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The Miniaturist
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The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton (Anything Goes BOM); Start Date October 22, 2014
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(last edited Oct 28, 2014 01:18AM)
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Chapter Breakdown
Date Pages PPDQs
Oct 22 1-62
Chapters: Start - "Smit's List" Karen
Oct 23 63-127
Chps: "On the Kalverstraat" - "Boom and Bloom" Kelly
Oct 24 128-184
Chps:"The Wife" - "Eight Dolls" Kelly
Oct 25 185-243
Chps:"Written in the Water" -"The Empty Space" Karen
October 26: *Break/Catch-Up Day*
Oct 27 244-298
Chps:"The Witness" - "Spores" Karen
Oct 28 299-356
Chps:"Stadhuis" - "Arrival"
Oct 29 357-end
Chapters:"The Tale-Teller" - end
Note: Breakdown is based on this version
of the book. If you have a different version, please check the names of the chapters against the page numbers
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I just purchased the book, so I'll be ready when you start :)I loved the cover, and thought it sounded amazing.
This will be the first time I join a BOM discussion.
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I think this sounds so interesting. I'm in!
My library actually has copies available! I put a hold request on it and should have it in plenty of time. Can't wait!
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Has anyone here read this Book ? Is it Good ? I hv this Book but not sure if it is Good enough
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Can't wait to start this one :)! I bought the book when I was out of country and had to sacrifice space for my clothes in my luggage so it could all fit...I admit I also found a lovely second hand bookshop during my stay and well, things got a little bit out of hand!
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Right, I'm definitely going to read this one!
I got it from the library to join the read, but I don't know if I will like it or not. We will see.
I started the book and it didn't grab my attention so I put it aside so I'll try again on the 22nd
I`m probably in for this one. I really want to get involved in what was one my favourite Goodreads group, before Lisa Kay departed and all the hell broke loose :(yeah, probably in, have the book
I don't recall all hell breaking loose? We had some of the funnest team challenges this year. We have had great BOM discussions. And many great new Mods - still my favorite Good Reads group. However, Lisa Kay was pretty great.
Sarah wrote: "I don't recall all hell breaking loose? We had some of the funnest team challenges this year. We have had great BOM discussions. And many great new Mods - still my favorite Good Reads group. Howeve..."Disagree with everything, except Lisa Kay being great, but we all have different opinions. I feel like I don`t belong here anymore, so I`ll try to "fit in" reading/discussing the book so I might get a different feeling.
Nothing in here seems funny to me, or interesting.
Sorry, just being honest :-)
That sucks you have had that experience. There are still plenty of us here who would love to have you feel included and to enjoy yourself and discuss books.
Now just hoping that the beautiful cover reflects the book's content. I already took the book off my shelf and put it on my nightstand, I'm ready :)
@ Lara: you're always welcome Lara! I'm having an awesome time in this group, and met great people since joining NBRC. I especially love the team challenges, so maybe that can be a way to fit back in :)That being said, I think all the current mods are doing a great job, and I can't wait for Tower Teams to start!
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Oct 20, 2014 02:39PM)
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Thanks Sarah, and Audrey Jane. And I agree about LK. We all miss her.
It is a pretty thankless job being a moderator seeing that it really is a part time volunteer job and we all have work and family lives. We do what we can to try and keep the group active and fresh. I guess it can't always suit everyone *shrugs*
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It is funny to think back and realise how many people we have gotten to know over the years. I will always remember forging a book friendship with you over YA novels, especially the Delirium series. So many books that were just you, Lisarenee and I continuing the series!
I'm glad real life has gotten a little easier for you. It is nice to have books to escape to when the time is right :)
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My one 2 year old keeps me on my toes ;)
I just joined this book group. Is it too late to start reading this one? Should I just wait for the next? This one looks good....
Missy wrote: "I just joined this book group. Is it too late to start reading this one? Should I just wait for the next? This one looks good...."nope, not late. we start tomorrow, on 22nd
Great - this is the first time I have tried this, so not sure what I am doing. Have the book on my nook though, and am ready to go!
Missy wrote: "Great - this is the first time I have tried this, so not sure what I am doing. Have the book on my nook though, and am ready to go!"I guess (hope) someone is going to ask questions youll answer while/aftert reading some chapters
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Sure Missy we start on the 22nd. Each day we will post discussion questions as per the schedule in message 2 above. You can choose to answer some or all of these, or not answer any, and just comment on other people's comments. Totally up to you. We post the questions to try and spark discussion and we find it does help to get more out of the book :)
Yay! I just got my notification that my library copy is available. I won't be able to pick it up until tomorrow night, but if I get caught up on the reading after that I can help out with DQs.
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Comments and Questions
Pages 1-62
Chapters: Start - "Smit's List"
1. The name Petronella means "rock" or "stone".
"People with this name have a deep inner desire to lead, organize, supervise, and to achieve status, power and wealth."
"People with this name tend to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with powerful personalities. They tend to be focused on specific goals, experience a wealth of creative new ideas, and have the ability to implement these ideas with efficiency and determination. They tend to be courageous and sometimes aggressive. As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient."
What are your thoughts on Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name?
2. Nella is given "pattens" to wear inside the house.
Pattens are protective overshoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century. Pattens were worn outdoors over a normal shoe, had a wooden or later wood and metal sole, and were held in place by leather or cloth bands. Pattens functioned to elevate the foot above the mud and dirt (including human effluent and animal dung) of the street, in a period when road and urban paving was minimal. (source: Wikipedia)
What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with?
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister?
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends?
5. The author, Jessie Burton, is an actress who became inspired to write this book by the cabinet house of the real Petronella Oortman, on display at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, which she came across on a four-day holiday to the capital with her partner Pip Carter, a fellow actor, almost five years ago.
The tortoiseshell and pewter inlaid cabinet, finished in 1686, had taken craftsmen 19 years to build.
Have you ever seen this cabinet or been to Amsterdam? What do you think of the house? In my mind it was larger than the 9 rooms shown in the cabinet (as 3 of those "rooms" are pretty small!). Which room is Marin's and which is Nella's do you think?
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The Cabinet
(click on image for larger version)
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Well, since he gave her a doll's house, i think he might think she's too young to marry and that he understand she misses her home. I think he wants to give her the feeling that she has a family and that she is still allowed to play, but we'll see.i like the book a lot so far. completely got the picture of the house and characters which is something i dont get often, at least not in first couple of chapters (and sometimes not at all during the whole book).
can't wait to read more ~
I was reading a bit about the real life Nella, and it seems that dollhouses like this were common for the wealthier women to own. For some reason I find that fact a bit sad. It reflects how they thought of the women, and their role in life. I am enjoying the book so far. I did find the prologue to be distracting, but I often do. I am finding the relationship between Marin and Johannes a bit on the creepy side.
I couldn't start the book today but I hope will catch up with you guys tomorrow and then will join the discussion :)
October 22: Pages 1-62 - answers1. The name Petronella means "rock" or "stone".
What are your thoughts on Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name?
I think the character description you gave for Petronella (Nella) is pretty accurate. I think she lives up to her name. She is determined and has demands as new wife and 'mistress of the house'. She isn't scared to do some snooping around. I think in the long run she will impose herself in the household. But she is not like Marin.
2. Nella is given "pattens" to wear inside the house.
What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with?
Admittedly, it took time for me to adjust to the writing style. It's a bit lyrical, but now I can appreciate it. I can clearly picture the setting through the descriptions given. I'm familiar with the historical era in the sense that I took a course 'History of the Low Countries' at university. I know about the VOC and what's referred to as the 'Gouden Eeuw', but I forgot certain parts of the course. As for the historical place I rely on art.
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister?
It's weird, isn't it. My first thought was that they were more than siblings but now I just think Marin is being bossy and likes to be in control lol
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends?
Mmm, I don't know. It's too soon I guess, but why not. For example if Johannes keeps 'neglecting' Nella and the two women share the same fate, they could have that in common to bond.
5. The tortoiseshell and pewter inlaid cabinet, finished in 1686, had taken craftsmen 19 years to build.
Have you ever seen this cabinet or been to Amsterdam? What do you think of the house? In my mind it was larger than the 9 rooms shown in the cabinet (as 3 of those "rooms" are pretty small!). Which room is Marin's and which is Nella's do you think?
I've never been to Amsterdam. We usually go southwards to soak up the sun. But you just gave me an idea for our next city trip :)
I just went to check out more pictures for the Dollhouse, and personally I think it's a bit creepy. I'm curious which role the dollhouse will play in the story. Nevertheless, I must say it's pretty and quite detailed.
The two rooms right, upstairs. But I imagined Marin's room super small, and more akin to a cabinet of curiosities.
Note: I liked the following quote and some others of course;
About Marin's room - "This is the Republic's reach, in four small walls"
Missy wrote: "I was reading a bit about the real life Nella, and it seems that dollhouses like this were common for the wealthier women to own. For some reason I find that fact a bit sad. It reflects how they t..."I agree about the prologue, I was a bit lost too but it got better afterwards. Yes, the siblings seem like an old couple bickering all the time.
Indeed, I wonder how Nella will deal with the dollhouse. It's beautiful but what next? That's why she makes the reflection about the fact that at 18 years she's to old for that.
Lára wrote: "Well, since he gave her a doll's house, i think he might think she's too young to marry and that he understand she misses her home. I think he wants to give her the feeling that she has a family an..."Yes, the prologue aside, I'm completely hooked now. The descriptions are not overdone, yet I can perfectly picture it. I'm curious what happens next too.
October 22Comments and Questions
Pages 1-62
Chapters: Start - "Smit's List"
1. The name Petronella means "rock" or "stone".
What are your thoughts on Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name?
Seems like she's trying to resist in the only ways she can right now.
2. Nella is given "pattens" to wear inside the house.
What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with?
Random thought. I clicked on the word sozzled to get a definition (Means Very drunk by the way) and it had an origin of late 19th century which made me wonder about us using words in a story that's set before the word was invented. I'm sure all historical novels do it, it's just interesting.
I'm not terribly familiar with the era but it doesn't seem to impact things too much.
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister?
She seems really controlling. It's almost like they've been together so long that they can't break out of the weird back and forth they have going on. I would have assumes Johannes would have stood up for himself more. I wonder if it was Marin's idea for him to get married.
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends?
Hrm. I'd say a general truce would probably be the most. Marin's rather strange.
5. The author, Jessie Burton, is an actress who became inspired to write this book by the cabinet house of the real Petronella Oortman, on display at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, which she came across on a four-day holiday to the capital with her partner Pip Carter, a fellow actor, almost five years ago.
The tortoiseshell and pewter inlaid cabinet, finished in 1686, had taken craftsmen 19 years to build.
Have you ever seen this cabinet or been to Amsterdam? What do you think of the house? In my mind it was larger than the 9 rooms shown in the cabinet (as 3 of those "rooms" are pretty small!). Which room is Marin's and which is Nella's do you think?
It is a very strange gift. I wonder what would have possessed him to buy such a thing for his new wife. I can only assume getting married wasn't his decision. I wonder how much of the book is based on historical facts and how much is fiction.
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Oct 23, 2014 02:20AM)
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Yes I had the feeling that he was made to marry Nella. Perhaps there was a lot of pressure on him for an heir, but he certainly isn't attempting to make one!
I guess it is possible Nella and Marin will bond, although it doesn't seem likely at the moment.
I went to Amsterdam about 10 years ago - it is very pretty, I hope you do get there :)
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"sozzled" is a word in common use in Australia, so that didn't even strike me as odd! You are right, I think that is poor editing if it wasn't a word used at the time to include it
I don't know that Marin would have liked him to be married. I think it is a business decision about the longevity of the business
I wondered about fact v fiction with this one too, but I'm not researching too much until I finish as I don't want to ruin the story with boring truth... haha
I haven't made that observation either. Like Karen, I temporarily try to ignore the anachronism, but I hope it doesn't happen often. Kelly, I don't know if you have seen it, but there's another review pointing out the same issue as you. They don't only need an editor but when it comes to historical fiction they should put an historian on it as well :)
I saw that some readers classified it as magical-realism so I thought putting it under my 'paranormal' shelf but I wanted to wait to check out for myself first.
What I gathered from a quick search is that Petronella did exist and married Johannes Brandt. On the official site of the Rijksmuseum: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collect... (Also there's a 'zoom in' tool ;))
@Karen: I checked yesterday and read that in real life Johannes Brandt and Nella had 4 children (also another site stated that Petronella was married before and had a child but after her daughter and first husband died, she remarried to J. Brandt). But I don't know how far the author is taking from facts for her story.
Oh nice! Have you had the chance to visit the Rijksmuseum?
I only read the prologue yesterday, sorry that I didn't read what was planned.I will make sure to catch up on it today.
October 22Comments and Questions
Pages 1-62
Chapters: Start - "Smit's List"
1. The name Petronella means "rock" or "stone".
What are your thoughts on Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name?
I'm not seeing Nella as rock solid yet. She still seems quite naive and weak. She is starting to gain confidence and stand up for herself though, so I think there is the potential there for her to live up to it.
2. Nella is given "pattens" to wear inside the house.
What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with?
Thanks for the images, I didn't know what pattens were.
I'm getting used to the writing style, quite different from other books I've read recently. I don't read historical fiction often. I'm glad it is written in more modern language though - I struggle with the classics.
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister?
I have this idea that they are in an incestuous relationship. The servants have a look the other way/ I didn't hear anything attitude to any noises late at night. Marin said her brother had to get married to someone so it might as well have been Nella. Maybe he had to get married so that people wouldn't become suspicious about him and Marin? Johannes didn't really want to get married - it's a marriage of convenience to keep up appearances. I think Marin and Johannes chose Nella as they though she was quiet, subdued and easily kept under control.
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends?
There can only be one queen bee. I don't think Marin will want to hand the power over to Nella. If Nella does step up and take her rightful place as mistress of the house, I don't think Marin will befriend her.
5. The author, Jessie Burton, is an actress who became inspired to write this book by the cabinet house of the real Petronella Oortman, on display at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, which she came across on a four-day holiday to the capital with her partner Pip Carter, a fellow actor, almost five years ago.
The tortoiseshell and pewter inlaid cabinet, finished in 1686, had taken craftsmen 19 years to build.
Have you ever seen this cabinet or been to Amsterdam? What do you think of the house? In my mind it was larger than the 9 rooms shown in the cabinet (as 3 of those "rooms" are pretty small!). Which room is Marin's and which is Nella's do you think?
I didn't even know there really was a doll house cabinet. I don't know anything about this time or country. The detail in the cabinet is amazing. I don't think Johannes bought it specifically for Nella. I think he is a bit frivolous and throws his money around for fun.
The quote on the cover is "Haunting, magical and full of surprises" so I keep expecting some actual magic in relation to the doll house. Maybe manipulating things in the rooms will impact things and people in the real house.
Audrey Jane wrote: "I haven't made that observation either. Like Karen, I temporarily try to ignore the anachronism, but I hope it doesn't happen often. Kelly, I don't know if you have seen it, but there's another r..."
I read an interview with the author. She said that while Petronella and her husband did exist, and that the cabinet was real, these were the only "real" parts of the book. She said that everything else in the book was complete fiction. Knowing that, I almost think it would have made more sense to change the names of the characters. Using real people is confusing.
Chapters: Start - Smit's List1. The name Petronella means "rock" or "stone".
What are your thoughts on Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name?
I think she will, there's something about the way she thinks. I know she doesn't say much around her husband and Marin, but I think she's already starting to show some of the characteristics, with all the snooping around, and she's also very determined about her role as a wife
2. Nella is given "pattens" to wear inside the house.
What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with?
I'm not really used to read Historical Fiction actually, so I don't really know what to look for, but I actually really like the way she's writing.
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister?
It's a strange relationship. I think they're hiding something from Nella, but I'm not sure what. At least they seem very secretive when they're speaking just the 2 of them.
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends?
I think they might over the book. Something definitely changed about her in the last couple of chapters. I could be wrong though, because Marin seem very stubborn.
5. The author, Jessie Burton, is an actress who became inspired to write this book by the cabinet house of the real Petronella Oortman, on display at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, which she came across on a four-day holiday to the capital with her partner Pip Carter, a fellow actor, almost five years ago.
The tortoiseshell and pewter inlaid cabinet, finished in 1686, had taken craftsmen 19 years to build.
Have you ever seen this cabinet or been to Amsterdam? What do you think of the house? In my mind it was larger than the 9 rooms shown in the cabinet (as 3 of those "rooms" are pretty small!). Which room is Marin's and which is Nella's do you think?
I've been to Amsterdam once, but I haven't seen the cabinet mentioned in the book. I didn't even know it was based on real people, and a real dollhouse.
The rooms of the dollhouse are very specific, I think maybe the changes that Nella will make to the dollhouse, will actually change in the real house, too, but I might be wrong. It's just a feeling.
I didn't get around to read for today's chapters, but I'll make sure to catch up over the weekend.
I've finished chapters for today, 23rd, but the book is too interesting to me to stop, so I'll continue with reading. (:
Lára wrote: "I've finished chapters for today, 23rd, but the book is too interesting to me to stop, so I'll continue with reading. (:"Boy, no kidding! I read until after midnight last night - couldn't stop. Wow! Can't wait for everyone to catch up - I want to hear what everyone thinks...
Thanks for the photos! It was good to see the cabinet that Nella received. I looked up pattens on the internet because I had never heard of them before this novel.I also didn't know that the novel was based on (or is it "inspired by"?) real events and real people.
Now for the questions:
1. Petronella? Will she live up to the meaning of her name? Well, she hasn't so far (through "Boom and Bloom"). She accepts what is given her, and goes along with Marin & Cornelia where they travel.
2. What are your thoughts on the writing style and descriptions of the period. Is it a historical era/place you are familiar with? No, not particularly familiar with this era/place. I'm trusting that the author got the details right. The reactions to Otto are what I would expect for that time period.
3. Johannes isn't much of a husband so far. What are your thoughts on the relationship between him and his sister? Maybe I'm too influenced by the A Game of Thrones series but my first thought was incest. Probably not, but still, Marin acts like Johannes' wife, not his sister.
4. Will Marin and Nella ever become friends? Marin is acting like Nella is trying to replace her and as long as Marin thinks Nella is trying to replace her there won't be friendship.
5. The author, Jessie Burton, is an actress who became inspired to write this book by the cabinet house of the real Petronella Oortman, on display at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.... I didn't know that! Thanks for letting us know!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Game of Thrones (other topics)The Miniaturist (other topics)
The Miniaturist (other topics)
This thread is to discuss The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. Be prepared for spoilers.
Synopsis:
On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. But her new home, while splendorous, is not welcoming. Johannes is kind yet distant, always locked in his study or at his warehouse office-leaving Nella alone with his sister, the sharp-tongued and forbidding Marin.
But Nella's world changes when Johannes presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. To furnish her gift, Nella engages the services of a miniaturist-an elusive and enigmatic artist whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways . . .
Johannes' gift helps Nella to pierce the closed world of the Brandt household. But as she uncovers its unusual secrets, she begins to understand-and fear-the escalating dangers that await them all. In this repressively pious society where gold is worshipped second only to God, to be different is a threat to the moral fabric of society, and not even a man as rich as Johannes is safe. Only one person seems to see the fate that awaits them. Is the miniaturist the key to their salvation . . . or the architect of their destruction?
Enchanting, beautiful, and exquisitely suspenseful, The Miniaturist is a magnificent story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth