The Miniaturist

There are some run-of-the-mill things about this story: powerless women struggling for self determination in 17th century Europe, oppressed by a rigid society where everyone polices each other and where religious authorities have no mercy. A young woman enters a household that seems hostile, but through her upright character and kindliness she wins friendship. However, this novel is anything but ho-hum. Characters steadfastly refuse to do what you expect them to do, or say what you expect them to say. Mysteries are revealed, but in their own time, not when you expect them to be. There is a feeling of out-of-control-ness that is disorienting, but appropriate. A satisfying novel.