some of the slower plot points.
I had a little bit of a problem of understanding the characters, mostly Velveteen. Some times she feels like a caricature of a silly housewife and other times she surprises with a mature love and understanding. Many times I didn't agree with the characters' actions but that is only my personal point of view.
Finally, I found interesting how this book can be suitable for almost everyone, as it doesn't have any distinctive features of a particular genre. There are bits of humor, sadness, danger, bad life decisions and life in general. The story is pretty straightforward and simple but still carries an important life lesson.
January 17, 2020
I discovered this book after connecting with the author Lauren H. Brandenburg. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. This book was interesting and unlike many of the books I have been reading. It mixed the innocence of childhood magic with the complete corruption of failure as an adult. The story line follows Charlie Price, a recently fired NY Executive, and his family through their downsizing and ultimate self-reflection on what is important.
While I enjoyed the story, I really loved the moments where we meet Mungo Blackwell, the founder of the Coraloo Market where Charlie and his family begin again. It was entertaining and exaggerated, as all family stories seem to be the farther away from the event we become. I had wanted to see a bit more of Charlie's wife, Velveteen's transformation. I was more intrigued by her storyline than by Charlie's. I understand the reasoning behind the lack of view for Velveteen, because Charlie is consumed with the burden of financial responsibility. A burden that many adults can relate to, which makes it easy to empathize with Charlie and his family as we get to the middle portion of the novel.
I have to say, I kind of hated Velveteen for 60% of the novel, until we start to see some transformative moments begin to take place—but I think that is a notable author moment that Lauren should be proud of. We are meant to be emotionally engaged with the characters, regardless of emotion, and Lauren executed that responsibility perfectly.
As a final note, the ending I felt was at first too drawn out, but then too rushed once another event peaked. It felt a bit too easy of an ending to me. The novel was wonderfully real, raw, and dramatic—to end the way it did felt less authentic than the rest of the novel. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy a cozy, quick read that deal with life's monetary struggles of those who have and become have nots.
While I enjoyed the story, I really loved the moments where we meet Mungo Blackwell, the founder of the Coraloo Market where Charlie and his family begin again. It was entertaining and exaggerated, as all family stories seem to be the farther away from the event we become. I had wanted to see a bit more of Charlie's wife, Velveteen's transformation. I was more intrigued by her storyline than by Charlie's. I understand the reasoning behind the lack of view for Velveteen, because Charlie is consumed with the burden of financial responsibility. A burden that many adults can relate to, which makes it easy to empathize with Charlie and his family as we get to the middle portion of the novel.
I have to say, I kind of hated Velveteen for 60% of the novel, until we start to see some transformative moments begin to take place—but I think that is a notable author moment that Lauren should be proud of. We are meant to be emotionally engaged with the characters, regardless of emotion, and Lauren executed that responsibility perfectly.
As a final note, the ending I felt was at first too drawn out, but then too rushed once another event peaked. It felt a bit too easy of an ending to me. The novel was wonderfully real, raw, and dramatic—to end the way it did felt less authentic than the rest of the novel. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy a cozy, quick read that deal with life's monetary struggles of those who have and become have nots.
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