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Engaging the services of a miniaturist to furnish a cabinet-sized replica of her new home, 18-year-old Nella Oortman, the wife of an illustrious merchant trader, soon discovers that the artist's tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways.
BookshelfMonstrosity: Although Girl with a Pearl Earring stars a domestic servant and The Miniaturist focuses on the young wife of a wealthy merchant, both dramatic, highly atmospheric historical novels evoke 17th-century Holland through sympathetic characters and authentic, artfully rendered period details.… (more)
BookshelfMonstrosity: These richly detailed, haunting works focus on young women in 17th-century Europe, weaving historical realism with magical elements while highlighting the development of the heroines' ingenuity, strength, and sense of self.
Set in Amsterdam in 1846-47, Petronella marries Johannes Brandt to escape the small world she grew up in.
The Brandt's have secrets an in Johannes absence, Petronella has the company of her husband's sister, Mirin, the housemaid Cornelia and Otto the man servant.
It is a sad story, Petronella imagines a life as a married woman that doesn't materialise. Her husband's wedding gift is a model of their house and with nothing else to do Petronella employs a miniaturist to fashion furniture for it. However, the miniaturist goes further and sends figures of the occupants, with hints as to what is to come.
A slightly disturbing book, I'm not entirely sure what part the miniaturist has in it apart from unsettling some very pious people.
I did enjoy reading it, it was different, but it also made me feel quite uncomfortable. ( )
This would have got a 5* but the ending and the lack of explanation about the Miniaturist really wound me up! Otherwise loved the writing, the atmosphere and the depth of characters. ( )
Throwback in time to the seventeenth century Amsterdam. Some unforgettable characters: Otto, Tella, Marin, Johannes Brandt. Starts of with an air of Rebecca (By Daphne Du Marier). ( )
Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: For there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture.
Nahum 2:9
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Mark 13:1-2
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? James 3:11
His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. Song of Solomon 5:16
Behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. ... How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? Deuteronomy 1:10-12
Let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. Proverbs 7:18-20
Dedication
For Linda, Edward & Pip
First words
The funeral is supposed to be a quiet affair, for the deceased had no friends.
Quotations
Last words
'Madame?' Cornelia calls.
She turns, inhaling the scent of spice. Stealing one last look at the air above, Nella steps inside.
Engaging the services of a miniaturist to furnish a cabinet-sized replica of her new home, 18-year-old Nella Oortman, the wife of an illustrious merchant trader, soon discovers that the artist's tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways.
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Engaging the services of a miniaturist to furnish a cabinet-sized replica of her new home, 18-year-old Nella Oortman, the wife of an illustrious merchant trader, soon discovers that the artist's tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways.
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The Brandt's have secrets an in Johannes absence, Petronella has the company of her husband's sister, Mirin, the housemaid Cornelia and Otto the man servant.
It is a sad story, Petronella imagines a life as a married woman that doesn't materialise. Her husband's wedding gift is a model of their house and with nothing else to do Petronella employs a miniaturist to fashion furniture for it. However, the miniaturist goes further and sends figures of the occupants, with hints as to what is to come.
A slightly disturbing book, I'm not entirely sure what part the miniaturist has in it apart from unsettling some very pious people.
I did enjoy reading it, it was different, but it also made me feel quite uncomfortable. (