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wahmatthews's review against another edition
4.0
This was an intriguing book, and really, I practically couldn't put it down. The writing was gorgeous even if I did find myself a little confused at times. I could have read more.
de_cadence's review against another edition
3.0
A slowly paced book in some ways, but I devoured it in two sittings and enjoyed it tremendously. A domestic mystery unfolds and takes more than one unexpected turn, set against the backdrop of 17th century Netherlands.
d_kilian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
patty_s1000's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give it 4.5 starts if I could - it wasn't perfect, so can't give it 5, but I really liked it.
Am updating this a week later when the glow was off - decided it doesn't deserve more than 4; it had some real weaknesses. I still liked it a lot, though!
Am updating this a week later when the glow was off - decided it doesn't deserve more than 4; it had some real weaknesses. I still liked it a lot, though!
aantigone's review against another edition
5.0
This book reminds me of Rebecca in a couple ways -- a new wife, mildly naive, in a new home with a rich husband and a mysterious atmosphere in a house (or, two, rather) full of secrets. Incredibly readable.
astitchtoofar's review against another edition
2.0
The story is alright, fairly predictable plotline, characters are a bit one dimensional, and it lacks any real explanation for the role the miniaturist has. What I fail to understand is why the author felt the need to sprinkle all kinds of dutch words throughout the text. Like names of pastries or organisations. Why say 'oliekoek' when you can say 'fried pastry', why use 'schepenbank' when 'court' would be much more clear to understand. They add nothing to the story but make it rather hard work for the poor reader, or in my case the poor narrator, who clearly has trouble with the pronunciation. As a Dutch speaker it was very annoying to have to sit through and sometimes even impossible to figure out what was actually the word being said. I can't imagine what it must be like to try and figure out for non-Dutch speakers.
bethanylouise17's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mcskireader's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 3.5. I couldn't remember who recommended this to me or in what context. I didn't read the book jacket or back cover because it was an ebook, and so I had no frame of reference or context for it and thought it was maybe children's lit. It wasn't. I loved reading about the historical time period and I couldn't put it down, but there were some plot things that I was like not crazy about that didn't seem authentic to the story.