Despite this book being much-hyped, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed living for the duration of the story in 17th century Amsterdam, with newly married Nella Oortman and the rather motley household she joins: her husband's unmarried sister, and ex-slave, a maid rescued from the poor house, and even, very occasionally, her husband Johannes. His wedding gift to her is a large and very superior dolls' house modelled on the martital home, and in her early days of boredom and loneliness, she begins to furnish this house, with artefacts fashioned by the mysterious 'miniaturist'.

I never quite believed in the miniaturist nor her powers of seeing into the future. I never quite believed Nella's acceptance of her husband once his sexual orientation is revealed to her in a quite shocking way. I never quite believed in her own rapid blossoming as a character, from sheltered country girl to assured young decision-maker.

But I still enjoyed this story, and its assured sense of time and place. I turned the pages willingly enough, but it's not a book that will stay long in my memory. ( )

3.5 stars

It’s the 17th century. Nella is newly married and travels to Amsterdam to live with her new husband (whom she’s barely met), a somewhat well-to-do merchant. She is young and he is much older. She is “greeted” by Marin, who seems pretty rude, and turns out to be her new sister-in-law. There are two servants in the house – one is a black man! – and her husband is away. No one is particularly welcoming.

When her husband buys a cabinet that is a small version of the very house they are living in as a wedding gift, there is a miniaturist who will make tiny things to add to the house, but the miniaturist starts sending things Nella has not ordered. Nella’s husband is often away on business, and she has a hard time fitting in. And weird things happen in this house.

This was good. It took a short bit to get going for me, and I suppose it is slow-moving in its entirety. I did get more interested and the story moved on, though. There are definitely some (big) surprises. I do think the cover is beautiful. (Though that wasn’t why I chose to read it – it was a gift.) And I see there is a sequel. I will read it. ( )

An interesting story. A bit grim. Some sympathetic characters . Timely in that it explores how being different in a society could be dangerous. Will probably try sequel ( )

This book never fully grabbed me and as a result I felt that it was too long. Around 60% through I just didn't care anymore, but I was curious about the Miniaturist so I pushed through. It was not worth it. The book is well written, and I can see the appeal, it just didn't work for me. ( )

Okay, but only just barely. I needed a bit more explanation of what was supposed to be the main plotline of the story, the miniaturist ... overall, meh. ( )