Some of the characters might feel a bit bland at points, but there are always other interesting characters closeby to fill the gap.

The historical descriptions and setting are very well done and really set the right mood for this story. I really enjoyed reading The Miniaturist. The miniaturist seems to know more about the Brandt household than herself, and soon Nelly starts finding out some unusual secrets… And they might be in danger. The miniaturist turns out to be a lot more mysterious than Nelly can ever imagine when she sees the first pieces, she is shocked by the accuracy of the tiny details. Nelly is told she can furnish her gift as she wishes, and decides to engage the services of a miniaturist for the miniatures. But things change as Johannes gives Nelly her wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. Marin doesn’t really seem to like the girl, and Nelly feels quite alone… Having only the servants to talk to. Johannes seems distant and is never at home, leaving her alone with his sister Marin. Soon after that Nelly arrives in Amsterdam to begin her new life as Johannes’ wife… But when she enters her new home, she isn’t welcomed as she expected. Nelly Oortman grew up on the countryside, but at eighteen her parents decided to arrange a marriage with a merchart trader named Johannes Brandt. Part of the plot wasn’t completely credible either, but like I said before: while The Miniaturist isn’t perfect, it is without doubt a very interesting and entertaining read for those who enjoy the genre. I would have liked to see more of the miniaturist and the cabinet in the story though after seeing the various covers and blurb I thought they would play a bigger role in the novel. The other main characters are quite well developed as well and the story is beautifully written. Nelly Oortman is an interesting enough character she feels a bit bland at point, but a 17th century woman wouldn’t have been allowed to have a lot of freedom in the first place. The historical setting and descriptions are very well done and made me feel like I was walking through the city along with the main characters. While this debut novel isn’t perfect, I still really enjoyed this story. I have to say Jessie Burton didn’t disappoint. The fact that the story is set in 1686 only made me want to read this novel even more I love historical fiction and I really looked forward to the historical descriptions of a city I know quite well. Having grown up in a town close to Amsterdam, I was immediately intrigued by the setting of The Miniaturist. It simply presents you with more reasons for doubt.” “Growing older does not seem to make you more certain, Nella thinks. 2023 Netgalley And Edelweiss Reading Challenge.

2017 Netgalley And Edelweiss Reading Challenge.

Book review the miniaturist