THE MINIATURIST

I was really very interested in reading this book ever since it was released.I loved the cover and found myself wanting to know what the story was about.

I was also deeply mesmerised by this cabinet house,featured in the book, made with marble,tortoise-shell and exquisite art work by brilliant artists,which belonged to Petronella Oortman of Amsterdam in the late seventeenth century and couldnt help but gaze at it admiringly more than a few times.This story was inspired by this miniature replica and is a totally fictional historical novel on Petronella Oortman and her cabinet house.

This story is set in late 17th century Amsterdam.It begins with an eighteen year old country girl Nella,who is married in haste to an older merchant from Amsterdam.Nella arrives to a cold welcome at the home of her husband Johannes ,for the first time only to realise that the reigns of the household lie in Johanne's sister,Marin's hands.The other resident of the house besides Marin is the orphan maid Cornelia and Otto an African servant,who has been brought by Johannes from one of his travels abroad.

Nella feels alienated and finds this new life very difficult.She realises that the house is full of secrets.Moreover Johannes,a busy merchant is absent most of the times and avoids any intimacy with Nella.Johannes soon presents her with a cabinet containing the exact replica of their house.Nella is initially offended because she wants to be in charge of a real house not a play one,but nevertheless she goes ahead and orders miniature pieces to go in the cabinet house.She recieves her miniature pieces which are beautifully and intricately crafted but soon realises that they are the exact replica of the people and things in the house.These pieces also seem to predict the future.She tries to meet the miniaturist to tell her to stop sending the pieces but they continue to arrive unsolicited.Nella now begins to wait for these pieces thinking that they may be the lifeline to save her family and a key to their salvation.But is the miniaturist really capable of doing that?Or is she just an architect of their downfall?

My Views:This story is set in late 17th century Amsterdam and if the setting is kept in mind than probably almost everything that occurs in this story can be justified.I was transported to that era and found myself drawn in the story,the power of the writing is remarkable.Only a few authors can manage to do that,make you live the story and Jessie Burton does a fabulous job at it.Full marks for creating a very real setting of 17th century Amsterdam along with the food,the smells,the unforgiving winters and the sensibilities of people living in that era.The plot was gripping and the surprises and twists were unexpected sometimes.

I loved Nella and the way she conducts herself in the face of all the unexpected events thrown her way.The strength of her character shines beautifully.I was surprised that her outlook could be so modern,considering that she was from another era,but then I thought,why not? and I lauded her fiesty spirit.I could emapathize with Marin and most of all with Johannes.The issues raised in this novel are so poignant not only in that era but also today,women empowerment,the choice to live life on your own terms,to be able to be the architect of your own destiny and just the basic right to free will.It raises pertinent questions and makes us think about issues we otherwise choose to brush under the carpet.The hypocrisy and high-handedness of people in a repressive society leading to altering innocent lives irrevocably,moved me emotionally.And what use is religion if we continue to exercise our tainted will in the name of God?

The only spoke in the wheel was the miniaturist and the explanation given for why she does what she does left me a bit unsatisfied.I was hoping for something which completed the puzzle beautifully but this last piece was still set at the wrong angle.

However that doesnt take away the fact that I enjoyed this compelling read and would readily recommend it to everyone.

I rate it a 4 out of 5.