‘Haunting, magical and full of surprises.’ S.J. Watson

‘Fabulously gripping.’ Observer

‘Powerful and richly imagined.’ Sunday Times

Set in 1686, the eighteen year old protagonist, Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to embark on her newly married life with the wealthy, older, Johannes Brandt. The wedding gift Nella receives from her husband is curiously, a cabinet-sized replica of their home. The young protagonist wishes to furnish the home with tiny furniture of their actual-sized counterparts. Once Nella initiates contact with the elusive miniaturist the dark secrets of her new family come to light.

The character of the miniaturist is very odd, the reader is forever questioning her intent, her knowledge, her power. How does the miniaturist know the secrets of the household if she’s never been there? How is the miniaturist able to prophesise events before they happen? The Miniaturist leaves the reader asking questions throughout the book.

It is beautifully written, is filled with plot twists, is haunting and endearing, yet it left me frustrated. I finished the novel and I thought, ‘what was the bloody point of the miniaturist?’ If you like a book with a resolution you won’t like this. It is left completely open-ended and I was left somewhat underwhelmed when I finished it. Don’t shoot the bookworm, it is a great read, a page-turner in fact and I do recommend it but the ending needed work.

Rating | 3/5 |

Have you read The Miniaturist? What books have you read recently?