Oct 26, 2015FindingJane rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Surprising in the scope of its vision, “Museum of Thieves” is a magical look into a world brought about by over-fearful parents. It is a world where anything that hints of “danger” has been removed, lest it bring disease, misery or pain. Every animal and insect has been banished and children are policed by long chains attaching themselves to their parents.
Such a world is rife for revolution and change and Mr. Tanner delivers that change with the help of mysterious museum of Dunt, a place where the very walls and corridors shift and change. But the museum is also peopled with fascinating keepers, each one a quirky individual in their own right.
The story of Goldie’s rise from rebellious little thief to being a genuine heroine intent of saving those she knows and loves is compelling. When we read about children in chains and adults filling their heads with what seem like ghastly horror tales, we are plunged into a world of both fairy tale-like enigma and modern-day horror. This world is like a grim funhouse-distorted mirror of our own, where overwhelming fear of what may happen to our children has taken a decidedly dire but believable turn.
Where the book lapses is when it resorts to the error of telling rather than showing. She is taught how to walk on eggshells without cracking them, she’s taught how to light fires, dress wounds, track people across rock, scrub and wooden floors, et al. But we don’t see how all of that occurs. Admittedly, it would have made for a longer book. But with such a thrilling story like this, how could that be a bad thing?
Perhaps more of such matters will be shown in the sequel. In the meantime, take a step in and explore the tricksy world of the Museum.
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Museum of Thieves