There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed . . .
On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways . . .
Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall?
Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, Jessie Burton's magnificent debut novel The Miniaturist is a story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have heard a lot about this book, mostly good things, but alas I don’t have a lot to say. I think it’s okay, but I don’t have a lot to expand on. I like how it explores highly talked-about and relevant subject matter but sets them and their consequences in the past (I can’t say anything without spoiling huge twists). Upon first reflection this book isn’t about the miniaturist as much as it suggests, but now that I think about it a lot of the connections are hidden and metaphorical. I feel like that’s the point and that’s what makes this book so layered and interesting. Nella becomes obsessed with the miniaturist and receiving more pieces, but the majority of her attention is focused on house drams. A lot happens in this novel and it can be quite dramatic. I enjoyed reading this book for the most part (it dragged a bit at the beginning), and while I don’t find it as amazing as others, I see its value.
