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amccartney's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Good book, I read it in Amsterdam so it was fun to see the historical story of the city through the novel while being in the modern city, and to see the dollhouse that inspired the book at the art museum. Ultimately I found the story a little unsatisfying.
chloemerc's review against another edition
3.0
Not massively captivating writing style but interesting storyline
whatkatereadsnext's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alidathealien's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I wish there was more of the miniaturist in The Miniaturist!
juniperd's review against another edition
4.0
i needed an engrossing, escapist read and burton's novel fit the bill perfectly; i am very impressed with this debut.
inkwitchery's review against another edition
3.0
THE MINIATURIST by Jessie Burton
I have mixed feelings. This story had a lot of elements I’m drawn to - gothic historical fiction, mysterious magical objects and characters with secrets to discover. The first half was great, then it started getting weird and melodramatic.
The title is misleading as the miniaturist is mainly a peripheral character. In the end, there wasn’t a solid explanation regarding their motives or even how they were able to know so much about each person. Unfortunately, I never became fully engaged with any of the characters storylines or cared enough about their outcomes.
I did get a great history lesson! While reading I looked up the history of The Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Era and as well as the East India Company. I even learned how sugar loaves were made and distributed.
Additionally, the photos I viewed online of the real Petronella Ortman’s miniature dollhouse really made it come to life. It’s amazing how detailed it really is!
Overall, I appreciate what the author was trying to do, creating a fictional story around the real dollhouse. However, I feel the plot was written well enough to not even need the dollhouse gimmick.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
I have mixed feelings. This story had a lot of elements I’m drawn to - gothic historical fiction, mysterious magical objects and characters with secrets to discover. The first half was great, then it started getting weird and melodramatic.
The title is misleading as the miniaturist is mainly a peripheral character. In the end, there wasn’t a solid explanation regarding their motives or even how they were able to know so much about each person. Unfortunately, I never became fully engaged with any of the characters storylines or cared enough about their outcomes.
I did get a great history lesson! While reading I looked up the history of The Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Era and as well as the East India Company. I even learned how sugar loaves were made and distributed.
Additionally, the photos I viewed online of the real Petronella Ortman’s miniature dollhouse really made it come to life. It’s amazing how detailed it really is!
Overall, I appreciate what the author was trying to do, creating a fictional story around the real dollhouse. However, I feel the plot was written well enough to not even need the dollhouse gimmick.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
satihoward's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully detailed and wonderfully written. One of those books that truly transports you to another place and time.
elenapanyard's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good. I especially recommend re-reading the first chapter after finishing. This book is full of surprises. I do wish there was more action. The end really made me emotional and that rarely happens with books.
ferdavilareads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75