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The Miniaturist cover art

The Miniaturist

By: Jessie Burton
Narrated by: Jessie Burton
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Editor reviews

Winner of the Specsavers Book of the Year Award 2014, the National Book Awards: New Writer of the Year 2014 and Waterstones Book of the Year 2014, The Miniaturist is written by rising fiction star Jessie Burton and narrated by the author in this complete and unabridged audiobook. Hear of the unique love story of Nella Oortman, whose life changes forever when she leaves her family in the countryside and enters the house of her new husband. Find yourself as curious as Nella about the wedding gift she receives from her husband. A tantalising story available now from Audible.

Summary

Winner of the Specsavers Book of the Year Award 2014

National Book Awards: New Writer of the Year 2014

Waterstones Book of the Year 2014

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed...

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present 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 mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways. Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall? Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, The Miniaturist is a magnificent story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.

Jessie Burton was born in 1982. She studied at Oxford University and the Central School of Speech and Drama, and has worked as an actress and a PA in the City. She now lives in south-east London, not far from where she grew up.

©2014 Jessie Burton (P)2014 Audible Studios

What listeners say about The Miniaturist

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking book.

What made the experience of listening to The Miniaturist the most enjoyable?

A thought provoking book which casts an interestingly spectre on a complex period of history. Characters are well drawn and the use of language impressive. I found the narration flat, and felt it hindered the pace of the book, making it hard work. Overall an interesting purchase but not a great one.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No favourite characters, rather a series of portraits of people whose circumstances, politics and economics, religion and cultures and are of a time where the world was fast changing, and prejudice and ignorance created terror for many.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I found the narration flat and rather grating I am afraid.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Thought provoking, and with resonances for aspects of our world today.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow! What an amazing book.

Totally unexpected story. Knew a dollshouse was involved but not in the way I'd imagined at the beginning. How can a tale from 300 years ago be so gripping & interesting? Shocking events - had to switch off after dog incident to gather myself! The tenderness though, is wonderful & will touch your soul.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Decent book, terrible narration

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, it's an engaging light historical novel with interesting characters. I would probably have enjoyed reading it more than listening though, due to the very poor narration.

How could the performance have been better?

It's read by the author, and would have been much more enjoyable if read by a professional.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Not for me

Really annoying book. I did listen to the end, kept on thinking it would get a bit better.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The miniaturoist

A brilliant book loved every page.it was read very well.. The writer was great. Thank you.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Most enjoyable

Would you consider the audio edition of The Miniaturist to be better than the print version?

I have not read the book, so can't say if I would have enjoyed the print version. I thought the book was well written, I enjoyed the narration of it.

What about Jessie Burton’s performance did you like?

I found it fascinating, and unpredictable

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • C
  • 10-09-14

Really got into this but disappointed

What made the experience of listening to The Miniaturist the most enjoyable?

The authors reading ability was second to none, lovely clear concise reading. fantastic

Would you be willing to try another book from Jessie Burton? Why or why not?

I would yes. I would like to see a follow on from this book

What does Jessie Burton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The characters emotions the fact its read by the author makes a difference

Any additional comments?

I was just really dissapointed with the ending, (sorry Jessie!) but otherwise a fantastic book

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent listen

Where does The Miniaturist rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Really interesting story with likeable characters and an unexpectedly dramatic course of events. Well narrated with lots of twists in the story!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The trial

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The Miniaturist

Beautifully read by the author. I was apprehensive of the 17th Century setting but needn't have been. It was easy to identify with the protagonist and the characters develop to be complex and intriguing. I'm disappointed it has ended. I will miss them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent twists and turns

I didn't know what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. the author reads it with passion.

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