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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Having recently visited Amsterdam with my friend, specifically the Van Loon Museum, reading this was a treat for my imagination.
The story follows 18-year-old Nella, recently betrothed to Johannes Brandt, a wealthy merchant and a pillar of his community. He lives in Amsterdam with his sister Marin and their servants Cornelia and Otto. Despite being the lady of the house, Marin makes it clear that Nella is not in charge.
From the initial awkwardness of fitting into a household, to the unravelling of the Brandt family The Minaturist held my attention throughout and I couldn't wait to find out where the story would take me.
The reason why this is four stars and not five is because the story of the actual miniaturist seemed to fall flat. Johannes gift to Nella upon marriage is a beautiful doll's house (which can be seen in the Rijksmuseum). He gives her permission to buy whatever she likes to fill the house. Nella orders several items and the miniaturist continues to send more, often with hidden motives and telling of things yet to come. However, this story line just seems to peter out.
For me, the real strength lies in the characters Jessie Burton creates. I really sympathised with Nella, even if she was beyond her years in terms of her opinions, thoughts and knowledge. The supporting characters provide warmth and friction for Nella. Although the fact that Otto was black was touched upon and then not really mentioned.
I have come to realise that families, relationships and affairs of the heart are what keep the pages turning for me and this novel was full of them. The description of 17th Century Amsterdam was rich and detailed and I easily pictured the house and the surroundings. I look forward to reading more of Jessie Burton in the future.
The story follows 18-year-old Nella, recently betrothed to Johannes Brandt, a wealthy merchant and a pillar of his community. He lives in Amsterdam with his sister Marin and their servants Cornelia and Otto. Despite being the lady of the house, Marin makes it clear that Nella is not in charge.
From the initial awkwardness of fitting into a household, to the unravelling of the Brandt family The Minaturist held my attention throughout and I couldn't wait to find out where the story would take me.
The reason why this is four stars and not five is because the story of the actual miniaturist seemed to fall flat. Johannes gift to Nella upon marriage is a beautiful doll's house (which can be seen in the Rijksmuseum). He gives her permission to buy whatever she likes to fill the house. Nella orders several items and the miniaturist continues to send more, often with hidden motives and telling of things yet to come. However, this story line just seems to peter out.
For me, the real strength lies in the characters Jessie Burton creates. I really sympathised with Nella, even if she was beyond her years in terms of her opinions, thoughts and knowledge. The supporting characters provide warmth and friction for Nella. Although the fact that Otto was black was touched upon and then not really mentioned.
I have come to realise that families, relationships and affairs of the heart are what keep the pages turning for me and this novel was full of them. The description of 17th Century Amsterdam was rich and detailed and I easily pictured the house and the surroundings. I look forward to reading more of Jessie Burton in the future.
This was okay. I wanted there to be more about the cupboard and miniaturist - I feel like it was unresolved. The relationship dynamics were interesting and very fleshed out, but it still didn't capture me.
I don't necessarily recommend this to anyone, but I will watch it when it becomes a series - hopefully they'll do better with the miniaturist and her story.
I don't necessarily recommend this to anyone, but I will watch it when it becomes a series - hopefully they'll do better with the miniaturist and her story.
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
This is probably a 3.5 star book as I found it extremely readable and the author painted a very believable portrait of 17th century Amsterdam, which is a refreshingly unusual setting for a historical novel. What didn't work for me were the slight fantasy elements and the fact that the characters seemed to go from hardly knowing each other to trusting each other absolutely in a very short space of time. It felt as if a chunk of the book was missing in the middle. I did like Nella's journey from innocent country girl to someone trying to save her family but it felt as if several steps along the way had been missed out. An interesting but flawed book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
This was a solid 3 and a half stars. A beautifully written story, one I had trouble putting down - but so much of it just seemed to miss the mark for me. Each time a mystery was revealed I was totally underwhelmed. A fine book with a lot to enjoy, it just could have been so much juicier!
I will read the sequel, coming out this year.
I will read the sequel, coming out this year.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-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