The best way to describe this book is by liking it to a waltz. It moves along at a slow and steady pace, being careful not to get to excited, or include many turns or twists, is quite beautiful but not as exciting or fulfilling as a more interesting dance would be. The concept of this story is around a lady who marries for convenience – ie she is of marrying age and wealth is dwindling so she needs to be married ASAP. (This book […]
Amster-Dayum!
Jessie Burton’s debut novel The Miniaturist packs a lot of plot and history into its 537 pages. The action takes place in Amsterdam over the course of 3 months, from October 1686 into January 1687, and focuses on the oppressive social and religious restrictions that operated within a booming and expanding economy during the Dutch Golden Age. Eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman, whose family name is old and respected but whose fortunes have faltered, has made a fine match with Johannes Brandt, a successful businessman some 20 […]