BookBrowse Reviews Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson

BookBrowse:

Anne Youngson's debut novel Meet Me at the Museum explores life and loss through the letters of two lonely and disparate individuals.

Of our 33 First Impression reviewers, 29 rated Meet Me at the Museum as four- or five-star, for an impressive average overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

What it's about:
Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson is a gentle story about second chances (Rebecca H). In this epistolary novel, letters are exchanged between two strangers who gradually develop a deep friendship through their correspondence (Melinda H). A chance inquiry from a woman in England reaches a Danish museum curator, and his reply launches a casual conversation that grows into the fulfillment of deep and previously unrecognized needs of both participants (Sheryl M).

Many reviewers found the author's observations astute:
Youngson's insights into human nature, love, what makes life meaningful, and the importance of family are remarkable. I turned down more than one page so that I could go back and reread something wise one character had written to another (Eileen C). Though this is the story of two people who are past middle age, most readers will realize that Tina's and Kristian's concerns, interests, opinions and ideas have parallels in all our lives. A careful reading will provide gems of wisdom, or at least stimulate thoughts and suggest new options or renewals in your life (Sheryl M). It reminded me to take time to step out of my daily routine, look around, listen, and reflect upon the world around me. (Wilhelmina H). It's a book that makes you think about your own relationships with family, music, poetry and other parts of your life (Joan V).

Several readers remarked on their appreciation of the older characters featured in the book:
I enjoyed the depiction of older middle-aged people coming to terms with their remaining time and being satisfied with what has occurred and what can occur. And yet something surprising (to them) can still happen (Elizabeth L). While love is not lost on the young, love between those with greater life experiences is delightfully multifaceted (Sheryl M). It is so nice to read a book about older people which does not ridicule them (Joan V).

Reviewers overwhelmingly considered it a quiet novel:
What a delightful book (Eileen C). It was gentle on my soul. It does not grab you and smack you, but leads you on a leisurely stroll into two people's lives and their growing friendship. It provided a welcome respite from some of the heavier genres that are popular right now, although it's certainly not fluff (Susan U). As I turned the last page, I found myself smiling gently, and I am still smiling (Gail K).

Most also mentioned that the novel is a leisurely read, and one that readers should take their time enjoying:
Meet Me at the Museum was a lovely, slower-paced read and a nice reminder that the paths we take through time have more "raspberries and ferns" to enjoy...no matter how old we become (Dorothy G). I liked the slower pace of this novel, which aligns with the slower pace of writing and posting handwritten letters instead of the more immediate forms of email or texting (Wilhelmina H). Go slowly with this book. Savor each page. Like a museum where each room and display holds a treasure, each page of this book inspires and links us to our humanity and oneness with time and place (Maureen R).

Some thought it started a bit too slowly but that it was worth the effort:
I have to say, if I hadn't agreed to review this book, I wouldn't have read beyond 20 pages. I felt the book got better as the letters became more personal and I began to see the characters more fully (Elyse G). When I first started reading it, I must admit I was a little bored. I didn't really understand where the writer was going with the story, but as I continued to read it I grew to love it (Colleen F).

Most enjoyed and would recommend it:
Meet Me at the Museum is one of my favorite books of all time (Maureen R). I liked it immensely (Marci G). I recommend it to those who are willing to read at a leisurely and thoughtful pace in order to appreciate each letter (Gail K). I think book clubs would really enjoy this book; it has much to offer and provides much to think about (Patricia W).

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in August 2018, and has been updated for the September 2019 edition. Click here to go to this issue.