In the world of historical fiction, few novels have captivated readers as deeply as Jessie Burton’sThe Miniaturist. Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, the story’s blend of mystery, feminism, and artistic magic left many longing for more. That desire was fulfilled with the release of its follow-up,The House of Fortune, a continuation that brings readers back into the enigmatic Brandt household. With its new characters, familiar themes, and evolving tensions, the sequel offers a compelling development of the original story’s legacy while exploring fresh dimensions. For fans of richly layered storytelling and historical intrigue, this follow-up deserves a deep dive.
The Return to the Brandt Household
InThe Miniaturist, readers were introduced to Petronella Oortman, or Nella, a young woman navigating the complexities of marriage, family secrets, and societal expectations in a rigid Dutch society.The House of Fortunepicks up 18 years later, shifting the narrative focus to Thea Brandt, the spirited daughter of Otto and Marin. Now 18 herself, Thea wrestles with the limitations placed on her gender and class while seeking her place in a world still burdened by rigid structures and veiled truths.
The Brandt house on the Herengracht has grown older and wearier. Once a symbol of wealth and mystery, it now stands as a crumbling reminder of lost prestige and broken dreams. Jessie Burton continues to use the house as a central character, its creaking walls and fading grandeur reflecting the internal struggles of those who live within it.
A New Heroine, A Familiar Voice
While Nella was the central protagonist inThe Miniaturist, Thea takes center stage in this follow-up. However, Nella is still present, now in the role of a caretaker and aunt who tries desperately to maintain the family’s dignity and legacy. Through Thea’s eyes, we see a different kind of rebellion less about conforming, more about choosing one’s destiny regardless of social judgment.
Thea is passionate, impulsive, and curious about love and independence. Her romance with a theater actor named Walter ignites not just passion, but also a sense of self-worth she has long been denied. At the same time, Thea’s longing for truth pushes her to uncover buried family secrets that Nella wishes to keep hidden. These generational contrasts offer rich thematic tension that adds depth to the novel.
Art, Mystery, and the Miniaturist’s Return
One of the most haunting elements of the original novel was the mysterious miniaturist who sent eerily predictive dolls and furniture to Nella’s cabinet house. Though absent in the literal sense, her influence returns subtly inThe House of Fortune. Her presence lingers like a ghost, affecting decisions and outcomes in unforeseen ways.
Burton uses the concept of miniatures and symbols once again not necessarily through tangible objects, but through the carefully constructed lives and identities of her characters. The world they inhabit is as controlled and observed as the miniatures themselves, reinforcing the themes of fate, autonomy, and unseen forces.
Themes of Gender, Class, and Identity
Jessie Burton’s writing continues to explore issues of gender expectations and personal identity. Thea, much like her aunt Nella, refuses to fit into the mold of submissive femininity. However, her resistance is more direct and volatile, shaped by the struggles of growing up in a family haunted by the past and on the brink of financial ruin.
The novel also delves into questions of racial identity. Otto, Thea’s father, is one of the few Black men in Amsterdam, and his presence raises tensions within the conservative community. Thea herself must contend with her mixed-race identity in a society that is not entirely ready to accept her. These nuanced portrayals add emotional weight and authenticity to the narrative.
Historical Detail and Atmosphere
As in the original book, Burton’s talent for world-building is on full display. The texture of 18th-century Amsterdam feels authentic bustling markets, candlelit interiors, and whispered conversations in alleyways. The author’s extensive research supports the emotional arcs of the characters, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the setting without feeling overwhelmed by historical exposition.
The theater, a central location in the sequel, is vividly depicted. It becomes both a place of escape and confrontation, mirroring Thea’s internal journey. The world of stage plays and performance art adds another layer of commentary on the nature of truth and illusion, both central themes in Burton’s storytelling.
Character Evolution and Emotional Resonance
One of the most satisfying elements of this follow-up is the continued development of characters like Nella and Otto. Once the wide-eyed protagonist, Nella is now a weary yet determined matron. Her struggle to keep the family afloat despite dwindling resources and emotional wounds adds a poignant layer to the plot.
Otto, too, gains new depth. His journey from a servant to a scholar and then to a grieving widower presents a powerful narrative of resilience. His attempts to protect Thea from societal prejudice while grappling with his own loss are both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The Significance of Legacy
The House of Fortuneis ultimately a meditation on legacy how families pass down not just names and possessions, but also silence, grief, and unresolved dreams. Thea’s journey is about reclaiming agency in a world built on structures meant to confine her. Her desire to shape her own destiny, rather than be shaped by it, becomes the heart of the novel.
In this way, the sequel stays true to the spirit ofThe Miniaturistwhile pushing the narrative in bold, fresh directions. Readers are reminded that while the past may haunt us, it does not have to define us. Through art, love, and courage, new paths can be carved even from the remnants of old wounds.
A Worthy Follow-Up
The Miniaturistset a high bar, andThe House of Fortunemeets it with elegance and conviction. The follow-up builds on the emotional and thematic strengths of its predecessor while introducing a new generation of characters who are equally captivating. With its lush prose, historical richness, and psychological insight, this continuation proves that the world Jessie Burton created still has many more secrets to reveal.
For readers seeking a story that intertwines art, identity, rebellion, and legacy,The House of Fortuneis a novel worth exploring. Whether you are returning to the Brandt household or discovering it for the first time, this follow-up offers a rich and rewarding literary experience.