The Miniaturist by debut author Jessie Burton is announced as Waterstones Book of the Year
A detail from the cover of Jessie Burton's 'The Miniaturist'
The Telegraph- 01 Dec 2014
The Miniaturist, a literary thriller set in 17th-century Amsterdam, has been announced as Book of the Year 2014 by Waterstones.
The Miniaturist, by debut author Jessie Burton, has already sold more than 100,000 copies, making it the bestselling literary debut hardback of the decade so far.
Burton, who was born in 1982, studied at the University of Oxford and the Central School of Speech and Drama and has worked as an actress and a PA. The Miniaturist was inspired by a visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam where she saw a real-life giant dolls house which belonged to Petronella Oortman.
Burton said “It is a thrill, a pleasure and a true honour to be voted Waterstones’ Book of the Year 2014. It's particularly special as the title was chosen by booksellers, and I am indebted to their passion for The Miniaturist and their desire to spread the word to readers. I will always be grateful for this incredible award.”