Following the widespread acclaim of Jessie Burton’s debut novel The Miniaturist, fans around the world eagerly anticipated a continuation of the story. That anticipation was finally satisfied with the arrival of The House of Fortune, a beautifully written sequel that revisits the same captivating world of 17th-century Amsterdam. Set 18 years after the events of the first novel, this follow-up continues the story of the Brandt family, diving deeper into their lives, secrets, and struggles. The sequel offers a thoughtful exploration of change, identity, and personal growth, all while capturing the rich, atmospheric style that defined the original.
Returning to Amsterdam: The Setting of The House of Fortune
The House of Fortune is once again set in the elegant yet rigid world of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Burton paints a vivid picture of the city’s wealth and restrictions, especially for women and marginalized individuals. The canal-lined streets, imposing merchant houses, and strict societal expectations provide a familiar backdrop, but this time, the city feels changed older, heavier, and more layered with memory. The sequel enhances the setting by introducing new aspects of Dutch society, including the botanical world and the emerging art scene.
New Generation, New Struggles
At the heart of the sequel is Thea Brandt, the spirited daughter of Otto and Marin Brandt. Unlike her parents, Thea grows up in a world already touched by scandal and sorrow. She is headstrong, curious, and determined to find her place in a society that still clings tightly to convention. Much of the story revolves around Thea’s search for independence and love, even as she faces the pressure of securing her family’s future.
Thea’s character is compelling and complex. She is torn between the allure of passion and the need for security, reflecting many of the same tensions that plagued her aunt Nella years before. As the Brandt family’s fortune dwindles, Thea’s decisions carry more weight not just for her but for everyone around her.
Revisiting Familiar Faces
One of the strengths of The House of Fortune lies in how it reunites readers with beloved characters from The Miniaturist. Nella Oortman, once a naïve bride, is now a strong, determined woman trying to keep her family afloat. She continues to play a central role in guiding Thea, though her efforts are often met with resistance. Nella’s growth is evident she has matured, become more pragmatic, yet still longs for personal fulfillment.
Otto, once a servant and now Thea’s father, also returns. His presence provides insight into the challenges faced by people of color in 18th-century Europe. As a Black man raising a daughter in a largely white, judgmental society, Otto’s experience adds depth and richness to the narrative. His quiet dignity and strength become a subtle yet powerful part of the story’s moral fabric.
The Miniaturist’s Shadow
While the enigmatic miniaturist does not play as direct a role in this sequel as in the first novel, her influence continues to linger. The presence of miniature objects, mysterious gifts, and cryptic symbolism still permeate the atmosphere. Burton cleverly uses this lingering mystery to connect the past and the present, reminding readers that some questions may never have clear answers, and some forces in life are beyond control.
Themes and Emotional Undertones
Just as in The Miniaturist, the sequel grapples with powerful themes such as autonomy, legacy, secrecy, and societal expectation. However, The House of Fortune introduces a greater sense of urgency and maturity. The characters are older, the stakes are higher, and the consequences of choices more immediate.
One of the most striking themes is the desire for agency. Thea, like Nella before her, is frustrated by the limits placed on her due to her gender and status. She seeks to carve out her own destiny, but in doing so, must navigate the delicate balance between self-expression and familial duty. These emotional threads make the story relatable even in a modern context.
Feminine Strength and Vulnerability
Both Nella and Thea are portrayed as strong yet vulnerable women. They make mistakes, question their decisions, and fight against systems that are designed to suppress them. Burton’s portrayal of their inner lives is nuanced and heartfelt. The bond between these two women forms the emotional backbone of the novel. Their shared experiences of love, disappointment, and resilience highlight the quiet strength often required to survive in a world that refuses to change.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Jessie Burton’s writing remains lyrical and evocative, with rich descriptions and an eye for historical detail. She excels at capturing the emotional weight of small moments: a glance, a whisper, the fall of light in a room. The prose is lush without being overbearing, and the pacing builds steadily toward moments of revelation and reflection.
The narrative alternates between different perspectives, primarily Thea’s and Nella’s. This dual point of view allows the reader to understand both the youthful idealism of the next generation and the cautionary wisdom of those who’ve already paid the price of rebellion. The structure also allows Burton to explore generational conflict, as well as how trauma and hope are passed down through families.
Reception and Legacy
The House of Fortune has been well received by both readers and critics. While it stands as a continuation, it also holds its own as a rich, standalone novel. Readers familiar with The Miniaturist will find additional layers of meaning, while new readers can still enjoy the compelling characters and atmospheric storytelling.
The sequel further cements Burton’s reputation as a master of historical fiction. Her ability to bring the past to life while addressing timeless themes ensures her work continues to resonate with modern audiences. The success of The House of Fortune also reinforces the idea that sequels, when done with care and vision, can enhance rather than diminish the power of an original story.
The House of Fortune, as the sequel to The Miniaturist, offers a rewarding journey back into a beautifully crafted world. With its complex characters, historical depth, and emotional resonance, the novel provides both continuity and growth. It asks its readers to reflect on how much we inherit from the past, how far we can push against what holds us back, and what it truly means to shape a life of one’s own.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Jessie Burton’s writing or new to her work, this sequel will leave a lasting impression. Rich in detail and driven by strong female voices, The House of Fortune is a worthy successor to The Miniaturist one that deepens the legacy of the story while opening new paths for its characters and readers alike.