Saturday 18 April 2015

Reading Challenge 2015 - The Miniaturist


The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

I'm filing this book under a book a friend recommended. I went to visit my friend Laura who I've known for years. We were best friends in high school and I love that I still go to see her. It's not very often, but it's enough and it's good. 
Last time I went to see her she told me she'd just finished reading The Miniaturist and that she had really enjoyed it. Recommendation received! 
I actually enjoyed it. It's not something I would have ever picked up myself. I do love period novels, but the blurb didn't draw me in. I hate anything to do with dolls and puppets and I got that kind of vibe from the description. 
Anyways, it was great. Set in 17th Century Amsterdam and focusing on the life of a woman named Petronella whom had recently married a man named Johannes Brandt. The story, names and dollhouse are based on a real life dollhouse. I haven't read much about it, but I'm fairly certain thats true! 
There were a few things I really would have liked more of. The actual miniaturist herself didn't get much of a story and I would have loved to learn more about her. 

I've slowed down on the reading which I'm quite disappointed about. I'm hoping it will pick up again as I've got a small pile lined up on my desk.

What I've read so far : 

A Trilogy - James Dashner, The Maze Runner series
A Play - Shakesspeare, Love Labours Lost
A Book with Magic - Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven Boys
A Memoir - Amy Poehler, Yes Please
A Book With a Number in the Title - Timothy Goodman & Jessica Walsh, 40 Days of Dating
A book a Friend Recommended - Jessie Burton, The Miniaturist