The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton [Review]

"Every woman is the architect of her own fortune."

Overview

When I started this book, I did not exactly know what to expect from it. The cover indicated a historical fiction novel, the title intrigued me and I have seen it being hauled by other reviewers.

The book is set in the Netherlands in the 17th century and we follow 18-year-old Nella, who comes from a poorer family and is newly married to a wealthy merchant named Johannes Brandt from Amsterdam. She has mixed feelings about her new role as Lady of a whole household and the new life in this big city. However, her husband does not seem to be very interested in her and she doesn't get along with his sister, who seems to be in control of the household. One day, Johannes gives her a cabinet with a miniature replica of their own house as a wedding gift. Nella is confused what to make of this strange gift, but she wants to please him and instructs a miniaturist to build things for the replica house. However, the miniaturist seems to know more about her life and her new home than should be possible and the events unfold from there. 

The Setting

I appreciated the fact that this book is set in Europe and near the place I live as well. I know the way the modern day Netherlands look like and it is always nice to learn how places looked like in the past. It seems to have been a time when women were only wifes and mothers and men had to make the money. The cover was a huge help in picturing the clothes of that time!

The Characters

In the beginning of this book Nella is 18 years old. She is shy, reserved and anxious about her future and marriage. But as the story goes on, Nella learns how to more or less get along with her husband's sister Marin and the maid Cornelia. Later on she has to deal with her husband's trading partners and finds her place in this superficial society where you are judged based on your fortune.   

I really enjoyed the friendship that develops between Nella and Cornelia. Even though Cornelia is only a maid and ought to be obedient, she speaks up and defends her family. 

Sadly, I did not like Marin and her way of treating Nella. Even though they both sort of get along later in the book, it just didn't make up for her behaviour towards Nella. 

The Plot

One asset of this book is that it never got boring or dragged for me. There is always a new development that keeps your interest up and the mystery of the miniaturist contributes to this. If you are a fan of diversity, this book could be something for you as well. It deals with racism and the early religious views of homosexuality. Nella's story is a story of growth and finding your place and purpose in life. In my opinion, the aspect of the miniaturist and the mystery surrounding the small cabinet just added to the story and made it special. 

Rating