Book 10 in the Reading challenge - recommended by a friend.
I was recently given this book by a friend who advised 'you'll like this'. I wasn't sure as historical fiction doesn't really appeal but it was only a short book so decided to give it a go. I loved this book.
It is set in 17th century Amsterdam with Nella, an 18 year old girl, a girl from a poor family, after her fathers death has left the family penniless she is betrothed to a 39 year old merchant trader, Johannes. They are quickly married and she is moved into his large, splendid home. Johannes works long hours and Nella is left with his horrid, mean sister, also a resident of the home.
To keep Nella occupied he presents her with a gift, a miniature replica of their home. She enlists the talents of a 'miniaturist' an artist, to create tiny replicas of the furniture and objects within the house. Parcels soon start to arrive, some contain objects that haven't been requested/ordered and include cryptic notes of what is to come.
Nella sets out on a mission to discover who the miniaturist is and what the meanings are behind the notes.
I enjoyed the story and the history included in the book, enough facts to be informative and entertaining without losing the fiction element. My only issue is how assured and wise Nella is considering she is from a very poor, rural background. She takes to the city, marriage and wealth/servants very easily, given her age and standing I would have expected the change to be a shock but it is fiction so ….
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