Overall Rating and Opinion of "The Miniaturist"

Discuss the February 2015 book of the month, The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton.

How do you rate The Miniaturist?

1 star - poor, recommend against reading it
0
No votes
2 stars - fair, okay
12
30%
3 stars - good, recommend it
21
53%
4 stars - excellent, amazing
7
18%
 
Total votes: 40

Alanna1837
Posts: 18
Joined: 08 Mar 2015, 20:52
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Bookshelf Size: 37
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alanna1837.html

Re: Overall Rating and Opinion of "The Miniaturist"

Post by Alanna1837 »

Good info, I have been wanting to read this book. Now I will definitely have to pick it up. Thanks
User avatar
krisliz88
Posts: 53
Joined: 24 Dec 2014, 08:26
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Favorite Book: Heartsick
Bookshelf Size: 10
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-krisliz88.html
fav_author_id: 2484

Post by krisliz88 »

I was initially attracted to this book because of the time period. I have always enjoyed reading something that is written in a somewhat historical setting. The problem I found with it was that I felt many things were left unanswered or not explained. I felt that I could not really get in touch with the characters and that they were just a shade less than believable. I'm not sure that this is a book that I would pick up to read on my own and isn't one that I would really recommend.
User avatar
Lilapo9
Posts: 342
Joined: 30 Jun 2014, 13:45
Favorite Author: Diane Duane
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 29675">The Ministry of Cantors</a>
Currently Reading: Handbook for Cantors
Bookshelf Size: 134
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lilapo9.html
Latest Review: "Memory of Miracles" by Beth Durkee
Reading Device: B00EM3WGYY
fav_author_id: 4363

Post by Lilapo9 »

I gave this book 3 Stars. It was definitely a good read. The story kept you guessing until the very end. What I liked most about the story was that you were kept guessing right along with the main character as she learned to gain her own voice. What I did not like was the way the main character loses everything yet gains everything but. . . in the end. I would recommend this book to others but might hint that a box of tissues might be needed. I did my share of crying today during certain parts. I did feel in the end it was a good story, it had a plot with many twists it kept my attention throughout. If I had more time this would have been a book I could have read in a day.
Latest Review: "Memory of Miracles" by Beth Durkee
User avatar
Rachaelamb1
Posts: 986
Joined: 07 Mar 2015, 01:58
Favorite Author: CS Lewis
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... onwitch</a>
Currently Reading: Falling Star
Bookshelf Size: 128
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rachaelamb1.html
Latest Review: "Dragon Born" by Ela Lourenco

Post by Rachaelamb1 »

I originally was interested in this book but after hearing more from you all, I think I will pass on this one. I don't like unsatisfying endings!
Latest Review: "Dragon Born" by Ela Lourenco
User avatar
queenmab75
Posts: 10
Joined: 29 Mar 2015, 12:45
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-queenmab75.html

Post by queenmab75 »

I don't think the ending was entirely unsatisfying or vague. More like unhappy than anything else. I still really enjoyed it, far more than I thought I would!
User avatar
memory
Posts: 88
Joined: 08 Apr 2015, 13:23
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-memory.html
Latest Review: "Rogue & Royal" by Alan S. Blood

Post by memory »

I thought the author does an excellent job with the time period and building her characters. I thought the story flowed nicely and I didn't find it slow. I did not love the ending because I ended up with more questions than answers even after rereading the prologue. I do wish that the ending left us with a feeling that the characters were going to have some happiness because I think they deserve it.
Latest Review: "Rogue & Royal" by Alan S. Blood
User avatar
V_bansal2912
Posts: 231
Joined: 24 Feb 2014, 06:28
Favorite Author: Ayn Rand
Favorite Book: Atlas Shrugged
Currently Reading: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)
Bookshelf Size: 57
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-v-bansal2912.html
Latest Review: Sigfried’s Smelly Socks! by Len Foley
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
fav_author_id: 2597

Post by V_bansal2912 »

On my To-Read list...!!
User avatar
Chelseafoshee
Posts: 8
Joined: 05 May 2015, 13:23
Currently Reading: The Miniaturist
Bookshelf Size: 32
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chelseafoshee.html

Post by Chelseafoshee »

The Miniaturist took me awhile to get through. The slowness made it difficult for me to stay motivated to keep reading. I am glad I did finish it, however. There were so many layers in this book ~ both filled with tragedy and history. The history I found fascinating, especially the passages at the end showing what guilders were worth. I do agree with you, Fran, that I felt there was little resolution to many aspects in the story. I felt a little let down at the end, yet also thankful to be done! I would probably recommend this book alongside a warning.
User avatar
daisymoonellis
Posts: 5
Joined: 09 May 2015, 15:14
Currently Reading: Stuffocation
Bookshelf Size: 6
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-daisymoonellis.html

Post by daisymoonellis »

I absolutely LOVED this book! Fascinating portrayal of attitudes towards women and sexuality. I love the way that while it's set in the 17th century, it still reads like a very modern account. Wonderfully constructed characters and a general eerie atmosphere that stays with you long after finishing! I'm especially pleased for the author, Jessie Burton, as it's her first novel and such a great book to have under your belt so early in your career!
User avatar
Emmers00
Posts: 78
Joined: 07 Jun 2015, 23:45
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-emmers00.html
Latest Review: Audible Book of your Choice by Amazon

Post by Emmers00 »

I heard someone talk about this book once, for some reason it reminded me of The Diviners by Libba Bray and this era in history is one that is almost never explored
Who being loved, is poor?-Mother Theresa
User avatar
melbuhtoast
Posts: 77
Joined: 19 Dec 2014, 09:44
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Currently Reading: The Goldfinch
Bookshelf Size: 133
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-melbuhtoast.html
Latest Review: "Angry Enough to Kill" by S.J. Dunn

Post by melbuhtoast »

I really enjoyed this book. The attention to detail was wonderful-I felt like I could see so many of the details in my mind. I agree with Scott that it had a slow start, but after things picked up, I couldn't put it down. The characters were all so unique, which I appreciated as well!
Latest Review: "Angry Enough to Kill" by S.J. Dunn
baasil999
Posts: 27
Joined: 21 Sep 2015, 02:18
Bookshelf Size: 7
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-baasil999.html

Post by baasil999 »

This book had a very quick ending. I still don't know why, but anyway, I give it 2/4 rating
User avatar
cherry_girl
Posts: 4
Joined: 22 Sep 2015, 00:59
Bookshelf Size: 1

Post by cherry_girl »

I finished the Miniaturist a little over a week ago and it was one of the best books I've read for a while and I found myself constantly thinking about the storyline throughout the day. I've given out my copy to a friend and when I get it back I think I'll have to reread it :D
User avatar
Jausten11
Posts: 60
Joined: 27 Oct 2015, 11:36
Favorite Book: sun also rises
Currently Reading: All the Light We Cannot See
Bookshelf Size: 79
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jausten11.html

Post by Jausten11 »

The begining of the book was difficult for me to get through. Not that it wasn't interesting and necessary, it just took me a while to comprehend what was going on. Though after that I breezed through the entire thing. I liked the book and gave it a 3 out of 4 rating.
User avatar
London-Paris
Posts: 5
Joined: 06 Nov 2015, 20:58
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-london-paris.html

Post by London-Paris »

I find that the book- The Miniaturist is well above most books written now a days. It is both interesting and debatable at the same time. It questions aspects of love and scandals, the prospect of matrimony, etiquette and society's approval, regards to reputation and obligations of arranged marriages, the concept of homosexuality with regards to religion, scandals with regards to redemption, fraud and death of loved ones, and last but not least the whole setting of Amsterdam during the trying times of severe religious faith and abdication/isolation from free forming ideas- constantly thinking inside the box. I loved the whole scandalous affairs of illegitimate affairs, homosexual accusations/ rape, arranged marriages and the whole concept of foreseeing the future due to little hints the main character receives from a mysterious stranger described in the book, adding to the mystery of the entire story. I grant it 5/5 and am impressed by said story. I would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction, mystery, trade and bargaining of livestock in Amsterdam, touch of romance with added scandal, and the unescapable, and untimely aspect of death.
Post Reply

Return to “"The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton”