We all agreed that The Miniaturist lacked something and the plot became a bit preposterous – but we liked the setting in 17th century Amsterdam. Thanks to Dawn for hosting the November meeting.
Compiled by Jessie Burton and Francesca Main, Editorial Director at Picador
1. How would you describe the sense of place in The Miniaturist, and how
does the novel present seventeenth century Amsterdam?
2. What does the gift of the cabinet house symbolise to Nella in terms of her
marriage to Johannes and her own status?
3. The Brandt household is full of secrets. Which made the biggest
impression on you and why?
4. Did your attitude to the characters remain consistent throughout the
novel, or did your loyalties shift as you kept reading? Which character
provoked the strongest reaction from you?
5. How would you describe Nella’s relationship with Marin? In what ways do
they conlict, and are they more alike than they think?
6. What do you think was the most signiicant cause of the Brandt’s downfall?
7. Do you think the miniaturist is a magical force or a human one? What is
the most important thing that Nella learns from her?
8. To what extent do you think Nella was in control of her own fate, or was
she at the mercy of those around her?
9. How did seventeenth century Dutch society view women, and how
different is life for women today?
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