Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

     When you pick up an Alice Hoffman book you always find things you never thought of finding. You are gifted with people, places, prose and thoughts that linger long after the book is finished and back on your book shelves.

     This is the story of Coralie Sardie and Eddie Cohen, living in early 20th century New York City. Coralie, who's father owns the Coney Island attraction called 'The Museum of Extraordinary Things' where human oddities, as well as natures wonders, are put on display. These oddities include Coralie, displayed in a tank as a mermaid. Eddie is the son of a Russian Jewish emigrant, who turns his back on his father and his religion to become a street informer and then the apprentice of a photographer.

     The lives of these two people gradually merge under the skillful hand of Hoffman as they learn to love life and each other - an unlikely pair. Along the way we meet the Butterfly girl, the Wolfman, thugs, heirs and heiresses. We also find Eddie photographing the horrible Triangle Shirt Factory fire and meet those touched by the tragedy. And most importantly Maureen, whose strength saves Coralie.

     I highly recommend this book, if for no other reason than a reminder of how our lives, and people, are not always what they seem.