Picture an Australian storyteller who turned her fears of mortality into a heartwarming tale that’s taken the world by storm—meet Mikki Brammer! Hailing from Tasmania and now weaving stories in the vibrant buzz of New York City, Brammer is the author of the internationally celebrated debut novel, The Collected Regrets of Clover. With a knack for blending life’s heaviest themes with a joyful, uplifting tone, she’s quickly become a voice to watch in contemporary fiction.
Before her fiction fame, Brammer carved a path as a journalist, penning pieces on architecture, art, and design for prestigious outlets like Architectural Digest and ELLE Decor. But it was her personal journey—confronting a lifelong anxiety about death—that sparked her leap into novel-writing, creating a story that resonates across 26 languages and counting.
The Making of Mikki Brammer
Born in Tasmania, Australia, Mikki Brammer grew up surrounded by quirky great-aunts and uncles whose adventurous tales fueled her love for storytelling. Her childhood was a tapestry of curiosity, woven with travels across the Asia-Pacific, a year as an exchange student in Nebraska, and stints in France and Spain. Armed with degrees in French, Spanish, and International Business from the University of Queensland, plus a certificate in Writing and Editing, she kicked off her career interviewing icons like Willem Dafoe for an Australian pop culture magazine. Her move to Paris saw her chronicling life for France Today, before New York City became her creative home, where she honed her craft in journalism.
Mikki Brammer’s Unforgettable Stories
Brammer’s debut, The Collected Regrets of Clover, published in 2023, is a poignant yet uplifting novel centered on Clover Brooks, a death doula in New York City. Inspired by Brammer’s own fascination with mortality, the story follows Clover as she collects the final words of the dying in notebooks labeled Advice, Confessions, and Regrets. Through a cross-country quest sparked by a client’s last wish, Clover learns to embrace life, weaving themes of grief, love, and courage into a narrative that’s both profound and accessible. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its “genuinely instructional” take on death and grieving, while NPR named it a Best Book of 2023.
Her writing style is a delicate balance of emotional depth and light-hearted optimism, drawing comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Brammer’s journalistic roots shine through in her vivid settings, from Brooklyn apartments to death cafés, while her fiction invites readers to reflect on life’s big questions without feeling heavy. She’s currently working on a second novel, with updates teased on her website, promising more of her signature blend of heart and hope.
Why Mikki Brammer Matters
Mikki Brammer’s work stands out for its fearless exploration of mortality through a lens of joy, making the taboo topic of death feel approachable and even inspiring. Her debut has sparked conversations about living fully, resonating with readers and book clubs worldwide. By spotlighting the role of death doulas, she’s also brought attention to a growing profession, shedding light on the beauty of compassionate end-of-life care. Brammer’s global perspective, shaped by her travels and multicultural experiences, adds a unique richness to contemporary fiction, encouraging readers to embrace life’s uncertainties.
- Born: Tasmania, Australia
- Key Work: The Collected Regrets of Clover (2023)
- Notable Recognition: NPR Best Book of 2023, Book of the Month (May 2023)
- Fun Fact: She wrote her debut during the COVID-19 lockdown, playing solo ping-pong to spark creativity!
Ready to dive into a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and hug life a little tighter? Grab The Collected Regrets of Clover and discover Mikki Brammer’s uplifting world of heart and hope!