On one of the parcels she receives has something written on it around a picture of the sun – The sign of the sun – (c) Jessie BurtonĮVERY WOMAN IS THE ARCHITECT OF HER OWN FORTUNEĪt a time where Nella herself concludes that women don’t build anything let alone their own fortunes, this is a hint of things to come…. The Kalverstraat – where the sign of the sun is – where Nella goes to employ the services of the Miniaturist. The Kalverstraat Just off Kalverstraat – (c)Jessie Burton Just what kind of secrets are bound up in these parcels? This miniaturist seems to be someone with intimate knowledge of Nella’s life and this someone is not only watching her but appears to be able to predict what will happen next. The first order is completed but then mysterious parcels start to appear including startling models of its occupants – items which don’t appear to stay the same, changing their appearance as events in Nella’s cloistered existence start to open up. However her attempt to fill the house leads her to contacting a Miniaturist who she instructs to make items to furnish the house. Then she is told to furnish it which she takes as yet another order and of having to obey and do what is expected of her. When her husband first gives her a cabinet house, which is an exact replica of their own house, miniaturized and unfurnished, she is at first offended having been given a toy although she is no child. The real dollhouse in the Rijksmuseum which inspired the story. Today we venture further in to the world of The Miniaturist …….Nella’s husband has just given her a wedding gift that will change her life…. A house in Amsterdam which Nella could have walked past every time she went in search of the Miniaturist – (c) Jessie Burton Following on from yesterday’s post, we’re back in Amsterdam with Jessie Burton – and are on our way along the canals past the houses spotted in the Miniaturist novel to enter once again into Nella’s new home and into her life.

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