Behind the Scenes at the Museum

Questions About Behind the Scenes at the Museum

by Kate Atkinson

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Answered Questions (6)

Was anyone else bothered by this lapse in Ruby's story (regarding Pearl)?
Rachel
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
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How confused were you with the plethora of characters, four different generation and the shifting time?
Elizabeth Oh boy if you have problems with this book I sincerely recommend that you DO NOT read Game of Thrones.
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I gave this book a DNF= did not finish. Very disappointed at the disjointed nature of the book. Maybe I will try it again another time?
Barry Casey Hi Nancy, it’s true that the book jumps from era to era, and moment to moment. I read the Kindle version, which includes the footnotes immediately aft…moreHi Nancy, it’s true that the book jumps from era to era, and moment to moment. I read the Kindle version, which includes the footnotes immediately after the chapters. I found that helpful for continuity. But I liked the episodic nature of the book and the way Atkinson included the generations. I found that I was able to distinguish between the generations and remember who was who—not perfectly, but certainly well enough to keep the whole tribe in mind. What I really enjoyed about the book was the rather jaunty and plucky attitude of Ruby who can have you laughing one minute and then shaking your head with a lump in your throat the next. What a chaotic, memorable, hilarious, and finally, so ordinarily tragic a family. The language, the tone, the sweep of events and characters really made the book for me. I hope you’ll return to it. Maybe with time it will be a better experience for you!(less)
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if you've read this book, tell me what you liked about it, or what you didn't like about it?
Susan My review answers this question. I love these characters. What is less cool is the fact there are literally sooo many characters, it's hard to keep tr…moreMy review answers this question. I love these characters. What is less cool is the fact there are literally sooo many characters, it's hard to keep track and I think readers would benefit from a... family tree at the beginning of the book. Finally, Atkinson goes deep... British/Town of York sometimes, and being American I felt at sea more than once. (less)
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How much of this book is semi-autobiographical about the author herself?
Bryan Hallett The whole book is semi-autobiographcal, as Atkinson is the daughter of a shopkeeper, born in York, around the same time as Ruby. It is not an autobiog…moreThe whole book is semi-autobiographcal, as Atkinson is the daughter of a shopkeeper, born in York, around the same time as Ruby. It is not an autobiography, however, but elements of the story are bound to draw upon her own experiences and memories.
In her introduction to the 25th anniversary edition, Atkinson says, "I am not Ruby Lennox, but she is me."(less)
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