> Skip to content
Read an extract
Play sample
  • Published: 30 March 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760895914
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $32.99

The Emporium of Imagination




A captivating novel of magical realism about a fantastical shop that brings comfort, peace and hope to those in need. You won't want to miss the opening of this shop!

From the author of A Lifetime of Impossible Days (winner of the Courier-Mail People's Choice QLD Book of the Year Award) comes this beautiful and uplifting story, that will make you laugh and make you cry.

Welcome to The Emporium of Imagination, a most unusual shop that travels the world offering vintage gifts to repair broken dreams and extraordinary phones to contact lost loved ones.

But, on arrival in the tiny township of Boonah, the store’s long-time custodian, Earlatidge Hubert Umbray, makes a shocking realisation. He is dying . . .

The clock is now ticking to find his replacement, because the people of Boonah are clearly in need of some restorative magic.

Like Enoch Rayne – a heartbroken ten-year-old boy mourning the loss of his father, while nurturing a guilty secret.

Like Ann Harlow, who has come to the town to be close to her dying grandmother. Though it’s Enoch’s father who dominates her thoughts - and regrets . . .

Even Earlatidge in his final days will experience the store as never before - and have the chance to face up to his own tragedy . . .

'Prepare to immerse yourself in wonder, childish delight and dark, dark trauma in this unique novel from a new and important Australian literary voice.' Australian Women's Weekly on A Lifetime of Impossible Days

  • Published: 30 March 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760895914
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $32.99

About the author

Tabitha Bird

Tabitha Bird is a writer and poet who lives and works in the rural township of Boonah, Queensland. By day Tabitha may be found painting, working on her next book or with her husband, three beautiful boys and Chihuahua.

Also by Tabitha Bird

See all

Discover more

Article
Tabitha Bird's inspiration

The Emporium of Imagination author on the power of magical realism.

Article
The Emporium of Imagination book club notes

A beautiful and uplifting story to share with your reading group.