Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Overall I enjoyed the ride this book took me on. There were moments I did not enjoy, but I persevered and it felt like it wrapped up nicely in the end. The dog murder almost had me stop reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
This book was probably the most talked about debut novel of 2014 and it's easy to see why. Burton creates a vivid world which slowly draws us in and reveals it secrets. She creates complex flawed, yet likeable character. The main character Nella in particular we see transform from a child bride who is given a dolls house by her new husband as a distraction, and is rendered catatonic by the first shocking secret to a strong woman who by the end is the person left holding everyone else together. Through it all is the mysterious miniaturist, commissioned to create the tiny objects for the doll house, who presents Nella with unasked for items which seem to foretell events in the book.
My only complaint with the book is way certain storylines are hinted at but never fully explored. This is most notable in the case of the miniaturist. Despite playing a central role in the book we know almost nothing about them beyond a few bare biographical details provided near the end. I would have liked to find out more about the miniaturist and their reasons for sending the items, and how they seem to know the most intimate details of people's lives, secrets they have shared with no one. This of course part of the mystery of the book and the appeal. Unusually we the reader never know more then Nella, we learn things at the same time she does. Perhaps the author intends to write a sequel at some point from the perspective of the miniaturist which would be very interesting.
Either way it was a very enjoyable and absorbing read. Burton looks set to become an author to watch.
My only complaint with the book is way certain storylines are hinted at but never fully explored. This is most notable in the case of the miniaturist. Despite playing a central role in the book we know almost nothing about them beyond a few bare biographical details provided near the end. I would have liked to find out more about the miniaturist and their reasons for sending the items, and how they seem to know the most intimate details of people's lives, secrets they have shared with no one. This of course part of the mystery of the book and the appeal. Unusually we the reader never know more then Nella, we learn things at the same time she does. Perhaps the author intends to write a sequel at some point from the perspective of the miniaturist which would be very interesting.
Either way it was a very enjoyable and absorbing read. Burton looks set to become an author to watch.
Lovely vivid writing, but couldn’t really believe in any of the characters or their actions - 21st century values sit clumsily in the 17th century - and it was SO plotty, so contrived, that I was hugely irritated at times: for heaven’s sake, what NOW!?
A book group book, and probably not something I’d have picked up otherwise.
A book group book, and probably not something I’d have picked up otherwise.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
Not quite 5 stars but let’s round up, shall we?
I kept moving this down my reading list, and noticed it had been made into a movie (?) in the UK and got great reviews, but apparently they don’t want to share. Can’t a colony get some love over here?!
I’m glad I read it! I like authors that don’t leave everything tied up in a little bow at the end for convenience. Open ended-ness seems to lend us readers some credit to do a little thinking, and to feel the shock and awe of life in Amsterdam in the 17th century!
Characters had layers that weren’t completely revealed (even the minor ones), and Burton gives you an ample taste of what life was (and wasn’t) for women in society.
A solid read, I’d say!
P.S. just read on another review “A dollhouse owned by a real Petronella Oortman currently [is] in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam” which would be amazing to see! Next stop?
I kept moving this down my reading list, and noticed it had been made into a movie (?) in the UK and got great reviews, but apparently they don’t want to share. Can’t a colony get some love over here?!
I’m glad I read it! I like authors that don’t leave everything tied up in a little bow at the end for convenience. Open ended-ness seems to lend us readers some credit to do a little thinking, and to feel the shock and awe of life in Amsterdam in the 17th century!
Characters had layers that weren’t completely revealed (even the minor ones), and Burton gives you an ample taste of what life was (and wasn’t) for women in society.
A solid read, I’d say!
P.S. just read on another review “A dollhouse owned by a real Petronella Oortman currently [is] in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam” which would be amazing to see! Next stop?
I loved some of the tiny details of the miniature dolls, furniture, clocks etc but the plot was a bit less intricate with some heavy twists. Enjoyed reading about 1600s Holland, made me buy some marzipan!
Many reviewers are disappointed with the lack of resolution/expecting more of an 'answer' the mystery of the miniaturist. I'm not sure if it was because I was prepared for this but I didn't find it frustrating or unsatisfying. There is clearly a mystical/metaphorical element which I'm totally fine with.
I feel like I would have really liked to have done a study group or buddy read for this book as there's things I'd like to explore with it. I plan to read the sequel.
I feel like I would have really liked to have done a study group or buddy read for this book as there's things I'd like to explore with it. I plan to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder