Is this an original story? Not necessarily. But it kept me engaged with interesting characters and exceedingly readable prose. 
 I'm all for leaving things open ended and not answering all the questions posed. However, I felt like we barely played with the idea of miniaturist in the novel. I needed more, although not necessarily answers. I liked that those weren't given. But, as of now, I'm not absolutely sure what the miniaturist pollen adds to the novel. 
 I enjoyed my time in this world, I just wanted more than surface level in everything.