The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle is a heartwarming and nostalgic novel that explores the power of human connection and the importance of cherishing the simple moments in life. The story follows Sam, a man who inherits a quaint bookshop in a small town. As he begins to settle into his new life, he discovers a hidden room filled with artifacts from the lives of ordinary people. These objects spark stories and memories, connecting Sam to the past and the present. Overall I found this to be a heartwarming and uplifting read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It's a perfect choice for anyone who loves stories about love, loss, and the power of human connection.

Oh how I love Mike Gayle's writing!
Heart breaking and heart warming all rolled up in another fabulous tale from a fabulous author.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and I'm so sorry I didn't read this sooner.
What a wonderful book, so uplifting and beautiful. I will be buying it for my mum for her birthday
I really recommend this book is lovely.

This author is such a great writer and storyteller. This was a very moving book about life, love and loss. I connected with the characters. A great book

What a beautiful and poignant novel. Love the delicateness of Mike Gayle's writing complex emotional topics, but also oh just so good and heart-warming at the same time.

Thanks for the arc

Following the death of her mother, Jess Barclay has to clear her mother's house. Unfortunately she hasn't space to save everything but can't bring herself to throw out the complete set of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica 1974' that her mother gave her when she was 11.
She takes them back to the flat she shares with her boyfriend, but he puts the flat up for sale and she has to find a home for them. Someone tells her about Barclay and Sons House Clearance and so the story begins.
A beautiful read from start to finish.

Mike Gayle writes such lovely uplifting books, and the museum of ordinary people is no exception. I found it really relatable as I've recently lost my Mum and had to think about the whole house clearing in a similar situation one of the main characters Jess found herself in at the beginning of the book. What follows is a lovely story about loss, memories and relationships that's emotional and original.
Thanks to Mike Gayle, Hodder and Stoughton and Netgalley for the arc.

What a beautiful story! Jess’s mum has sadly died and she is the only one that is left to empty out her house as she was never aware of who her dad was. When she comes across some old encyclopaedias she just doesn’t have the heart to throw them away when she hears an usual story about a place that may look after them,

Jess falls in love with the small room filled with long ago remembered treasured items and decides to bring the museum of ordinary people back to life.

A lovely story about love, hope and commitment that I really connected with.

The Museum Of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle a NetGalley read. Jess is still grieving after the death of her Mother, what with that she is also lost in life, plodding along not necessarily doing what she’s always dreamt of or is capable of. However things change when her old encyclopedia’s lead her to a intriguing collection know as The Museum Of Ordinary People. As always with @mikegaylethenovelist books they always read so easily, the words seem to flow, as well as the story. The concept of the The Museum Of Ordinary people is such a great idea and for me got me thinking about the things I have stowed away that I wouldn’t want to part with and a lot of those things are away in a cupboard when they should be out so I can see them and enjoy them! It also got me thinking about the story behind some of those objects and the relatives behind those objects. In that respect it’s quite an emotional read and a reminder that to a certain degree we love in a society where we take what we have for granted and are quick to throw things away. I will admit as much as I loved this book, I did struggle in parts where it felt like it was dragging and a bit boring, however keep going with it, it will be worth it and the twist at the end gave me a wow moment and tied everything up in a way I wouldn’t have expected, I nearly had to reach for the tissues. Not only did I struggle in parts but there was one point where a secret ways revealed where I felt that perhaps it was revealed to easily and made it feel rushed and actually didn’t add anything to the story. I love the moan character Jess, although she seems lost on her life and is somewhat of a people pleaser where it comes to her boyfriend, she is also passionate in what she believes in, stronger that she thinks, she’s a dreamer and loves history, she tries to see the best in people, she’s loving and has the biggest heart. Jess is determined and she lacks confidence in her own abilities. This book is thought provoking, yet at the same time a very easy read. Not necessarily the authors best book but ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ none the less and will definitely recommend.

Emotional and uplifting read from a great author.

Jess is reeling from the shock of her mother's sudden death and travelling up from the flat she shares with her boyfriend in London to prepare her childhood home for sale. There is no space in the flat, but there are some items she can't bring herself to part with, including a set of out of date encyclopedias her mother gave her as a child. Running out of ideas, at the last moment Jess hears about an obscure museum that takes in people's treasures that they can't keep anymore.

Jess is inspired to take up the mantle, uncovering secrets which may have preferred to remain hidden and finding renewed purpose in her life.

This was such an interesting and incredible read, there was such depth and intrigue. I found myself completely entranced by the story.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future!

Mike Gayle's latest novel combines grief and hope, going forward while looking back. Jess, the protagonist, is reeling from the loss of her adored mother; an only child to a single mother, they were each other's universe, and her mother's death has left a huge void in her life. When she returns to her childhood home to sift through her mother's belongings, she discovers items that lead her on a completely unexpected journey, and her life takes a turn she could only have imagined years before.
Overall, the tale is touching and moving, but I felt like there was something missing at times. There seemed to be a lot going on, but I didn't feel like I got to know any of the people well enough.
I like Gayle's writing, and the storyline was interesting, but this wasn't my favourite of his.

This was a 3.5 rounded up to 4 star for me.

In The Museum of Ordinary People we join Jess who, after clearing out her Mother's house after she dies, comes across Alex and The Museum of Ordinary People. As well as learning about some of the objects in the museum, they learn a lot more about themselves and each other, as well as those they loved.
This book had some difficult topics - grief, people being treated unfairly due to certain characteristics, an affair - but I feel all handled quite well (MOST of the time - there was one bit that did really bother me, I'm one of those that will keep things in and let loved ones live in blissful ignorance every now and then!).

I enjoyed the relationship progressions in this book - was more honest and accurate than a simple everyone lives happily ever after. I loved how it focused on how an object can hold such memories and fondness for an individual.

This book is sheer perfection! I loved and adored every single second that I spent reading this one and I already want to go and read it all over again.- it was one of my favourite reads in 2022! I identified with Jess straight away as I have also lost my mum and I know the struggle of letting certain things go - the knowing that you don't have space for items in your home but also not wanting to let them randomly go. So the idea of a museum of ordinary people is just genius and perfect and I wish so much that it really existed, I want to go there! The idea of curating objects with the story behind them in a place is beautiful. I was wishing Jess happiness and love all through this novel, I really wanted her to find a happy ending. This book is incredible, absolutely a five star read and I've been telling everyone I know to read it!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Museum of Ordinary People and Mike Gayle’s writing style.

Jess Baxter is grieving for the sudden loss of her much loved mother.

She takes on the heart-breaking task of clearing out her childhood home by herself and due to a lack of space in her London flat she can only keep a few mementos including a set of encyclopaedias which became an aim high symbol of her mother’s hopes and dreams for Jess.

One year on, her boyfriend Guy wants her clutter gone so they can sell the flat and buy a house together.

Her best friend Luce stumbles across somewhere for Jess to take her encyclopaedias that will look after them for her the “Museum of Ordinary People “ in Peckham (sadly no Delboy.

So Jess jumps on the tube and with her bag of encyclopaedias to the museum which is amazing and full of everyday things that are special to someone for a variety of reasons.

But there’s a catch – the founder has died and the new owner is wanting to sell up.

Jess manages to persuades new owner Alex to let her curate and rebrand this Aladdin‘s Cave and reopen the museum to the public.

There is so much emotion in this book – Jess dealing with her grief, her relationship issues, Alex and the death of his parents and his scars from the fire and much more (trying not to give away spoilers).

The premise and the concept of the museum is simple but genius I think we all have a priceless treasure we would love to keep but can’t always for one reason or another.

Some of the items have a superb backstory which just goes to prove the need for a museum like this.

The characters are lovely (not a huge fan of Guy) there’s humour, love and affection between them.

The friendship, kindness and love 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 not linear and much of this story will resonate with people.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mike Gayle books never fail to pull at the heartstrings and after reading many of his back catalogue I was thrilled to be accepted to review this one. It features both that sad and heartfelt undertone that makes his work so popular

Thanks to the publisher for my copy!

I am a huge Mike Gayle fan now and i was so excited to read this, This was unique and lovely. What does happen to all those things people once see as prized possiesons that then just get thrown away, what about all the history behind them and the meaning to someone? Thats where the Museum of Ordinary People comes in. I loved watching the characters discover this and those that were never that sure suddenly see the importance of things like this.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
My mother-in-law died 2 weeks before I started reading this book and so many sentences and phrases rang true, such as 'I was tired of feeling sad all the time'. I loved the idea of having somewhere to take items that were cherished when there wasn't anywhere at home to store them, and even having some conservation work done on them. There were many strands to this story which was ostensibly about the Museum of Ordinary people, mostly linking to relationships, that it was extremely interesting and engaging as the characters mentally moved around each other.
I really loved it, and have found another new author to follow!

The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle was another great book. I was transported very quickly into the concept of this book and I loved every page of it. Loved the idea of peoples belongings having a history. I’m sure we all have these things in our homes and the dreamer in me would love to think it would be in a museum for others to enjoy. A fab read.