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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Quite gripping. seems to aspire to something deeper than I managed to get from it, but enjoyable anyway.
3.5 stars
The writing was a little too flowery for me. I enjoyed the story, but didn't feel enough closure at the end.
The writing was a little too flowery for me. I enjoyed the story, but didn't feel enough closure at the end.
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can't make up my mind about this book. I would definitely give it 2.5 stars if that were an option, but since it is not, I think there is enough interest here (barely) to tip it to 3 instead of 2. In some ways, the story is quite engaging. The story of the young wife learning to deal with the world during a series of quite terrible shocks is pretty compelling. The background of 18th century Amsterdam and the sugar trade is pretty interesting. The portrait of the hypocrisy of the self-important rich burgermeisters is believable. Some of the plot points, however, are not very believable, so the whole thing hinges on a series of pretty farfetched coincidences The bad guys, such as they are, go completely unpunished, which is never very satisfying. The story of the miniaturist is simply unfinished. That is the biggest disappointment. I saw large chunks of the denoument coming from way back in the very early chapters. I might try another book by this novelist, but I probably won't be on the lookout for one.
Spoiler
How, for instance, has Johannes managed to keep his homosexuality a secret if he's been having his lover in the office with the door unlocked and up against the side of his warehouse outside in public? Nothing is offered to suggest that his behavior has suddenly changed. Why should it be discovered suddenly just now, immediately after his marriage?
The book is like a contemporary old school tale of Petronella, Marin and Johannes. I loved the high imagination, the great characterization and all the embellishments. I loved everything in the book but I dont know why the whole concept was not used fully. I thought there would be some dark magic or something of that sort would be involved but no. I hope there is a sequel to this as a lot of strands are hanging in air waiting to get tied.
I bought this book years ago and never got around to reading it. I read it as a buddy read which I found great as it’s a good one to discuss. The first 3/4 of the book I absolutely loved. The momentum was fast and kept going without revealing any secrets, however, for me, the last 1/4 I felt lacking and it declined from a 4-5* read, to a 3-4*. I enjoyed Nella’s story and the ups and downs she lived through married to Johannes. He was an odd character that I couldn’t quite figure out until around 2/4 in when we realise why he seems a bit estranged. Johannes’ sister, Marin, seems to be hiding a magnitude of secrets, as do Cornelia and Otto, their servants. The story unravels uncovering a lot of similar issues / controversial topics that are still relevant today - it’s based in 1600’s Holland. The author incorporates them very well. All in all, 3.5*.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book wasn't what I expected it to be, it was slow and sad and filled with language that was hard to read in more ways than one.
Definitely not an easy lightheaded read.
The characters were complex and well rounded but the conclusion was slightly disappointing for me.
Definitely not an easy lightheaded read.
The characters were complex and well rounded but the conclusion was slightly disappointing for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Pregnancy
Incredibly sad but well-written interesting story & setting.