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alettarrr's review against another edition
4.0
Well, that was not what I expected.
I must confess it was a bit slow in the beginning. But the moment Nella began unraveling the secrets of the people around her, the story hypnotized me. It compelled me to keep reading and reading. And that's something any good book should be able to do. Not only was the storyline quite mysterious and secretive, but also heartwrenching. Nella goes through such an amazing character developement, from a naïve country girl who wants to be loved to an indepenend woman. And it must be said that although the story takes place in 17th century Amsterdam, it is not male centric. All the female characters are rather strong (which I thoroughly love). They are not meek or act as damsels in distress. They are capable women, trying to cope with a multitude of things life throws at them.
All in all it was a wonderful, although sometimes (especially at the end) a little heartwrenching, story.
I must confess it was a bit slow in the beginning. But the moment Nella began unraveling the secrets of the people around her, the story hypnotized me. It compelled me to keep reading and reading. And that's something any good book should be able to do. Not only was the storyline quite mysterious and secretive, but also heartwrenching. Nella goes through such an amazing character developement, from a naïve country girl who wants to be loved to an indepenend woman. And it must be said that although the story takes place in 17th century Amsterdam, it is not male centric. All the female characters are rather strong (which I thoroughly love). They are not meek or act as damsels in distress. They are capable women, trying to cope with a multitude of things life throws at them.
All in all it was a wonderful, although sometimes (especially at the end) a little heartwrenching, story.
sunnivalise's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maddly_peculiar's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hildamarie's review against another edition
2.0
Strong concept, not very fully realized. While I enjoyed the story of Petronella's journey, and the ending felt very much like a chance for her life to really take a different turn, the central notion of the miniaturist was a disappointment to me. This character's role was hastily dealt with, and for me, unsatisfying. The setting was very interesting, though, and this book made me want to learn more about this time period.
marvellousofia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hannahmorgan's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
paige_roberts's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
noemilysclub's review against another edition
2.0
This book was well written and pretty interesting, but my god what a downer. It's literally just a series of terrible, terrible things happening to a group of people. The central mystery of the book is never explained, and there's no real plot resolution. Feh
brea_by_the_beach's review against another edition
4.0
Someone is watching Nella, the young bride who has been brought to live amidst the secluded walls of Amsterdam as the wife of a prosperous trader. She navigates the curious circle of proper Dutch society.
While her husband ignores her, she grows to appreciate the fine cabinet he's purchased as a gift. It contains a miniature replica of her current home.
A random purchase of miniature pieces leads to a mystery, as someone keeps sending her custom designed odds and ends that perfectly match what she lives with in real life.
Slowly she realizes the strange miniatures are foretelling events in her life and the lives of those who have become her family.
There's wonderful details about the period of time and place the author captures. The main character evolves through her actions and grows strength and assurance. I loved the minute details of the miniatures themselves and could picture each of them in my mind as though I was holding them in my hand. I could see the feasts laid out and smell the warm baked goods made by Cornelia.
I agree with those who've criticized the ending as not fully satisfying. Perhaps I just wanted more to happen having grown to like the characters so much.