The Miniaturist

by Jessie Burton

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

I was delighted when I downloaded The Miniaturist from my library and started listening to it and immediately recognized the voice of Davina Porter. She narrated the Outlander series which I adore. Because I was familiar with Davina’s narration style it was easy to settle into Nella’s world.

Amsterdam of the 17th Century was wonderful painted by Burton. I was able to see, feel and smell the City and the home Nella lived in. Each of the characters was as beautifully wrought as the items the Miniaturist sent so Nella. It was magical.

Nella does an amazing amount of maturing during the course of the novel. Married to a man almost twice her age, she starts out quite naive and as the story progresses we see her take in the events of her life and figure out how to make the situation work best for her.

The one thing that bothered me about the book was the Miniaturist. When I reached the end of the story and almost all the secrets were laid out, I couldn’t help but think of that episode of The Big Bang Theory when Amy ruins Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark for Sheldon. I didn’t understand any more about the Miniaturist and their uncanny skill at the end of story then I did at the beginning. I couldn’t help but feel like Nella would have come to the same end without the Miniaturist’s influence. So the question, I ask, is what was the point of the the Miniaturist? Honestly, I haven’t got a clue!

I would definitely recommend this book for readers who love historical fiction. The attention to detail regarding life, government and religion in 17th Century Amsterdam is amazing. You will feel like you are living and breathing in the same time as Nella. You will admire her strength in the face of some astonishing obstacles and come to love her as she fights for household and her identity.


This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews