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jgbeck 's review for:
The Museum of Extraordinary Things
by Alice Hoffman
Story takes place in the early 20th century in Coney Island. Professor Sardie runs a "museum" where deformed people and animals are displayed for an entry fee. His daughter Coralie leads a sheltered life within confines of the museum. Coralie comes of age in parallel to Ezekiel 'Eddie' Cohen and their paths cross amid the historical backdrop of unionization activities of garment workers and the building up of Coney Island attractions. Cora is compliant with her father's grooming her to be the mermaid display, as she is tended to lovingly by their housekeeper, Maureen. Coralie longs for friends and a normal existence. Eddie rejects the life in the garment factories, his faith and his father for a life on the streets first as a child employee of a fortune teller and later becoming a photographer's apprentice.
Their stories are told in alternating chapters until they finally meet.
I was interested in the history of Long Island and its rapid changes from a rural and wild island as it is consumed with buildings and concrete. The story also delves into the lives of the wealthy factory owners contrasted to the meager existence of the emigrants and working class.
Their stories are told in alternating chapters until they finally meet.
I was interested in the history of Long Island and its rapid changes from a rural and wild island as it is consumed with buildings and concrete. The story also delves into the lives of the wealthy factory owners contrasted to the meager existence of the emigrants and working class.