I love a spooky mansion, crumbling manor, run down estate - or in this case museum - in dire need of a revamp, restructure or makeover. Buildings with history, character and a few good secrets suck me in every time, and together with this beautiful cover design I couldn't resist The Museum of Forgotten Memories by Anstey Harris.
Cate is still mourning the loss of her husband Richard four years on from his death and can no longer afford to live in London. She and her son Leo move to her husband's family home which happens to be a run down Victorian era museum in the town of Crouch-on-Sea. Hatters Museum was founded by Richard's grandfather and houses valuable taxidermy exhibits, however the museum is running at a loss and is at risk of closure.
Richard didn't talk about his family much, but Cate slowly learns about her son Leo's inheritance and the childhood Richard experienced at the property.
My favourite character of the novel by far was the museum; I could readily imagine the grounds and gardens, the exhibits, the domed library and old portraits hanging on the walls. Leo was an unexpected delight and I thoroughly enjoyed Cate's relationship with her son. The scenes with Leo were touching and insightful and well written.
In stark contrast, too much time was spent on Cate's growing relationship with Patch in my opinion, and it began to get on my nerves. I'm not embarrassed to admit the name Patch was a little irritating too.
The Museum of Forgotten Memories by Anstey Harris isn't a creepy, spooky novel, nor does it delve into the past in a dual narrative style I've come to associate with this kind of 'sea-change' inheritance trope. Instead, it's a feel-good contemporary story about relationships, family, depression, loss, parenthood and legacy. An enjoyable read.
Carpe Librum!
What a shame the relationship tripped you up with this one! I wasn't too fazed about that.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm not a fan of romance at the best of times and this part of the story or sub plot just didn't work for me.
ReplyDelete