From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist, #1)

Jessie Burton

Start date: October 22, 2014

Finish date: October 31, 2014

Discussion: Books of the Month

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What Members Thought

Mar 19, 2019 Trisha rated it liked it

“In suffering we find our truest selves.”

An interesting historical tale about a young wife and the new house she's entered. She met her husband just a few times before they married and now she has come to live in his mom - their home. She isn't sure what she's walking in to but when it's just her new sister-in-law, the help and no husband, she is confused and a bit mystified. Where is her new husband?

The story unfolded slowly and was fascinating as it all was revealed. I liked the character of ...more

17 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2018 Lesa Divine rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018, i-own, read-it, botm-selection

I enjoy Nella story. A historical story with a bit of mystery to almost every character. Nella moves in with her new husband, his miserable sister, their maid and Butler. Her husband gives her a miniaturist dollhouse that comes along with her receiving miniaturist dolls as a sign as if someone knows her and her new family. As secrets start to come to light Nella can't believe the horror.
Nice story. I enjoyed. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 07, 2015 Sarenna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

This book was a reminder of why I love historical fiction. Set in Amsterdam in the late 1600s, Nella Oortman, aged 18 is sent to live with her new husband Johannes (almost 40), his sister Marin, and two servants Otto and Cornelia.

As a wedding present, Johannes gives Nella a miniature dollhouse to furnish as she pleases. She requests three things from the miniaturist to spite her husband, but instead receives gifts that tell a much deeper story of the family that lives inside the larger home. Th ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2015 Heather Wilson rated it liked it

Disappointing. The concept was so intriguing...But the story itself felt disjointed and sometimes just too obtuse and vague to really make an impact. There is some lovely writing and some overwrought writing. The characters are sometimes well developed, other times not.

The inconsistency of this novel, from characterization to plot to writing hampered my enjoyment of it.

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Oct 28, 2014 Tfalcone rated it liked it

Interesting background and setting, but day to day action is slow.

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Jan 22, 2019 Patti rated it did not like it

Was pretty disappointed in this book. I had high hopes because of all the hype but while I was compelled to keep reading, I was completely let down. Characters were weak and the ending was very unsatisfying.

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