Mainstream Review: The Miniaturist By Jessie Burton

The Miniaturist By Jessie Burton
Published August 2014 Ecco an imprint of HarperCollins

"There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed…"

Set 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.

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.

You can purchase your copy of The Miniaturist on

AMAZON / B&N / Ecco

~ My Review ~

** Copy received from the publisher (Ecco an imprint of HarperCollins) in exchange for my honest review **

I want to start by saying that I am extremely selective about my historical fiction. Since I am by no means a history buff, nor a history enthusiast, I often find it taxing to read a work of historical fiction. However, The Miniaturist had such a delectably interesting synopsis, with its talk of a mysterious craftsman and a household blanketed by secrets, that I became genuinely excited to read it. 

And yes, The Miniaturist is technically historical fiction, but it is so much more than that. The plot is strong and multidimensional, taking you through its layered story in such an eloquent way. Jessie did a superb job recreating 17th century Amsterdam with remarkable period detail. She has allowed her readers to be immersed in the culture and time period without overshadowing any part of the story-line. In other words, I was so engrossed in The Miniaturist that, "this is historical fiction," never crossed my mind. This world and its characters--much like the figures in Petronella's cabinet--meld so well, you cannot imagine trying to place them anywhere else. 

From front to back of this book I had such affection for Petronella. Her character never wavered for me. In fact all of the characters living in these pages were well constructed, each with their own unique presence. Watching the growth and interaction between the members of the Brandt household was truly intriguing. The only part of the Miniaturist that confused me was the magic element of the Miniaturist herself. When you are first introduced to this prominent figure, you are given the allusion that she holds the answers and know all that Petronella seeks. In fact she even appears prophetic, bestowing gifts of just the right miniatures and pulling back the curtain on well protected secrets. I even went as far as to think she would grow in her role to savior of the household, by the end of the book. However, she remained a mystery, not quite living up to her significance. 

There was a lot of hype built up behind this book, and I can understand why. Although, some aspects could be more fleshed out, this story is shocking and intense. Jessie Burton is definitely an author to look out for and I will be waiting for her second novel with anticipation!