The Miniaturist of October
Hey there folks, Frozen Chemist here! (yup you’ve guessed it) It’s time for one of my ‘Not much a review than me waffling’ review. Yaay, I’m sure you’re all “super excited!” :D
Okay so this one was another classic novel recommended to me by my lovely girlfriend, known as The Miniaturist. That is to say, I’m referring to the book The Miniaturist and not my girlfriend who is not a miniaturist. Though it would be kinda interesting if she were a miniaturist, or maybe secretly she is one [insert suspense theme here] o.O [To my girlfriend] if you’re reading this, I’m onto you :P …and as per usual I’m digressing again! Aaanyway (getting back on track). Seeing as though it was October at the time, I decided on making this novel my October read for the month hence the title.
In brief, the story revolves around an 18 year old Petronella (Nella) Oortman who starts her new life in Amsterdam following her marriage to a wealthy merchant, Johannes Brandt a somewhat charismatic and distant man who she has yet to learn more about. Upon arriving at her new house, she is greeted coldly by Johannes’ sister Marin Brandt who appears to be strict and frosty. After spending a few nights in her new house, Nella feels a sense of loneliness and unwelcoming as her husband spends most his time at work or locked away in his study instead of with his wife. However, things start to change when her husband presents her with a cabinet sized replica of their house as a wedding gift. Though disappointed at first, Nella decides to decorate her cabinet with miniatures and makes a request from an elusive and mysterious miniaturist whose creations turn out unnervingly realistic. As the events unfold, it is apparent that the miniaturist’s realistic creations aren't the only things that appear true. (Hmm yh that wasn't exactly a brief was it)
The Miniaturist was certainly a wonderful read. One could tell that Jessie Burton poured every effort into the novel as it was beautifully written with such poise. It had contained a mixture of what I like about classic novels: The History - From reading this novel it is clear that Jessie Burton had thoroughly researched the social history on seventeenth century Amsterdam. The way she describes it gives the reader a vivid insight of what it was like living in Amsterdam during the golden age, some of which included: social structure, prosperity, and certainly religion was definitely portrayed in The Miniaturist. All through reading the novel I could almost imagine physically walking through the streets of the seventeenth century Amsterdam as if I was there. The Dolls House/The Miniaturist - One of the main features that sets the story involves the cabinet sized replica of the house that Nella receives from her husband as a wedding gift and the Miniaturist herself. Now the Dolls House itself doesn't seem much creepy, in fact it almost a sounds innocent and harmless, right? It is what happens and the events that transpire after Nella commissions for The miniaturist to create pieces for her dolls house where things get a little… eerie. Not just eerie, but scaaary! Why you ask. It is the fact that the the miniatures that Nella receives through the post are so well crafted they almost mirror the real thing. Not scary enough? Thing is, how does the miniaturist know how to create the miniatures down to the last detail. Still not scary enough? Well how about the fact that we never actually get to fully see the miniaturist except for her outline/shadows. There is even a point in the novel where Nella is alone in the dark and she can feel the miniaturist’s presence in the house. Doesn't that just send chills down your spine? (I'm waffling again) Characters - To be honest the characters were the slight downside of the novel. I didn't really feel a strong connection to any of the characters. Correction, Cornelia (the Maid) is a badass! One of my favourite character within the novel. I suppose the reason for that was that each character in the novel were cryptic and had past secrets that they’d rather keep hidden away. In fact it’s because the characters were cryptic that really made the story and kept it interesting. Even the main character Nella, who I didn't like much, had her moments where I could sympathise with her (a little). After all she is only 18 and has just been introduced to the new world of Amsterdam which is hella different than where she grew up in the countryside and what she was used to. All through the novel she is portrayed as a woman of curiosity and persistence (not a good combination) which does her more bad than good. Though at points, her nature does help her when she needs them most. Seriously there were times when her curiosity really made me scared for her (when I wasn't face-palming at her actions) Despite her negative features and my slight hatred for her, she does prove to be a invaluable and pivotal character to the novel especially towards the end of the story.
Wow I realise this is the longest 'Not much a review than me waffling’ review I have done so far o.O …guess it’s time to wrap things up!
Story: 4.5/5 Characters: 4/5
Overall I’d like to give this novel a 4.25/5. Despite the characters being on the slight downside, the vivid history and the beautifully written story as well as the thrilling suspense more than made up for it which made the novel an interesting read. As stated by S.J Watson 'reminds you of why you fell in love with reading.’ There were times when I even had to force myself to put the book down so as to not finish it before the end of October! :D So do I recommend this book? The answer is if you enjoyed reading The Night Circus or Les Misérable (see my separate reviews for them) or if you haven’t read them (which you should) and want to try something new, then The Miniaturist is for you. Though do be prepared for a few twists here and there.
As always, thanks everyone for putting up with my 'Not much a review than me waffling’ review especially this one which seems longer compared to my other ones, hmm.
Til the next and stay frosty!
Frozen Chemist
