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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
The atmosphere Jessie Burton creates in her debut novel, The miniaturist, is a very heavy and eerie, an impression given by the idea of the cluttered rooms in 1686. This fact alone makes the book at bit slow paced at the beginning, but it quickly speeds up as soon as the first secret is revealed.
Nella is young bride with little to no knowledge of how a wife should behave, what married life is about. Her desire to be a perfect wife is overcome by her need to know the truth and thus her curiosity sends everything into a spiral that does not end well.
The character development and degradation throughout the book is amazing. Nella's maturity gradually develops, she does not become sure on her feet overnight, flaw which I have met in many novels. Throughout the book, Nella learns to be sure of the steps she takes in Amsterdam, to slowly become the mistress of the house she married into.
Marin slowly became one of my favorite characters. Here is a sister burdened with her brother's secrets and desires, the need to protect him coming above her own need to live. The cold and distant way she presents herself is well explained as she has lived all her life with the defenses up.
Although Johannes should feel close to a main character, he is mostly in the shadow. This is not a story about a husband and a wife, it's a story about how his secrets and his desire to be righteous and fair bring everything down. Somehow, now I blame him for everything that happened.
Although the book is called The Miniaturist, this character never really makes an appearance. They talk about her, but never talk to her. She is never there and when finally they are close to her, she is removed. I am disappointed that there is no logical explanation regarding everything she had made for Nella other than she could play with time. This is a very historically accurate book, don't throw this mysterious magic like ability in it. You ruin the atmosphere.
Overall, The Miniaturist is a good book about building relationships, that a family is more than just a husband and a wife and that secrets, although kept to protect those we love, can destroy a world overnight.
Nella is young bride with little to no knowledge of how a wife should behave, what married life is about. Her desire to be a perfect wife is overcome by her need to know the truth and thus her curiosity sends everything into a spiral that does not end well.
The character development and degradation throughout the book is amazing. Nella's maturity gradually develops, she does not become sure on her feet overnight, flaw which I have met in many novels. Throughout the book, Nella learns to be sure of the steps she takes in Amsterdam, to slowly become the mistress of the house she married into.
Marin slowly became one of my favorite characters. Here is a sister burdened with her brother's secrets and desires, the need to protect him coming above her own need to live. The cold and distant way she presents herself is well explained as she has lived all her life with the defenses up.
Although Johannes should feel close to a main character, he is mostly in the shadow. This is not a story about a husband and a wife, it's a story about how his secrets and his desire to be righteous and fair bring everything down. Somehow, now I blame him for everything that happened.
Although the book is called The Miniaturist, this character never really makes an appearance. They talk about her, but never talk to her. She is never there and when finally they are close to her, she is removed. I am disappointed that there is no logical explanation regarding everything she had made for Nella other than she could play with time. This is a very historically accurate book, don't throw this mysterious magic like ability in it. You ruin the atmosphere.
Overall, The Miniaturist is a good book about building relationships, that a family is more than just a husband and a wife and that secrets, although kept to protect those we love, can destroy a world overnight.
Well written, enchanting, mysterious and unputdownable. Read it for the thoroughly detailed portrayal of 17th century Amsterdam. Read it for the characters, their ups and downs, the powerful metaphors.
But don't read it for hopes of unravelling the mystery of the Miniaturist. The ending was a letdown.
But all things considered, the prose is beautifully written and the book flows fluidly from page to page, leaving the reader wanting more.
But don't read it for hopes of unravelling the mystery of the Miniaturist. The ending was a letdown.
But all things considered, the prose is beautifully written and the book flows fluidly from page to page, leaving the reader wanting more.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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 normally don't mind when a book just ends when so much more could happen. However, this one...such buildup and suspense and well drawn detail, only to end with so many loose ends that you're not sure why you bothered reading in the first place. And again, this is not always a bad way to end, but normally an author who does that doesn't try to clearly push all the storylines towards a SOMETHING that is going to resolve things at least in part. It's a solid 3.5 stars, but I'm erring up because I really did enjoy all the descriptions.
My husband gifted me this book before we left for a two week trip to Belgium and Amsterdam. I enjoy historical fiction, especially when I'm reading it while visiting the places that inspired the book.
I was surprised with how quickly I dove into this story. It is set in the 1600's, and had potential to be dry, but it is so engaging and accurate without feeling like you're reading a history textbook. There were several moments during our trip where I would see something on the street or read something in a museum and say, "This is in my book!" or "Oh, I read about this..."
This is my first read by Jessie Burton, but I'll be adding more of her titles to my to-read list. This title was so thoroughly researched and fun to read, I can't wait to see what else she's written.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction or is from/will be visiting Amsterdam any time soon.
I was surprised with how quickly I dove into this story. It is set in the 1600's, and had potential to be dry, but it is so engaging and accurate without feeling like you're reading a history textbook. There were several moments during our trip where I would see something on the street or read something in a museum and say, "This is in my book!" or "Oh, I read about this..."
This is my first read by Jessie Burton, but I'll be adding more of her titles to my to-read list. This title was so thoroughly researched and fun to read, I can't wait to see what else she's written.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction or is from/will be visiting Amsterdam any time soon.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don’t know what to make of this story. I guess the theme is learning to live with the outcome of your choices, or the importance of found family. I honestly don’t see what “the miniaturist” adds to the story. That character could have been eliminated and I think the story would have been better. Less contrived. It’s a sad story and I do not see a future for those who remain at the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Torture
dark
mysterious
fast-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:
Complicated
fast-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes