The Museum of Extraordinary Things

This book was ok. Not great but not bad. The constant jumping between first person memoir of two characters and then to third person narrative of the same two people seemed unnecessary. I understand wanting to give a glimpse in to the psyche of each character but the constant back and forth took away from the story for me. Additionally some of the story, especially in the later half seemed rushed and not well developed.

The storyline focuses on 2 central characters whose upbringing should have never led them to the same path. Somehow their circumstances living in an unforgiving city bring them together.  I was equally fascinated and disturbed at the length amusement park owners went through to bring in or create the illusion of the strange-but-true come to life in order to bring in customers and make a profit.

Hoffman delivers a backdrop of a younger NYC in a time in which the working class man takes a stand and helps shape our future through the development of unions. Added to this is the magical time of technology in which the use of electricity is still in its infancy. The detail and care Hoffman puts into recreating this era made me feel like I got my own private tour back in time. Had this book's sole purpose been to enlighten us about that period in time, I would've given this 4 stars. However, at its core, it is the story of Coralie and Eddie, and I felt that once their paths cross, they lose a certain dimension of their individual selves.  I felt that their coming together felt rushed somehow. I also wanted to read more about the characters that help Coralie and Eddie along the way. I think Mr. Morris and Maureen deserve to be featured in their own story. Perhaps there'll be a sequel? 

Overall, it is Hoffman's beautiful writing that is most magical and will make you want to keep reading on. I've heard her fans say that this is not her greatest work. This book has been my introduction to Hoffman and I really enjoyed her writing style. It did not disappoint and I look forward to reading her even finer works.