The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton was released in 2022. This book is the sequel to the bestselling historical novel, The Miniaturist.
I was very late to the party when it came to reading The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton (about eight years!) While I did enjoy it, I found myself with questions I wanted answering. I was therefore hopeful The House of Fortune would provide the clarity I was looking for.
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Plot
The House of Fortune is set in the 18th century, 18 years after The Miniaturist. Thea, the child of Marin and Otto, is now the same age Nella was when she arrived at the house on the Herengracht.
Returning characters, Nella, Otto and Cornelia all want the best for Thea, though they may disagree on what course Thea’s life should take. Thea, meanwhile, is tired of being treated like a child. She already knows what she wants – Walter, the love of her life who works at her beloved theatre.
As she seeks a future with Walter, she is aware things are hard back at home. Money is sparse and Otto and Nella are constantly arguing. There are secrets within the Brandt family and Thea is frustrated that no one will talk about her mother and the mysterious events that happened before she was born.
Meanwhile, Nella is desperate to secure Thea’s future and believes marriage to a wealthy man would be the best thing for Thea and the whole family.
When they receive an invitation to Amsterdam’s most exclusive ball, Nella hopes their fortunes are about to change. As new figures enter their life, Nella feels a strange prickling sensation on the back of her neck as she remembers the miniaturist who entered her life 18 years ago.
Almost two decades later, has the miniaturist finally returned to finish what she started with the Brandt family?
The House of Fortune Book Review
I think I actually enjoyed this book more than The Miniaturist. Although I found it took a while to get going, I did find myself becoming more immersed in the story and I particularly enjoyed the last quarter of the book.
Thea wasn’t particularly likeable but I enjoyed the complexity of her character. She was stubborn and ungrateful at times, as well as a little naive, but I found that in keeping with her age and the fact her life had previously been so sheltered.
The book didn’t answer all of my questions but I did really enjoy the ending. I found that not knowing or understanding every detail had no impact on the story itself. It maintained the sense of mystery that was evident in The Miniaturist.
It was quite a bleak read in places, with money worries and an arrangement for a loveless marriage, but the reader is left with a feeling of hope by the end.
Overall I enjoyed The House of Fortune and would probably read a follow-up, should Jessie Burton release one.
What should I read after The House of Fortune?
If you enjoyed The House of Fortune, I’m assuming you’ve already The Miniaturist. I’d recommend reading other Jessie Burton books, such as The Confession and The Muse.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in the 18th century, you may also enjoy Weyward by Emilia Hart and The Smallest Man by Frances Quinn.
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