On the Fourth day of advent......

 Today's book is "The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton, published by Picador. In the words of S.J. Watson this book is "Haunting, magical, and full of surprises, the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading"

For a first novel the complexity and depth of the developing story line had me hooked from the beginning and I read it twice in quick succession in order to build a clearer background. I will be honest it is not always an easy story to read, content wise, and some aspects left me feeling appalled at how different characters were treated by society. However, it is a very compelling read which will draw you in.

Synopsis

On an autumn dayin 1686, eighteen year old Nella Portman knocks at the door of a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of Johannes Brandt. Instead of her husband, she is met by his aloof sister Marin who is cold and disapproving . When Johannes gives Nella a wedding gift of a  miniature version of their home and she finds a miniaturist to furnish it for her strange parallels start to become apparent between the two.

As Nella starts to unlock the secrets of the Brandy household she realises the dangers that face them all and starts to question whether the elusive miniaturist holds the key to their fate and foretells the future.

Jessie Burton weaves a web of love , obsession, jealousy and betrayal within this wonderful story.