Resolution Book 2

Gone Girl

After finishing my first book of the year, I couldn't wait to get started on the next. I have so many unread books to choose from, so I had to have some help deciding which to read next. In the end, I'm really enjoying mysteries at the moment, thanks to The Miniaturist, so I decided to read: Gone Girl.

I have managed to avoid hearing any spoilers about this book so I'm so excited to be able to start it fresh, not knowing what to expect. 

As there is a movie version of the book, I will watch it after finishing the book, then add a comparison section into my review

The Miniaturist

Book One Complete

I have completed the first book in my at least ten books this year resolution, and what an amazing book to start off with. The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton, is a gripping, thrilling story which is full of mystery, love, and heartbreak. It offers many shocking twists to keep you hooked on each word. Overall, from picking up this book, to reading the final sentence, this book was certainly not what I expected. As with every future book review blog, I will warn that there are spoilers ahead.

Throughout the novel, I loved all the characters, their different personalities adding greatly to the story. However, one character did stand out as my favourite; Marin Brandt. I enjoyed how she was a strong character who had a head for business and running her house, despite her slightly aggressive nature at points. I also liked that she held, what is in my opinion, the biggest secret[s] of the novel. I had absolutely no idea about her baby, and then again completely no idea that Otto was the father. Her two secrets prevented me from putting the book down until I was finished as I love a good twist. Some may argue that Johannes' homosexuality was a bigger secret, however when he jumped away from Nella in his study, I felt like I was sure why, and I was.

The Miniaturist was one of the most unique books I have ever read which is another plus from me as I love anything that's quite out there and different. The way small fragments of real fact - Petronella Oortman, Johannes Brandt, and Nella's cabinet were all real - were entwined with the beautifully written story all added to what makes the novel great.

One detail of the story did slightly disappoint me however. The mystery of the Miniaturist. I know that some mysteries have to stay a mystery, but I feel towards the end, the mystery was a little forgotten and it was never rounded off which I had hoped for. After reading the whole book and being just as curious as Nella to find out who this woman is and how she knew what to make and send for the cabinet, I felt discontent when the story ended with only the woman's name and a small insight into her background. I understand if Jessie Burton felt she couldn't give the mystery and ending without it feeling poor in comparison the the rest of the story, but I would I liked to have known even just the tiniest bit more about the Miniaturist.

Despite that, The Miniaturist is by far one of the best books I have read and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is contemplating reading it.

My Personal Reading Resolution

The Miniaturist

I've never really been one to make New Years resolutions, never mind keep them. However, this year I decided I would do my first ever one. I've always been a tremendous bookworm at heart, but due to the pressures of school in recent years, I have let my reading habits slide, to my dismay. That's why this year I have decided my resolution shall be to read at least 10 books. I have so many unread books on my self and it's really upsetting to look at them, untouched, unread, unappreciated yet.

I've decided to blog my resolution so I can let you all know my thoughts and feelings on a particular book.

I will split each book into two blogs: an introductory one which will talk about the book i'll be reading, and possibly how I got the book, if it's interesting, and the second blog will be all about my opinions on the book, such as if I enjoyed the story, which character is my favourite and why and much more! I also may include a section for my opinion on the movie version if the book has been turned into a film.

If you couldn't already tell by the sub-heading for this piece, the book I will be starting off with is: The Miniaturist.

I didn't know anything about this book when I picked it up in WHSmiths, other than it was highly recommended by many.

I am very excited to get stuck into the story and share my thoughts on it with you all!