Captivating

Totally unexpected story. Such vivid descriptions of people, places, things. The ending was inevitable, but I had to keep going to see whether it would really happen and yet the ending doesn't lack hope. Beautifully read. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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5 people found this helpful

Fantastic story

Beautifully written, this novel creates a whole world which you slip into. It twists and turns and takes you by surprise.

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3 people found this helpful

Interesting story lovely narration

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

I usually enjoy books narrated by their authors very much, and this was no exception. If the author is a good at it, it adds another level to the experience. You get to listen to the story as it was created, they know what to stress and what the pace was intended to be. This was one of those cases, it was made more enjoyable by the author’s narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like Petronella, I found her a loveable character.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Difficult to say without posting spoilers!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, I can't say without giving away important bits.

Any additional comments?

When I read the mixed reviews I sort of see where they are coming from, but I still believe this book is underrated. It's better than some give it credit for, but there's no accounting for taste, right?

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Ear candy

I really did have trouble unplugging from this one. The author does a stellar job in reading it too (a truly rare thing for fiction, I know she's an actress, but still. I loved the hints at magical realism, poppets made prescient... A great adventure through the perfectly drawn streets of an Amsterdam long since past.

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Lacking in depth and emotion

What did you like best about The Miniaturist? What did you like least?

The idea of the dolls house replicating life was good, but it just didn't translate into the story.

What was most disappointing about Jessie Burton’s story?

It lacked a good story-line and there was no way one could feel any empathy with the characters.

What about Jessie Burton’s performance did you like?

The book was a good idea, if only it could have translated into the book.

Did The Miniaturist inspire you to do anything?

No.

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Exceptional and origianal

Would you listen to The Miniaturist again? Why?

Definitely

Who was your favorite character and why?

All characters were developed so we'll all were pertinent and interwoven so well into the story.

Have you listened to any of Jessie Burton’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No. The authors reading of her own work was very enjoyable. I had not released it was the author until the end credits.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I carried it everywhere and annoyed everyone by listening at every opportunity.

Any additional comments?

No

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Good, but overrated

Took a while to get going, very gripping towards the end but somewhat predictable and overrated given all the hype!

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I tried to smell Old Amsterdam BUT...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, The narration was not up to scratch. If it had been read by an actor I'm sure it would have come across in a more enjoyable way.

What didn’t you like about Jessie Burton’s performance?

I hated the modern strained vowels and occasional grating lapses into Estuarial English of the author. It sounded as if she had no faith in her writing and a tin ear for the flow of the story.

Any additional comments?

Please Audible dissuade authors from reading their own works.

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Lives up to the hype

Jessie Burton has written a wonderful book and narrated it well. The characters are beautifully flawed, Nella and the Brandt family are richly described and embellished and develop in a plausible way. The story itself is engaging but require the listener to take a few leaps of faith and left me feeling a little dissatisfied, however these flaws are easily forgiven in the richness of the story.

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Moving, intriguing and a bit spooky.

A fascinating depiction of c17th Amsterdam (which embodied both Puritanism and commerce) through an unconventional household. A young wife starts a strange relationship with the mysterious "miniaturist" whilst navigating relationships at home. Good sorry, great characters.

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