I’m definitely late to the party with this one, as I saw a lot of buzz about this book a while ago but better late than never!
Plot Overview:
On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. But her new home, while splendorous, is not welcoming. Johannes is kind yet distant, always locked in his study or at his warehouse office–leaving Nella alone with his sister, the sharp-tongued and forbidding Marin.
But Nella’s world changes when Johannes presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. To furnish her gift, Nella engages the services of a miniaturist–an elusive and enigmatic artist whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways . . .
Johannes’ gift helps Nella to pierce the closed world of the Brandt household. But as she uncovers its unusual secrets, she begins to understand–and fear–the escalating dangers that await them all. In this repressively pious society where gold is worshipped second only to God, to be different is a threat to the moral fabric of society, and not even a man as rich as Johannes is safe. Only one person seems to see the fate that awaits them. Is the miniaturist the key to their salvation . . . or the architect of their destruction?
My Thoughts:
The Miniaturist was so well written and had such beautiful and intricate descriptions that I could so vividly picture the way Amsterdam used to be. From the little cobbled streets to the tasty food and confectionery, it was honestly such a readable story.
It’s quite hard to believe this is Jessie Burtons debut novel – it’s such a compelling and well researched story. There was in fact a real couple: Petronella Oortman and Johannes Brandt who serve as the inspiration for Burtons characters but obviously there has been a lot of creative license taken. There’s a few pages devoted to references as well as commonly used phrases and language which can be found in the book too. I absolutely love learning about history so this was a nice little feature.
I believe the book also exposes the hypocrisy and restrictive nature of Dutch society at the time. In a time where any mistake or moral shortcoming could be punishable by law, where friends and neighbours would spy on each other and inform the authorities, often leading to dire results. Burton definitely exposes the dark underbelly of this society, where the love of money was everything – at the expense of compassion.
“Amsterdam: Where the pendulum swings from God to a guilder.”
While the overarching story continues, the thread which weaves it all together is that of the miniaturist – an elusive crafter of wares who repeatedly sends intricate replicas of Nella and those around her, as well as items in their home, with puzzling notes attached. This is the greatest mystery of the story, who is it? Why do they send the miniatures to Nella? Do they profess the future? You’ll have to read and find out!
One of the many highlights of this novel are the complex host of characters that we are introduced to. From Nella Oortman, to Marin Brandt, to Cornelia their maid and Otto, they all have their own unique voice. It’s hard to find a book where each character is interesting in their own right. They each have a story to tell and what I also loved is the way they form such strong bonds with each other.
Through the course of the story we see their triumphs as well as their tribulations – Nella starts off optimistic and hopeful but becomes more knowledgable and matures a lot by the end of the book. She finds out so much about herself as well as the society in which she lives – while she has been raised to see marriage as the cure to all of lifes problems, she realises that she can indeed be ‘the architect of her own fortune’.
While Marin is a foreboding and difficult character to like – at first anyway, over time you see a deeply intelligent and compassionate woman who has tried to forge her own path, choosing to remain unmarried and pursue her own passions. I really liked Cornelia, the quick witted and fiercely loyal maid as well as Otto who is a gentle hearted man, and also the ward of Johannes.
It’s strange even though all the characters seem to love Johannes, I have to say I definitely don’t share this sentiment. While I was interested in him at first, eventually I just didn’t see anything overly fascinating about him, and at times I feel like he was quite selfish. No character can be perfect though so this is true to human nature, everyone has their flaws.
The way the story ends is one which I’m sure is quite divisive, if you like clear cut, all strings tied sort of endings then this may prove sort of disappointing to you. For me, I love an ending which will keep me thinking and wanting more, even though it can be frustrating at times – this one is the perfect one for this truly atmospheric story.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction or anyone who enjoys a haunting story with unique and interesting characters. It’s definitely a book I’d love to re-read and I hope other people love it as much as I do!
★★★★- 4 Star Rating
Have you read The Miniaturist? If so, what did you think? Or if not, does it sound like a book you’d be interested in? Would love to chat in the comments!
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
This book sounds great, thanks for the amazing review. I knew about it but never wanted to read it until I read your persuasive review. I love the historical context the novel is set in. I largely know the period more or less from the Tulipomania books I’ve read, and I guess there was a lot of oddities and obsessions going on at that time. I am intrigued what this book has to offer.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed this post and feel inclined to take a read of this book. It’s such a good story, would really recommend especially if you’re interested in the historical context.
I read The Miniaturist recently and LOVED it! The characters were compelling and the writing style is extraordinary.
Wonderful, very well written review!
Ahh I’m so glad you enjoyed it too – Who was your favourite character?? & thanks for such a lovely comment too, I really appreciate it.
You’re welcome. My favourite character was probably Nella, as she was a great protagonist, but Marin was very compelling at the same time. I agree with you about Johannes.
I totally agree with you – Nella was also my favourite. Marin too. I’m glad to see you thought the same about Johannes -in most reviews I’ve read, people seem to love Johannes? I guess it’s a matter of opinion haha
Awesome review! I’ve heard great things about this book! Added this to my TBR 😊
Yay! Would love to hear your thoughts whenever you get round to reading it x
I had never heard of this author nor book but it sounds like a great read! Loving the intrigue! Added to my shopping list!
It’s such a great read – hope you enjoy whenever you get round to reading x
I’ve actually haven’t heard of this book before but it sounds so interesting! I love books that are history-based, it makes it really fun to jump into a different time period and learn about how the world was at whatever place in the world the author decided to write about.
Usually when I read a book, it’s usually one or two characters that are interesting but! wow this book has all characters that have leave the reader waiting to learn more about them!
I feel like every time I read your blog, my Want to Read list on Goodreads gets larger haha!
Sahara
The fact that my blog makes you want to read the books I review makes me so happy haha ☺️ the highest compliment a book blogger can receive! & Historical fiction is so amazing – this is such a well done story too. Hope you enjoy whenever you get round to reading it x
I haven’t heard of this one before, but it honestly sounds amazing!
excellent review, might give it a read x
Don’t worry, you’re not as late to the party as me – I’ve had it about a year and still not read it! But this review really intrigued me – you’ve gone into more detail than other reviews I’ve read, and really piqued my interest! I didn’t actually realise it was set in Amsterdam either, so that’s another interesting element!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
Aww I would totally recommend it! It’s such an enjoyable story so I hope you enjoy it whenever you find time to give it a try 💛
good prompt – I’ve been meaning to read this for ages – fab review!
Thank you for commenting, hope you enjoy it whenever you find time to read it x
Brilliant review. I haven’t read this book but I think I’ll have to add it to my ever growing list of books. I have The Muse by Jessie Burton but I haven’t gotten around to reading that one either. I’ll have to keep a look out for it because I have heard so many good things about this book. x
Thank you! I really appreciate it ☺️ & judging by how much I loved this book, will be adding The Muse to my TBR as well.
Although this is an amazing review of this book, I am in two minds now of whether or not I would like to read it. I did when it first came out, but I am not that into Historical Fiction. Very detailed and I like your views on the characters in the book too.
I totally get what you mean as historical fiction never use to interest me either – but I think this one is a really great one to break into the genre. Thanks for commenting 💛
You’re welcome. It was a good read. I will give It a try.
Oh wow this sounds like a really good and unique read- it’s not something I would have thought to pick up but after this review I’ll definitely keep it in mind, so thank you!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Aw you’re welcome – hope you enjoy if you do decide to take a read one day x
This sounds unlike anything I have read
Honestly I’m not so sure this book is for me, I’m not particularly into history and it sounds quite complex and right now my baby brain can’t deal with that! I’m really glad you enjoyed it though, great in-depth review!
PaleGirlRambling xo
http://palegirlrambling.co.uk
I totally get what you mean! You definitely have to be in the right state of mind for it for sure. Thanks for commenting!!
I won this book years ago, when it first came out but I never read it. It’s not really my genre and I thought it looked a bit intense and wordy but I’ve heard nothing but great things about it! Great review, as always 🙂
Thank you Jenny 💛 & that’s what I thought too at first but recently I’ve really got into historical fiction and this is a great one to start with for sure!
I’ve seen this book around a lot and I don’t know why I haven’t picked it up because it sounds very interesting!
It’s definitely worth the hype, in my opinion at least haha x
This is a fantastic review! I listened to the audiobook of The Miniaturist earlier this year and basically loved it that much I couldn’t review it, but your review is honestly spot on. And kinda making me want to pick it up again.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Ooo I’ve never really listened to an audio book before but because I love The Miniaturist so much, I may have to give it a go! I’m so happy to see you also loved it so much, such a brilliant book! X
This book sound so interesting, gonna check it out! 💜✨
With love, Alisha Valerie x
This book has been on my to read list for a long time! I’m so glad to know you enjoyed it and that it’s well written. I will have to make it a priority to read it in the new year. Great review!
Great review! I’m actually reading in right now. Well I started listening to the audiobook but I’m afraid I don’t like it that much. I just can’t vibe with the narrator. But your review makes me want to give the book a fair chance and try to read it physically. I was so bummed that I didn’t like it so far because of the narrator because the story sounds so intriguing! And I love the setting.
Thank you for commenting – aww it’s such a shame you’re not connecting with the audio book but perhaps the physical copy will be better for you then? If you do decide to give it a read, hope you enjoy it more xx