by Sue,
Set in Amsterdam in 1686, when the
Netherlands was most powerful nation on earth, the city and its culture is
revealed through the eyes of Nella Oortman. Newly arrived as the wife of
Johannes Oortman, she becomes part of a society in which commerce rules, and
freedom is curtailed - partly through the need to live according to a strict
religious code. A sinister element enters Nella’s life when, to fill a
miniature house Johannes has given her, she contacts a miniaturist to provide
furniture. Do we think seventeenth century Amsterdam has any similarities to
our societies today? Are the central characters people with whom we can
sympathise? Can the miniaturist’s powers be explained in rational terms? The
novel was very well received in the U.K. I hope we all find it interesting,
ladies.
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI hope this post finds you both safe and well.
Did that big snowstorm come anywhere you Katie?
Our weather here has been hot and sunny, so lots of pool time. the kids have been home and we are spending some nice time together.
I read our novel earlier in the month over a few sleepless nights, this wasn’t the best of ideas I’ve discovered as I’m a little sketchy on some details. However it did provide some much needed distraction for me.
I enjoyed this story and did feel transported into another time, yet the similarities with the politics and social prejudices seem to run true no matter what era we read about.
I have enjoy in most of our novels the strong female characters.
I know I don’t intentionally choose my stories on this basis, maybe on some sub conscience level these stories appeal.
What about you guys?
I actually really liked the character Marin, and thought she was very strong and adventurous for her time.
I actually liked all the characters in the Bandt household .
I found the story of the miniaturist interesting in the beginning but felt a little disappointed by the end of the story. The mystery and intrigue was explained away a little unsatisfactorily for me.
I’ve just read over what I’ve written and I’m sorry it sounds so disjointed and confused. I am still adjusting to my life without Dad and feel a little disjointed and confused myself. I am so lucky to have my family and friends for support.
much love,
Nancy
Hello Ladies
ReplyDeleteNancy, I admire you enormously. Had I been through what you’ve been through I’d have posted an apology rather than a review. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your insights into the novel – probably because they so entirely agree with mine. . . . I didn’t feel the explanation for the existence or purpose of the miniaturist was clear or convincing Some sort of supernatural agony aunt using miniatures rather than letters? The portrayal of her in the “prologue” suggests a concerned, thoughtful individual. But how is it possible for such an individual to be so closely involved in so many lives and produce such excellent craftsmanship? Perhaps, as ever, I’m being too literal. All the same, the scene with the miniaturist’s father was most unsatisfactory. And why is the miniaturist also called Petronella? We all have the same powers as the miniaturist to see ourselves and those around us, and the likely outcomes of those interactions? We just don’t use those powers? Not a very convincing argument, but there has to be a reason the author gave them the same name.
It’s a pity this significant aspect of the plot was clumsily developed as I really enjoyed the characters and the depiction of the society. Indeed, Nancy, a society hardly any different to our own. And the women were wonderful. Well, except Agnes. But I loved Johannes. And Amsterdam as a city was marvelously portrayed: the cold, the clothes, the buildings, the food . . .
Are there so many strong women characters in books we choose because many of them are written by women? Or, would it be true to say that women are the stronger sex? Or do we keep reading about domestic settings?
I am having some difficulty getting hold of next month’s book, which perhaps is not a domestic setting. But I’ll keep at it.
How did you dig your way out of all that snow, Katie? And how are you feeling? Take care of yourself. And you, too, Nancy. So glad you are surrounded by loving support.
Much love to you both.
Hello to you both!
ReplyDeleteWe did have a substantial amount of snow here, but it melted quickly. The snow hasn’t been an issue, a nasty stomach virus on the other hand did put Benjamin and I out of commission for a few days. Only just getting back on my feet now.
Like you, Nancy, I found the story very interesting at the beginning but a bit disappointing by the end. It seems that all the events that befell our characters would have occurred regardless of some observant crafts person. It sounds like this second Petronella was more interested in scaring and harassing people with her craft rather than providing any sort of chance for change. I felt her appearance in the prologue was greatly unnecessary as was her existence in the novel itself.
I really liked the character of Johannes until his lust brought on the destruction of his household. IF we are to assume that Marin would have died from childbirth regardless of anything else, the household could have continued to run with Nella taking over in the place of Marin. This would have been the most logical progression since it would only seem natural to the outside community that the new wife moves in and takes over for the spinster sister-in-law. Now with the death of both the original Brandts and with the arrival of the half African illegitimate baby, what possible means of income could a widow of a “sodomite” in 1686 possibly hope to get? It spells a very grim ending for our remaining characters. Both disheartening and disappointing as far as an ending is concerned. I’m really not sure what I would have done as a novelist to help our heroine.
Nancy, again, terribly sorry for your loss. I’m glad the kids are home to help you. Sue, I hope you’re taking care of yourself while Jay is away. I just got my copy of The Beach. I’m going to try and get that read and reviewed quickly as well as my piece for March’s novel written. Only 5 weeks left ‘til this little one is scheduled to arrive.
Much love from the Chong’s!
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteWell we all seem in agreement on our opinions of this months novel.
Katie, I’m glad you mentioned the possible fate of Nella and her household after the death of the Bandts. It does seem like Jessie Burton left her heroine and her household in very dire straits. I would have been happier if some alternative ending may have given me hope for their future.
I was sorry to hear about your bout of tummy trouble Katie, really not what you need right now. I hope you are regaining your strength and getting ready for the challenges ahead.
Sue, when does Jay return to the UK ?
Maybe he could return home via Yamba?
You two really should plan a beach vacation in sunny Australia soon!
I hope all is well with Bill and Dorothy and she is fully recovered from her illness earlier this year. Ivars and I have fond memories of our visit with them.
I am well into The Beach and looking forward to our discussion on this novel as well. We are heading into our fifth year of busy women”s book club and so much has changed for us all. Especially you Katie, you were just newly married and now soon to be a mother of two !
I really love our little book club and value our friendship very much, how wonderful we have been able to continue it for so long.
much love,
nancy