A review by dckathleen
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-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? No

5.0

This book had far more depth than I expected. A young woman from a "good family" that has fallen on hard times is married off to a rich bachelor in 1600's Amsterdam. He's completely disinterested in her, but buts her a cabinet which is basically an extremely luxurious dollhouse. She contacts the mysterious Miniaturist to furnish it. She is stuck with her husband's controlling sister (who is not interested in giving up her control over the house) and the household staff, a young white woman and a Black man. The leadership of Amsterdam is extremely religious and conservative, outlawing everything from homosexuality to owning dolls (even gingerbread men). This unusual household is impacted by the social and legal conventions while prophetic miniature items continue to appear at the doorstep. 

TW: violence against gay people, racism. 
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