The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

Review: Alice Hoffman’s new novel is extremely well-written. It alternates chapters between the two main characters to great effect and seamlessly incorporates flashbacks into the pasts of both. While the story itself is fictional, Ms. Hoffman paints an accurate picture of life in turn-of-the-century New York. Her descriptions of early Coney Island amusement parks and sideshow freaks were vivid and felt authentic. I enjoyed the characters even though at times I felt what they went through was a tad too dramatic. Overall, I would recommend this novel.