One of the best features of this book is the setting: New York and more specifically Coney Island in Brooklyn in 1911. The “museum” is really an exhibit of freaks of nature, both living and dead, most faked/manipulated. The Professor character is wonderfully wicked, but love wins out. Part of the story is a mystery, to add to the flavour.
Category: Historical fiction
Harvest by Jim Crace
Story is set in the unspecified past, a time of harvest by scythes and oxen. Strangers disrupt the village, bringing loss of civility and unsettling violence; a melancholy story describing what becomes the end of the village. (thanks Erin).
The Valley Of Amazement by Amy Tan
Story set in Shanghai from approx. 1900-1930, two mother-daughter relationships spanning 3 generations. Detailed description of life as a courtesan through good times and bad times. Chinese men have anglicized first names like Perpetual and Loyalty.
The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton
A fascinating story from the 1860s and the gold fields in New Zealand. Multiple character are intertwined with a non-linear narrative that is very interesting feature of the writing. This is a big book (700 pages) so save up some time for a great story.
Trans Atlantic by Colum McCann
Trans Atlantic is a wistful Irish-American story that follows 4 generations of women. A beautiful book. (previous book = Let The Great World Spin) –
What David Read 