A review by nicolioliolio
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

1) this book has so much casual trauma surround gay issues. It’s really fucked honestly at how nonchalantly it condemns a character to queer character to death. Felt very 2014: new enough to have a queer character and Black character, old enough to give them no joy or dignity. 

2) I loved that this book had strong female characters, butI found it frustrating that Nella and Marin lived so neatly in their female roles without any complaints about their lot as women. All Marin and Nella ever care about is procreating and being wives. Why does no female character in this book have agency?  

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