"Behind the Scenes at the Museum" by Kate Atkinson is a multi-layered novel that follows the life of Ruby Lennox, who narrates her family's story starting from her own conception. The book delves into the lives of multiple generations of the family, exploring themes of dysfunction, tragedy, humor, and resilience. Through a combination of first-person narration by Ruby and third-person accounts of her ancestors, the story weaves together a complex and compelling narrative that spans the twentieth century.

The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and poignant, with a unique structure that includes footnotes detailing family histories and secrets. The narrative alternates between past and present, offering insights into the characters' thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Despite some readers finding the story occasionally confusing or dark, the book is praised for its engaging storytelling, intricate plot twists, and memorable characters.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn, with Ruby as a smart and funny narrator, reflecting on the dysfunctional nature of her family and the struggles of her female ancestors.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor and wit, with an intricate structure that incorporates footnotes to add depth and context to the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Ruby Lennox, narrating her life from conception through adulthood, intertwined with her family's history, revealing deep-seated dysfunctions and secrets.

Setting:

The setting spans 20th century England, primarily in York, and vividly portrays the historical backdrop of the World Wars and their influence on the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing is non-linear, with a mix of engaging moments and slower narrative sections, especially towards the conclusion where some readers felt it lost momentum.

ON THE clock on the mantelpiece in the room across the hall. The clock once belonged to my great-grandmother (a woman called Alice) and its tired chime counts me into the world. I'm begun on the first...

Notes:

The novel tells the story of Ruby Lennox, starting from her conception in 1951.

It is told in a non-linear fashion, with footnotes that provide backstory of Ruby's family.

The book highlights themes of family dysfunction and secrets, spanning several generations.

Ruby's family experiences take place against the backdrop of World War I and II.

The story combines humor with tragedy, reflecting the complexities of family life.

Atkinson's writing style features sharp wit and vivid imagery.

The book won the Whitbread Prize for Book of the Year in 1995.

Despite its sad themes, the novel is considered one of the funniest sad books ever written.

Readers find it hard to keep track of numerous family members across generations.

Atkinson's debut novel paved the way for her later success, including the Jackson Brodie series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of death, trauma, mental distress, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

From The Publisher:

A deeply moving family story of happiness and heartbreak, Behind the Scenes at the Museum is bestselling author Kate Atkinson's award-winning literary debut.

National Bestseller

Winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year

Ruby Lennox begins narrating her life at the moment of conception, and from there takes us on a whirlwind tour of the twentieth century as seen through the eyes of an English girl determined to learn about her family and its secrets. Kate Atkinson's first novel is "a multigenerational tale of a spectacularly dysfunctional Yorkshire family and one of the funniest works of fiction to come out of Britain in years" (The New York Times Book Review).

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About the Author:

Kate Atkinson is the author of Behind the Scenes at the Museum, winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year, Human Croquet, Emotionally Weird, Not the End of the World, Case Histories, One Good Turn, and Life after Life. She lives in Edinburgh, UK.

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Behind the Scenes at the Museum

Kate Atkinson