Come and chat to Sunday Times Number One bestselling author Jessie Burton about THE MINIATURIST, Weds 25 Feb 9-10pm

[TillyMumsnetBookClub]

Chances are you will immediately recognize the sumptuous cover of our February Book of the Month - THE MINIATURIST is one of the fastest selling debuts of the decade, clinching the top spot in the bestseller lists and winning a National Book Award. Set in seventeenth century Amsterdam, it is the story of freshly-married country girl Nella who arrives in her new townhouse to find a cast of strange characters. Johannes, her wealthy merchant husband, takes no interest in her, apart from giving her a miniature version of their opulent home. When Nella starts to fill it with tiny replica furniture, strange packages begin to appear, and the dolls house becomes an odd crystal ball that seems to foretell the fortunes of the house's occupants. As Mumsnetter tripfiction put it, ‘do you like The Girl with the Pearl Earring and Tulip Fever? (loved both myself). In which case I think you would love the Miniaturist’.

You can find out more on our book of the month page, where you can also win the chance to receive one of 50 free copies - go to the book of the month page to fill in your details. We'll post on the thread when all the copies have gone. If you’re not lucky enough to bag one of those, you can always get your copy here

We are delighted that Jessie will be joining us here on Wednesday 25 February, 9-10pm to discuss The Miniaturist, her tips on writing plus much more. Please feel free to discuss the book here throughout the month (avoiding spoilers if possible) and then come and meet Jessie on the night, and ask her a question or simply tell her what you thought of the book. Look forward to seeing you on the 25th.

@TillyBookClub

We're very sadly running out of time - it has been such a rewarding chat, thank you to everyone for all your excellent questions.

Jessie, you are truly exceptional in answering all our questions (not to mention writing a book 17 times and having the stamina to keep going through what must be a madly busy publicity schedule). Congratulations again on all your success and we can't wait to see what you write next. Do come and tell us about it.

Many thanks again, everyone, for such an enjoyable evening.

Thanks so much for having me here - a true pleasure. You are very kind indeed! It was an honour to read all these commentaries - thank you to all of you who took the time to read the novel and ask me such perceptive questions.

All best wishes,
Jessie x

Thank you for clarifying, Jessie. Reading through your responses above, it seems you're warming to the idea of a potential sequel. The thing is, it was the hope of discovering the answers to the mystery of the title character that kept me reading on until the end. It would be brilliant for a follow-up to focus on Petranella Windelbreke. Even Nella Oortman, on Page 388, finds herself wondering "why was the miniaturist taken away?" There is definitely a story there.

You could do something similar to what Stieg Larsson did with "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" trilogy. The first book focused on a present day mystery, and had just brief flashbacks of the title character's past. However, the subsequent 2 books bought the title character's past life to the fore and that, and she, became the main focus.
Anyway, thank you, Mumsnet, for the opportunity to join this discussion tonight, and sincere thanks, Jessie, for your gracious replies to our questions. Wish you the very best of luck with your future 'productions'.

Barricade.

Yes, great thread, thank you so much, Jessie!

Thank you, Jessie. Funnily enough I read Dept of Speculations by Jenny Offill right before The Miniaturist.

All the best and look forward to reading your next book.

Finished reading the book last week! I really enjoyed it & didn't want it to end. And left the reader with too many questions... Can't wait for the sequel

I got one of the free copies of this book - thanks v much! I have only just started reading it as I have been stuck reading something else. I haven't read all of the book yet, but I am making great progress - its very easy to read and really compelling. I like the way that she has written it - it is quite different. (I haven't read either of the books it has been compared to) So far I love it, but have read that others have been disappointed with the ending, so I will have to keep reading and see how it ends and post again ...