Genre: Literary fiction, historical fiction

Stars: 4

Links: Amazon UK and Amazon.com

The Blurb:

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed . . .

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives at a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Though curiously distant, he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations ring eerily true.

As Nella uncovers the secrets of her new household she realiszes the escalating dangers they face. The miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands – but does she plan to save or destroy them?

My Review:

Poignant, amusing, shocking and thought-provoking, this is a beautiful blend of historical fiction, mystery and social commentary.

Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam in 1686 to move into her new husband’s (Johannes’) house, where she is greeted by mystery and not the type of welcome she expects. Johannes presents her with a dollhouse miniature of their abode and, when she contacts a miniaturist to provide her with items for the house, she is shocked to find the mysterious artist seems to know both her new household and her future than she knows herself…

The writing is exquisite, with perfect descriptions, metaphors that bring the page to life and characters that stomp right off it. The plot is part historical fiction, part coming-of-age and, despite taking some time to get going, the pace (and drama) picks up and the story stays with you… Recommended.