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A review by mmarlborough
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was picked by for our Book Club! I had no prior knowledge of this historical fiction novel (or its sequel.) It was a perfectly timed book for Pride month too. While I enjoyed aspects of this, I was left wanting more.
17th century Amsterdam- 18 year old Nella meets her husband Johannes Brandt. She’s new to all wifely duties, alone in a world so new to her. Her sister in law Marin is not warm to her and Nella wonders if her cold marriage bed will ever be warmed. The only happiness in her life is a gift from her husband that is a miniature version of their home. She finds a miniaturist to create tiny furnishings for it. But the artist uses the creation to foreshadow events of the those in home….forcing Nella to confront the truths about her marriage.
What I liked: this novel was well researched and atmospheric (I rarely read books set in Amsterdam.) I found the miniaturist and the mystery surrounding it fascinating. I enjoyed the growth of Marin, from snotty sister in law to becoming my favorite character. The narration of this on audio was pretty great (although members of my book club didn’t care for the characterization of Marin in this format. I hadn’t thought about it but do agree with them!)
What didn’t work for me: I found Nella unrealistic, from so naive to so worldly by the end without much actual growth shown? I also struggle with accepting that Nella was a real human but this novel changed soooo much about her life. Lastly, I wanted more on the miniaturist! I understand there’s a sequel but I was left with a lot of questions. Overall, I’m glad I listened to it but it’s not a favorite historical fiction book of mine.
✨Content Warnings: Homophobia, Animal Death, Racism, Pregnancy, Religious Bigotry, Medical Trauma, Death of a Parent, Classism, Sexual Content, Child Death
✨Themes: Gender Inequality, Supernatural, Secrets
✨You May Like This If You Enjoyed:
-The Other Boleyn Girl (Philippa Gregory)
-In Memorium (Alice Winn)
[To be clear, I think both of these books are better than what I’m reviewing but there are similar themes!]
17th century Amsterdam- 18 year old Nella meets her husband Johannes Brandt. She’s new to all wifely duties, alone in a world so new to her. Her sister in law Marin is not warm to her and Nella wonders if her cold marriage bed will ever be warmed. The only happiness in her life is a gift from her husband that is a miniature version of their home. She finds a miniaturist to create tiny furnishings for it. But the artist uses the creation to foreshadow events of the those in home….forcing Nella to confront the truths about her marriage.
What I liked: this novel was well researched and atmospheric (I rarely read books set in Amsterdam.) I found the miniaturist and the mystery surrounding it fascinating. I enjoyed the growth of Marin, from snotty sister in law to becoming my favorite character. The narration of this on audio was pretty great (although members of my book club didn’t care for the characterization of Marin in this format. I hadn’t thought about it but do agree with them!)
What didn’t work for me: I found Nella unrealistic, from so naive to so worldly by the end without much actual growth shown? I also struggle with accepting that Nella was a real human but this novel changed soooo much about her life. Lastly, I wanted more on the miniaturist! I understand there’s a sequel but I was left with a lot of questions. Overall, I’m glad I listened to it but it’s not a favorite historical fiction book of mine.
✨Content Warnings: Homophobia, Animal Death, Racism, Pregnancy, Religious Bigotry, Medical Trauma, Death of a Parent, Classism, Sexual Content, Child Death
✨Themes: Gender Inequality, Supernatural, Secrets
✨You May Like This If You Enjoyed:
-The Other Boleyn Girl (Philippa Gregory)
-In Memorium (Alice Winn)
[To be clear, I think both of these books are better than what I’m reviewing but there are similar themes!]