Scan barcode
katy12's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
bethieq's review against another edition
4.0
This was not what I was expecting; much less fantasy and much more of a historical family drama. While I was hoping for more magic, I found the characters to all be very interesting and the setting to be a time and place I haven't read about very much, which I enjoyed. There was still quite a lot of mystery about certain details even by the end of the book, but at least it ended on a slightly hopeful note after a lot of sadness.
scarfh's review against another edition
4.0
when my uncle gifted me this book at age 11, I was mortified, and creeped out, and somewhat concerned for both the characters and the author's state of mind. After finally struggling my way through it several years later (I kept having to put it down and sigh), I can honestly say that I loved it. It is heartwarming and strange in all sorts of ways, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a taste for slightly odd historical fiction.
electricswanbite's review against another edition
3.0
While I loved The Muse and appreciate Jessie Burton's writing, this story didn't grab my imagination in the way I'd hoped it would. It's a very well-written book, but if you're the type who walks into a novel empathy first, it might not be for you. By the end of the book, all the characters still feel confusing and mysterious, hiding aspects of themselves from the protagonist. This fits well with the themes of the novel, but it makes for less compelling reading. It's hard to care about them and their tragic lives when they all seem a bit dodgy, you know?
bluejay898's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
fictionwriter's review against another edition
4.0
This one took me awhile to get into, but in the end I was captivated and compelled to keep reading. The main character, Nella, grows and changes in completely believable ways from a new teenage bride to a mature woman who has seen and suffered much. The details of 17th century Amsterdam are startlingly real and I credit the author for putting me in that place so completely without falling into the usual trap of, dear Reader, look at how much research I have done. Hugely impressive.
deewest's review against another edition
4.0
Somber, lonely and beautiful. I loved every bit of it. Except the part with Jack and Rezeki. I did not like that at all.
eden_2000's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
tracyreaderwriterswimmer's review against another edition
4.0
Another book that's somewhere between a 3 and a 4. At many points I was in awe of the descriptions and sense of place. I was transported to 17th century Amsterdam, but sadly, it didn't make me feel enough emotionally. The Miniaturist is a book worth reading, and I liked the development of Nella's character but for me, something about it was lacking. Perhaps it was too difficult for me to relate to how easily Nella thawed to the colder characters so easily.
lewis064's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I was hoping it would be more magical and would be more about the miniaturist how she was able to predict events.