The Museum of Extraordinary Things

A Novel

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Judith Light, Grace Gummer, Zach Appelman

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From the beloved, best-selling author of The Dovekeepers, a mesmerizing new novel about the electric and impassioned love between two vastly different souls in New York during the volatile first decades of the 20th century.

Coney Island: Coralie Sardie is the daughter of the impresario behind The Museum of Extraordinary Things, a boardwalk freak show that amazes and stimulates the crowds. An exceptional swimmer, Coralie appears as the Mermaid in her father's "museum", alongside performers like the Wolfman, the Butterfly Girl, and a 100-year-old turtle. One night Coralie stumbles upon a striking young man photographing moonlit trees in the woods off the Hudson River.

The dashing photographer is Eddie Cohen, a Russian immigrant who has run away from his father's Lower East Side Orthodox community and his job as an apprentice tailor. When Eddie captures with his camera the devastation on the streets of New York following the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, he becomes embroiled in the mystery behind a young woman's disappearance.

New York itself becomes a riveting character as Hoffman weaves her magic, romance, and masterful storytelling to unite Coralie and Eddie in a sizzling, tender, and moving story of young love in tumultuous times. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is Hoffman at her most spellbinding.

©2014 Alice Hoffman (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

Life Breathed into Two 1911 Historical Tragedies

Alice Hoffman skillfully weaves the stories of two characters, from different sections of society, into an amazing tapestry. Lives that seem to have nothing in common. However, their stories are bookended between two horrific tragic events that cause their realms to collide. This is a beautifully warm and captivating novel.. A page turner that is artfully narrated!

I give up

I LOVE Alice Hoffman. No, seriously. I’ve read most of her books in print and listened to about six of them (some that I had already read, some with audio as first read). In addition to her books lending themselves universally well to audio, she seems to always have the best readers/performers. Until now. Grace Gummer was good (not as good as her acting, I don’t think, but I wouldn’t hesitate to try another), Judith Light -who I thought would be distracting- pulled me into her portion immediately and engrossingly with nary a thought of “Who’s The Boss?” or Judge Donnelly. Then I got to Ch. 2. I could not get into the reading by the male performer Zach Appelman at all. I have started this chapter now EIGHT times, listening anywhere from 20-60 minutes each, and I just can’t get engaged. I don’t really understand why. He doesn’t do anything distracting, etc. Just not compelling or even interesting to me. Guess I’ll read this one in print and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. It could just be me, it could be it’s not good material for him, etc., but books with Mr. Appelman reading will now go on my “Stick to print version” list. Now I’m off to see if Amazon thinks I’ve listened to this book too much already to be able to return it.

riveting story with captivating characters

i was absolutely riveted by this story. while the historical nature of the story seemed like a bit of a departure for Hoffman, the magical quality of the story was shining with every word written. i think Hoffman always has a way with words, and when her story is so captivating and her characters are so tormented the blend becomes a perfect novel.

Museum of Extraordinary Things, Review

Would you consider the audio edition of The Museum of Extraordinary Things to be better than the print version?

Since, I did not read the print version, I can't say if the audio edition is better.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alice Hoffman? Why or why not?

I love Alice Hoffman. However, I don't think this book was her best. I certainly would be willing to try another book.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Cora Lee. However, the narration was excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Thank You

This is the kind of book that makes you go and find all the authors other books and read them immediately. Wow I completely lost myself in its pages it makes me want to move to New York so that I might live in the kind of magical place that could birth this kind of story. these days it seems great writing is almost as hard to find as it is to mine in the great mountains majesty of American literature. Thank you thank you Alice Hoffman for being a waist wide vein of gold cutting through that literary edifice! Thank you Judith light, Grace Gummer, and Zach Appleman for bringing to life such an amazing tale

Not as extraordinary as I had hoped

It was ok, but it was a bit tedious. Some good descriptions of the waterfront and the times when the story took place.

Extraordinary

Simply one of the greatest stories I've "read" with absolute compelling characters. The voices are excellent and the entire book is delightful. Highly recommended.

EXTRAORDINARY!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Museum of Extraordinary Things the most enjoyable?

The narration was amazing, the characters came alive and the storyline was interesting enough to keep me riveted and wanting more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Museum of Extraordinary Things?

Loved when she realized what her father was and how he wasn't who he claimed to be.

Which scene was your favorite?

In the woods when she finds the poor soul that had drowned after the fire, knowing someone was watching her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Absolute must Listen!!!

Atmosphere to spare

Alice does not disappoint. Like the different voices and character perspectives. Very enjoyable.

Fire And Water

Very good book. A History of early times New York and a thought provoking look at those " different" from the norm. There is a villain, and a couple love stories, and mayhem.
The 3 readers are excellent!