Now a television miniseries, as seen on Masterpiece on PBSSet in seventeenth century Amsterdam—a city ruled by glittering wealth and oppressive religion—a masterful debut steeped in atmosphere and shimmering with mystery, in the tradition of Emma Donoghue, Sarah Waters, and Sarah Dunant.”There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed . . .“On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella … 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.
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I watched the 3 part PBS mini-series on this book and then read it. Both I highly recommend!
I was so immediately absorbed in the atmosphere of 17th century Amsterdam that I booked 2 days there (well the place not the time). Jessie Burton immediately pulls you into a world of freezing canals and draughty houses so that it feels as though you are there (or in my case had to be there!). I will read her next book with caution as it could …
This histiorically based novel set in the canals of Amsterdam explores the dynamics of sexuality, deceit and jealousy of its characters along with the mystical miniaturist whose creations predict the future. This is all set in the rigid oversight of the church in the 1600’s. This is a compelling read!
The Masterpiece Theatre presentation of this novel piqued my interest enough to read the novel and also to elucidate moments in the television version for me. I became interested in the character development of Nella, new wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. She is a new bride and must learn to adapt to a wealthy household full of mysteries …
Lyrically written, set in 17th century Amsterdam with characters I grew to love.
PBS just started airing the series based on the book. I ordered the book online and started reading it. Could not put it down! Historical 17th century Amsterdam setting. Accurately portrays the strict Burgomeister/ Calvinist social and religious structure of the time. I had been to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, but missed the miniature home …
Wonderful Historical Novel. There was a lot about Dutch culture during 1600s.
Although it’s set in 17th century Amsterdam, it is like a precursor of what is happening today. There are so many twists and turns and mysteries.
Learned about 17th century Holland. Character growth
I really liked it. Amsterdam is a favorite city of mine and the setting in the Dutch Golden Age was what enticed me to read it. Well-written city descriptions, interesting characters and a layer of fantasy made for a fine story. I was entertained.
This book was hard to put down! Nella’s story begins fairytale-like as a young bride in 1686, but after moving into her husband’s home in Amsterdam everything begins to unravel. Winter’s chill outside doesn’t compare to the cold inside the house. Being despised by her sister-in-law and neglected by her husband, Nella is driven to an obsession with …
Weird book.Not what I thought it would be.
A very good read. Very hard to put down.
Very cool story well told and well written
A bit spooky.
In the vein of girl with a pearl earring. Very good !
Historical novel – it was worth the read just to see a picture of the actual bureau. The story itself was entertaining and an easy read.
Very promising and interesting through most of the book. Ending was very disappointing. It was a letdown after an intriguing build up.
Now this was original, and the setting something new to me. Weird how 17th century Holland sounds like some places in the world today.
Probably one of the most original books I have ever read. Will make a great movie.