Book Review-The Miniaturist

Many little girls are charmed by dollhouses.  I had one that my grandfather built, and my daughter had one that my husband and I built.  They are fun to decorate and play with. When I saw the description of "The Miniaturist" I thought I would like to read it. This book takes place in Amsterdam in the late 17th century.  Nella has recently wed Johannes, a wealthy merchant.  When she arrives at her new home she is greated not by Johannes, but by his sister Marin, who does not extend any welcome.  Nella finds that she is lonely because Johannes is so often gone and when he is home he does not pay her any attention.  He does feel bad about this, so he buys her a cabinet sized reproduction of their house.  He gives Nella money in order to furnish it.  She finds a miniaturist, whose pieces are eerily similiar to what is going on in the house.  Nella is fascinated and frightened by this.  She resolves to find out more about the miniaturist and about the secrets that Johannes and Marin keep from her, and from each other.

The Miniaturist By Burton, Jessie 2014-08 - Ecco Press 9780062306814 Check Our Catalog 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. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed . . . On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life …More

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