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sianw1992's review against another edition
4.0
Having recently visited Amsterdam with my friend, specifically the Van Loon Museum, reading this was a treat for my imagination.
The story follows 18-year-old Nella, recently betrothed to Johannes Brandt, a wealthy merchant and a pillar of his community. He lives in Amsterdam with his sister Marin and their servants Cornelia and Otto. Despite being the lady of the house, Marin makes it clear that Nella is not in charge.
From the initial awkwardness of fitting into a household, to the unravelling of the Brandt family The Minaturist held my attention throughout and I couldn't wait to find out where the story would take me.
The reason why this is four stars and not five is because the story of the actual miniaturist seemed to fall flat. Johannes gift to Nella upon marriage is a beautiful doll's house (which can be seen in the Rijksmuseum). He gives her permission to buy whatever she likes to fill the house. Nella orders several items and the miniaturist continues to send more, often with hidden motives and telling of things yet to come. However, this story line just seems to peter out.
For me, the real strength lies in the characters Jessie Burton creates. I really sympathised with Nella, even if she was beyond her years in terms of her opinions, thoughts and knowledge. The supporting characters provide warmth and friction for Nella. Although the fact that Otto was black was touched upon and then not really mentioned.
I have come to realise that families, relationships and affairs of the heart are what keep the pages turning for me and this novel was full of them. The description of 17th Century Amsterdam was rich and detailed and I easily pictured the house and the surroundings. I look forward to reading more of Jessie Burton in the future.
The story follows 18-year-old Nella, recently betrothed to Johannes Brandt, a wealthy merchant and a pillar of his community. He lives in Amsterdam with his sister Marin and their servants Cornelia and Otto. Despite being the lady of the house, Marin makes it clear that Nella is not in charge.
From the initial awkwardness of fitting into a household, to the unravelling of the Brandt family The Minaturist held my attention throughout and I couldn't wait to find out where the story would take me.
The reason why this is four stars and not five is because the story of the actual miniaturist seemed to fall flat. Johannes gift to Nella upon marriage is a beautiful doll's house (which can be seen in the Rijksmuseum). He gives her permission to buy whatever she likes to fill the house. Nella orders several items and the miniaturist continues to send more, often with hidden motives and telling of things yet to come. However, this story line just seems to peter out.
For me, the real strength lies in the characters Jessie Burton creates. I really sympathised with Nella, even if she was beyond her years in terms of her opinions, thoughts and knowledge. The supporting characters provide warmth and friction for Nella. Although the fact that Otto was black was touched upon and then not really mentioned.
I have come to realise that families, relationships and affairs of the heart are what keep the pages turning for me and this novel was full of them. The description of 17th Century Amsterdam was rich and detailed and I easily pictured the house and the surroundings. I look forward to reading more of Jessie Burton in the future.
camilaferreira's review against another edition
3.0
Mais em breve em www.mileumcapitulos.com.br
O tem um super clima de mistério, TONELADAS DE DRAMA FAMILIAR, nenhuma conclusão para o mistério e sérios problemas e, relação à época. A história se passa nos anos 1600, mas em nenhum momento eu me sentia em uma época tão antiga. nenhum personagem falava, agia ou sequer dava muito a entender que estávamos em 1686. Acho que a tradução atrapalhou, mas eu imaginava tudo se passando na época vitoriana, talve um pouco antes. Os personagens são inconstantes, mas gostáveis e o drama entretém. O problema maior para mim foi que o maldito mistério que envolvia as miniaturas, não foi solucionado. Se era pra escrever uma história sobre problemas, intrigas, homossexualismo e comércio no século XVII escrevesse, mas não havia a necessidade de enfiar um mistério que não contribuiu em nada para a história ou para o desfecho.
O tem um super clima de mistério, TONELADAS DE DRAMA FAMILIAR, nenhuma conclusão para o mistério e sérios problemas e, relação à época. A história se passa nos anos 1600, mas em nenhum momento eu me sentia em uma época tão antiga. nenhum personagem falava, agia ou sequer dava muito a entender que estávamos em 1686. Acho que a tradução atrapalhou, mas eu imaginava tudo se passando na época vitoriana, talve um pouco antes. Os personagens são inconstantes, mas gostáveis e o drama entretém. O problema maior para mim foi que o maldito mistério que envolvia as miniaturas, não foi solucionado. Se era pra escrever uma história sobre problemas, intrigas, homossexualismo e comércio no século XVII escrevesse, mas não havia a necessidade de enfiar um mistério que não contribuiu em nada para a história ou para o desfecho.
lakediver's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. Beautifully written. I stayed up until 4am one night to finish it ... read half the book in one sitting.
ramonasultana's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
The story is well written, based in 17th century Amsterdam where it depicts the brutality of the Dutch Church.
I was a bit disappointed towards the end as I am still confused by the role of the Miniaturist and I hope it becomes clearer in the 2nd book which looks like it resolves around Thea age 18 (to be published 7th July 2022). The ending leaves you wanting more! It is a good book and looking forward to read the second.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author herself and she’s done an excellent job.
The story is well written, based in 17th century Amsterdam where it depicts the brutality of the Dutch Church.
I was a bit disappointed towards the end as I am still confused by the role of the Miniaturist and I hope it becomes clearer in the 2nd book which looks like it resolves around Thea age 18 (to be published 7th July 2022). The ending leaves you wanting more! It is a good book and looking forward to read the second.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author herself and she’s done an excellent job.
lilis_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Eine vielseitige Geschichte mit vielen Wendepunkten, man merkt den Wachstum der Protagonisten und ihren inneren Kampf
tamzy6's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
3.0
This was an easy and enjoyable read. To some degree this book felt more YA than Adult Fiction, maybe it's because the protagonist was an 18-year-old teenager. I feel like the characters in the Brandt household have 21st century thinking but they're all stuck in a 17th century world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Grief and Gaslighting
bethanylewis's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Blood