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A review by books_and_tea_make_katy_happy
The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton
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
4.0
“The road in front is empty: it is behind them that something waits.”
We're back in Amsterdam, 18 years after The Miniaturist left off, and the Brandt household is still busy keeping up appearances and keeping secrets... It's 1705 and Thea Brandt has grown up in a patchwork of a household consisting of her father, Otto, her aunt, Nella, and loyal servant, Cornelia. Her mother died giving birth to her and she knows next to nothing about who she was, just one of the things her family does not talk about. They do talk about marrying her off to a rich man, and quickly, because of their dwindling financial situation. But Thea is in love with the theatre and the theatre's set painter, although he is also not quite as he seems...
I just loved reading this story! I had thoroughly enjoyed The Miniaturist and thought it was a great standalone novel but it was such a treat to be given this sequel to catch up on the characters and how their lives had continued. The writing takes the reader straight to 1700s Amsterdam, the social politics, the clothes, and the culture. This is not a sequel about the miniaturist of the first book although she does remain a presence in The House of Fortune for Nella, but there's still enough magic and mystery to keep readers guessing about how closely she continues to watch the family! 🍍
Recommend to fans of The Marriage Portrait, and The Essex Serpent.
We're back in Amsterdam, 18 years after The Miniaturist left off, and the Brandt household is still busy keeping up appearances and keeping secrets... It's 1705 and Thea Brandt has grown up in a patchwork of a household consisting of her father, Otto, her aunt, Nella, and loyal servant, Cornelia. Her mother died giving birth to her and she knows next to nothing about who she was, just one of the things her family does not talk about. They do talk about marrying her off to a rich man, and quickly, because of their dwindling financial situation. But Thea is in love with the theatre and the theatre's set painter, although he is also not quite as he seems...
I just loved reading this story! I had thoroughly enjoyed The Miniaturist and thought it was a great standalone novel but it was such a treat to be given this sequel to catch up on the characters and how their lives had continued. The writing takes the reader straight to 1700s Amsterdam, the social politics, the clothes, and the culture. This is not a sequel about the miniaturist of the first book although she does remain a presence in The House of Fortune for Nella, but there's still enough magic and mystery to keep readers guessing about how closely she continues to watch the family! 🍍
Recommend to fans of The Marriage Portrait, and The Essex Serpent.