This book has been in various
bestseller lists for some time and several of us had looked forward to reading
it and seeing what the hype was about.
It turned out to be
intriguing on many levels, although not everyone liked it. Some thought it a
bit slow and annoying in parts.
We were all impressed by the
historical research behind this novel by a first time author, which made you
feel as if you actually on the streets of old Amsterdam of the 1680s, walking
along the canal-side. The evocation of the smells was particularly vivid!
This book is a page turner
and we found it kept our attention throughout.
Some of us found the first
part of the book quite “dark”, with a feeling of magic in the air or of
something mystical happening. This effect was thought to lessen somewhat later
in the book.
Those not enamoured of the
book were not convinced of the relevance of the miniaturist character and
thought there was enough in the story without that person and the miniature
house. However, others felt differently. It was considered the central theme
around which the rest was built, that the house and its dolls reflected real
people and their lives and secrets, produced via the surreptitious study of
everyone by the miniaturist. The house could be a comfort to Nella, the central
character, a country born, naïve girl, who is lonely and lacking in confidence,
but she also seems to hate or fear the house. She seems to mature quite quickly
under the desperate situations she finds herself in, and we thought this might
be because she feels the figures have encouraged her to take more control of
her life.
We could see how restricted
women were in this society, not allowed to run businesses or even visit their
husband’s place of work without his permission. The feminist hackles rose all
round about this!! Interestingly, another central character, Marin, Nella’s
sister in law, was unmarried by choice (not deemed at all suitable in this city
at this time) and appears a very strong woman with the household under her
eagle eye. However, we spotted a hidden sensual side to her with her fur lined
bodices and sugared walnuts. Yet another secret!
We all felt the
claustrophobic feeling due to strict Lutheran / Calvinist societal restrictions
came over very well, as does the hypocrisy displayed by the wealthy merchants
with their jewellery, fine clothes and feasting. Even the priest was not averse
to being bought off to provide a burial place for Marin when she dies in
childbirth. Money is dominant here, and in the God versus guilder contest, the
guilder wins every time.
The trial and execution of
Nella’s husband Johannes is described in graphic detail and the feeling of
horrible despair made it seem as if we were there watching and we thought there
was likely an element of revenge and / or jealousy involved, with an old rival
of his being the accuser and lying witness to what was considered to be a
disgusting act.
Although two people didn't like this book, most of us were glad to have read it and enjoyed it. It threw
up lots of interesting comments and opinions.
