BOOK REVIEW: The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed...
On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives at a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Though curiously distant, he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations ring eerily true.
As Nella uncovers the secrets of her new household she realises the escalating dangers they face. The miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands- but does she plan to save or destroy them? 

Publisher: Picador

Pages: 432

I had already read and enjoyed Jessie Burton's second book, The Muse before this but I think The Miniaturist is definitely my favourite- I haven't wanted it to end.
Nella Oortman begins a new life in Amsterdam, she is only eighteen and her family have married her to a successful and wealthy merchant called Johannes Brandt. Nell enters his grand house full of apprehension and naivety and is surprised when her new husband presents her with an ornate wedding gift; an exact replica of their home. Nella sets about furnishing the house by employing a miniaturist but she soon becomes disturbed when the miniaturist begins sending her items that Nella did not request or items with personal details that they could not possibly know about. Nella tries to contact the miniaturist but has no luck, she wants to know if these items are a warning, a prediction of Nella's future?
The Miniaturist is beautifully written by Jessie Burton, her attention to detail is just exquisite. The book is rich in imagery which makes it so much easier for the reader to picture the characters and surroundings.
I loved the mystery surrounding the miniaturist and the objects she sends to Nella. However, my favourite part of the book was Nella herself. She has to face so much during the story and it is wonderful to watch her change from a naive young girl to a woman who has to take charge of the whole household.
Jessie Burton explored so much more than I expected within this book, feminism, race, sexuality, class, loyalty and prejudice. There were so many different areas being examined yet Burton tied it all together effortlessly.
I know I am super late to the party but if you've not read The Miniaturist yet then I can highly recommend it.

BOOK REVIEW: The Muse by Jessie Burton

A picture hides a thousand words...
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city scene since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery- no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise comes artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences...

Publisher: Picador

Pages: 441

Jessie Burton received high acclaim for her first book, The Miniaturist which sadly I have not had chance to read yet. I loved the sound of The Muse though and I'm so glad I had it as a Christmas present as I loved it.
Odelle Bastien begins working at The Skelton gallery in London; she is very excited as this is the best job she has found since arriving in London from Trinidad. Her boss is Marjorie Quick, a slightly mysterious and enigmatic character. Marjorie takes Odelle under her wing; Odelle is flattered and slightly in awe of this woman; she has no idea that Quick will alter the path of her future and ultimately who she becomes. Odelle meets a man, Lawrie at a party and he says he was left a painting from his mother which he'd like to know more about. He brings it to the Skelton and Pandora's Box is thrown wide open. Lawrie's painting takes the story back to 1936 and rural Spain where the Schloss family are living. Olive is the daughter of a very famous art dealer but he has no idea that Olive paints and is actually hugely talented. Isaac and Teresa Robles come into their lives and very quickly turn their world upside down. Jessie Burton flits between these two time periods, weaving her story; answering some questions but raising others.
The Muse is beautifully written, Burton creates an air of mystery and suspense from the first page; I was immediately captivated by the characters and the worlds she created.
It was interesting that the majority of lead characters were female, all excelling in their own ways in times when that was rarely heard of. The relationship between Odelle and Majorie Quick was intense and I knew that something special would come of it. Olive Schloss is quite a tragic character; hiding her talent from her own family as she knows that her father would not approve. The relationships she has with those around her are either strained or false.
The book is very concerned with deception and the different areas of life it can infiltrate. Every character in this book is hiding something, some things I worked out along the way but Jessie Burton saves a few surprises for the very end.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it felt like a real treat with beautiful writing, complex characters and a plot full of suspense and intrigue.