Curious Toys

Pin. You don’t need to be familiar with the Chicago amusement park, Riverview, to enjoy Elizabeth Hand’s novel titled, Curious Toys. Set in the Summer of 1915, protagonist Pin is the fourteen-year-old daughter of a fortune teller, and she has the run of the park, often dressed like a boy. An environment of fun and some mischief turns dark after a girl is murdered. All the characters are finely drawn, and even Charlie Chaplin makes an appearance. The settings are described vividly, the characters are complex and compelling, and the plot is thrilling. Pin is an absolute delight. Fans of historical fiction, especially of this time period, are those most likely to enjoy this finely written novel. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Curious Toys from amazon.com.