Jessie Burton — The Miniaturist

Pan Macmillan 2017 Paperback, 400pp. "NOW A MAJOR BBC DRAMAThe phenomenal no. 1 bestseller"Fabulously gripping" ObserverOn 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, Jessie Burton's magnificent debut novel The Miniaturist is a story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth. MORE PRAISE FOR THE MINIATURIST"The next big thing. Incredibly well-written, beautifully plotted. If you tore through Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, you'll love it. " Evening Standard"Utterly transporting" Hannah Kent"Mesmerising and suspenseful. Unmissable" Psychologies"Ripples with undercurrents, secrets, hidden histories and inexplicable mysteries. Tantalising, beautifully poised, exquisitely detailed" Sunday Express. Top edge of the first page torn out. Page edges tanning, slight crease on front cover.", (ISBN: 9781509857487). Fair.