The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton is a historical fiction novel set in 17th century Amsterdam. The story follows the life of an 18-year-old woman named Nella Oortman, who arrives in Amsterdam to marry a wealthy merchant named Johannes Brandt. When Nella arrives, she is surprised to find that her husband is frequently absent and that his sister, Marin, runs the household. Nella struggles to adjust to her new life and cope with Marin’s cold demeanor towards her. As a wedding gift, Johannes gives Nella a cabinet house that is an exact replica of their home. Nella hires a miniaturist to furnish the cabinet house, hoping that doing so will distract her from her problems. But the miniatures that the miniaturist creates begin to mirror real life events in the household and expose secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. As Nella begins to investigate the miniaturist and her strange powers, she becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and mysteries, including Johannes’ clandestine homosexual relationship and Marin’s past as a revolutionary. Through her investigations and the miniaturist’s visions, Nella learns valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and finding the courage to embrace her true identity. The Miniaturist is a beautifully written and engaging novel that explores themes of identity, power, and the consequences of societal norms in 17th century Amsterdam. It is a captivating story that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Miniaturist / Miniaturist, Book 1, Audiobook Online By: Jessie Burton
Set in 17th century Amsterdam – a city ruled by glittering wealth and oppressive religion – a superb premiere filled with atmosphere and mystical shimmer, in the tradition of Emma Donoghue , Sarah Waters and Sarah Dunant.
“There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed… ”
On a clear autumn day in 1686, 18-year-old Nella Oortman arrived in Amsterdam to start a new life as the wife of the famous merchant Johannes Brandt. But her new home, while gorgeous, was not welcoming. Johannes is kind but aloof, always locking himself in his study or in his warehouse office – leaving Nella alone with his sister, the sharp – tongued Marin.
But Nella’s world changes when Johannes gives her an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their house. To deliver her gift, Nella hires the services of a miniaturist – an elusive and mysterious artist whose diminutive works mirror their real-life counterparts in bizarre ways. strange and unexpected…
Johannes’ gift helps Nella navigate the closed world of the Brandt family. But as she uncovers its unusual secrets, she begins to understand – and fear – the escalating dangers that await them all. In this repressive pious society, where gold is worshiped second only to God, disparity is a threat to the moral structure of society, and not even someone as rich as Johannes should be safe. Only one person seems to see the fate that awaits them. Is the miniaturist the key to their salvation… or the architect who destroys them?
Fascinating, beautiful and incredibly suspenseful, The Miniaturist is a stunning tale of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.
The book is really well written. It made me sad to read, but got me hooked on the magic, the history, and the characters. It’s a book of secrets and more secrets. And as each secret is revealed, more and more trouble befalls the characters. I really don’t want the story to end… I could have watched these characters endlessly.
What an interesting read we have here. It was the late 1600s in Amsterdam and all sorts of drama ensued. The story opens with young Nella, who is married to the older Johannes. Of course, very quickly we knew something was wrong. I thought the story was well written and I liked the part that involved the mysterious miniaturist. Historical fiction is often bogged down with a lot of details, so get ready to enjoy them.
