Book Review - The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle

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Title: The Museum of Ordinary People

Author: Mike Gayle

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder &Stoughton

Publication Date: 7th July 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold.

But when in the process Jess stumbles across the mysterious Alex, together they become custodians of a strange archive of letters, photographs, curios and collections known as The Museum of Ordinary People.

As they begin to delve into the history of the objects in their care, Alex and Jess not only unravel heartbreaking stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long buried secrets that lie much closer to home.

Inspired by a box of mementos found abandoned in a skip following a house clearance, The Museum of Ordinary People is a thought-provoking and poignant story of memory, grief, loss and the things we leave behind.

Mike Gayle has hit another home run in terms of book brilliance. 

From such a simple concept, grows a fabulous cast of characters, and an incredibly heartwarming story, that takes a few unexpected turns along the way. 

As much as I loved the characters, it was what they were trying to do, the idea behind The Museum of Ordinary People that really touched my heart.  It is such a fabulous idea, I have no clue if it's based on anywhere real but if this doesn't exist already somewhere in the world, then it really should do. 

In fact I think Mike Gayle should set up his own museum, as it is such a wonderful idea and would bring a bit of love into the world.  So long as it doesn't detract from writing more brilliant books. 

I really enjoyed meeting Alex and found his story as compelling as Jess's. And I was just hooked on everything to do with the book. 

I am once again loving the direction this author has been taking with his most recent books, this is definitely an author going from strength to strength with every book he writes, and as a reader and big fan, I'm very happy to go along for the ride. 

Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton, and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.