In this “pure, unadulterated feel-good” and warmhearted novel, an old set of encyclopedias leads a young woman to a curious museum and one profoundly moving lesson: that every life is an extraordinary life ( Kirkus). Find everything you need to know about the strategy, how it is structured and how it will be delivered by MGS and the sector. Learn More

Set in both Northampton and London, the story begins with Jess at her childhood home clearing her mother’s property for sale following her death. Something which resonated hugely with me since I had to do this for my own parents after their deaths some years ago. Within a space of a few weeks, each went to routine hospital appointments and never returned to their home of 50 years, and my childhood home where there were so many memories. Much like Jess’ experience, there were many items that I didn’t want to dispose of but I couldn’t keep everything because of space. If only there had been a Museum of Ordinary People available at that time. Encouraged by the popularity and praise for Mike Gayle’s work I decided to read The Museum of Ordinary People despite the fact that the premise has more than a few similarities to Ruth Hogan’s The Keeper of Lost Things.Jess is clearing out the home she shared with her mother. Being a single mother they were very close. There are things for the dumpster, things for the charity shop and things with a question mark. But a set of ratty outdated encyclopedias gifted to Jess by her mother is the one thing she can’t part with but has nowhere to keep them. When she hears about Barclay and Sons and their collection of unwanted items it seems like the answer for her encyclopedias. This is where she meets Alex. They hit it off even as Jess is startled by the fact that one side of Alex’ face is badly scarred. 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 the most wonderful gift in that he can tap into all those things we dearly desire but rarely say out loud and he has the ability to make us feel everything that his characters are going through. He really is the master of all encompassing storytelling.Jess has recently lost her mother and is struggling to cope with her grief. Her most precious possession from among her mother's belongings is a set of old encyclopaedias, but she has no place to keep them in the apartment she shares with her partner Guy. A friend tells her of an odd place named "The Museum of Ordinary People" that accepts donations of such old, valued things that people love but can't keep. When Jess visits the museum, her life changes, both personally as well as professionally. This story is about Jess who loses her mum and in the process of dealing with the practicalities following death, she comes across the ‘museum of ordinary people’. The book focuses on Jess and how her life changes after her loss but also touches on the complexities of the things we leave behind. This made it a very easy and approachable read without becoming inaccessible to those without a degree in counselling or literature. Not sure it needed the epilogue though as nice a story as it was. The characters are lovely some have been through a lot, most of so likeable, there’s humour, love and affection between them. The friendship shown to Jess just when she needs it most warms your heart. The storyline evolves well, there are ups and downs, some convolutions, some deceptions and the impact of it but it’s the warmth that shines through. In places it’s sad but it’s also uplifting, it’s poignant, grief is put to a good purpose and it’s thought-provoking and a lot of it resonates.

A tasty, if not always tasteful, tale of supernatural mayhem that fans of King and Crichton alike will enjoy. In this “pure, unadulterated feel-good” and warmhearted novel, an old set of encyclopedias leads a young woman to a curious museum and one profoundly moving lesson: that every life is an extraordinary life ( Kirkus ). Overall, The Museum of Ordinary People is a moving story that I would definitely recommend. I believe we could all use a “museum of ordinary people” to keep the memories and the stories alive.

Featured Reviews

And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed. And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed.”

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. Jess is grieving over her mother who recently passed away. They were very close. So, when she is sorting out her mother’s things to clear the house ready to sell it. Some of her belongings she has, she hasn’t got the heart to throw them away. Her first thought is to bring them to the charity shop but then she discovers the Museum of Ordinary things. Where there are items that have meaning to someone, but they have no room in their lives to keep it. So, they bring it to the museum for them to look after. I have heard so many readers talk fondly of Mike Gayle’s writing, and despite having at least two of his books in my towering tbr, The Museum of Ordinary People is his first read for me. Having just finished, I wish it hadn’t taken me so long. 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. While it might be true that some things are thrown away for good reason, it's equally true that some things are saved for a purpose."

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I really liked the narrator who made me hear her as Jess, who has the sole point of view in the story, but also gave strong voice to the supporting characters. I enjoyed her storytelling skills, too. I love the concept of an ordinary things museum- after all, many of the exhibits in "real" museums are just ordinary things from long ago or far away or both and I like the idea that at some point in time a side car, a set of encyclopedias and a bunch of other junk will be venerated as being extraordinary!