At the turn of the 18th century, Amsterdam is at the centre of an intellectual revolution, with artists and scientists racing to record the wonders of the natural world. Of all the brilliant naturalists in Europe, Maria Sibylla Merian is one of its brightest stars.
For as long as she can remember, Dorothea Graff’s life has been lived in service to her mother, Maria: from collecting insects to colouring illustrations for Maria’s world-famous publications. While Dorothea longs for a life that is truly her own, she constantly finds herself drawn back into her mother’s world – and shadow.
When Maria becomes entranced by the plant and insect life of Suriname, she is determined to record it for herself. At just twenty years old, Dorothea decides to join her on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. All the family’s savings are ploughed into the dangerous expedition, but greatness is never achieved without sacrifice. The Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname will be Maria’s masterpiece, but ensuring its legacy – and her own survival – will become her daughter’s burden. When offered a chance of happiness, will Dorothea have the courage to take it, and risk everything her mother built?
From the jungles of South America to the bustling artists’ studios of Amsterdam, Melissa Ashley charts an incredible period of discovery. With stunning lyricism and immaculate research, The Naturalist of Amsterdam gives voice to the long-ignored women who shaped our understanding of the natural world – both the artists and those who made their work possible.
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A beautifully written book, The Naturalist of Amsterdam is set in the 1700s. This historical novel explores Dorothea Graff’s life. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to read and review this amazingly written book, Melissa did a fantastic job. Melissa, SA, 5 Stars
As a fan of Ashley’s historical research and all things art in nature, I knew I would love this book. Strong women with grit, mother and daughter with intrepid spirits and a bond that resonates with my own maternal heart. I engaged in simultaneous research en route, discovering new frontiers of flora and fauna from the Dutchman’s pipe to the puss caterpillar! I love the wild and wise medicine woman Kim, and how she attempts to adapt to that ‘new world’, those intricate webs deep in her heart and soul about what it means to belong. Subtle observations on slavery, gifts of ambergris, medicinal herbs and potions, the competitive business of bookbinding, cabinets of wonder – all celebrated in characterisation that was simple yet potent. The writing was descriptively sublime, laced with visual colour and dynamic details enabling me to fully immerse myself in the journey – I loved the vivid descriptions of life in the 18th century, be it Amsterdam, on the high seas, or in the far reaches of Suriname, loitering the streets of Paramaribo, encountering the Arrowouk tribe. I loved especially the indomitable will that prevails in Dorothea to rise so gracefully in courage, against the odds. Metamorphosis indeed! Susan, QLD, 5 Stars
I was captured from the beginning of this book by the meticulous and detailed descriptions of the natural world. It was almost like watching a nature documentary unfolding in slow motion as the main characters immerse themselves in studying and observing the wonder of life of the insect world. A complex and heroic story of women pioneering a new field of study in the 18th century. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Graciela, NSW, 5 Stars
Beautifully written by Australian author Melissa Ashley, historical novel The Naturalist of Amsterdam is absorbing and creative. From the luxurious salons of Europe to the jungles of South America, meticulous research enables the recreation of an incredible world containing detailed descriptions and stunning locations. Narrated by Dorothea or Doda, who lives with her mother and sister and has a role as her mother’s assistant, the reader is drawn into an imaginary world. Maria Sybilla Merian was a famous naturalist, entymologist, scientific artist and businesswoman in Amsterdam. With daughters Hanna and Doda as her assistants, she worked constantly to promote her discoveries. She produced significant illustrations and publications from her explorations into the natural world. She is known for discovering and recording many new species of insects, along with their developmental life stages, including the link between caterpillars and butterflies, yet unknown to the scientific world. A hazardous trip to Suriname in 1699 to observe new species of insects was a triumph. There Dorothea was able to develop her own drawing talents. A fascinating story with personal, genuine and empathetic characters facing difficult challenges and managing to succeed in a not-too-friendly world. Margaret, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow another beautiful book from this author. Absolutely stunning. Set in the 1700s in Amsterdam, Suriname and South America, the story traces the lives of Maria Sibylla Merian and her daughter Dorothea (Dort). The start of the story traces the lives of the family in a secluded sect, Dort and her sister Hanna are devoid of love, thankfully their Grandmother provides this throughout their stay. Upon leaving the sect, Dort becomes her mother’s assistant in her work of discovering new species of insects and plants, learning all the necessary skills to document their lifestyles. They travel far and wide and throughout the story the emergence of Dort as her own brilliant naturalist. This story is rich, vibrant and beautiful. I did not want it to finish. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
The Naturalist of Amsterdam is the third of Melissa Ashley’s historical novels and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Melissa has a way with words that makes the reader feel part of the history on the page. Based on fact, I googled some of the watercolours she described, and recognised them instantly from her descriptions. From Germany to Amsterdam and Surinam in South America, I was able to feel the temperature, smell the smells and hear the sounds as described. I felt I was in the picture being put on the page. This is a stand-alone novel but I can happily recommend you read this, and the previous two novels by this excellent wordsmith. Fiona, QLD, 5 Stars
A thoroughly good read. Well written, based on historical research, this novel was engaging and entertaining. As with her previous novels, Melissa Ashley highlighted the little-known and often unacknowledged contribution of women to scientific research of the natural world. Elizabeth, NSW, 5 Stars
In 1686, at the age of eight, Dorothea Graff assists her mother to curate the Walta Schloss collection of exotic natural curiosities from the Dutch colony of Suriname where a breakaway group of Labadists have established a paradise, free of the corruption of the material world. The German family is living with this strict pious Christian community in Friesland, where Doortje is disciplined harshly, especially when she rebels at her father’s expulsion from the congregation. Her mother becomes disillusioned by the rife mismanagement and when an epidemic threatens lives, they move to Amsterdam where they set up an atelier painting botanical commissions and teaching daughters of wealthy burghers. Melissa Ashley’s lavish attention to detail, chronicling the real lives of these inspiring women, evinces the vibrancy of their vividly rich watercolours. For fans of her/history. Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
In the 18th century, Dorothea works for her mother Maria, collecting insects and doing illustrations for her world-famous publication. Dorothea wants a world of her own and wants to break free of her mother’s destiny. Will Dorothea commit to her mother’s many dangerous expeditions and carry on the family legacy, or will she risk everything for her own happiness? A brilliant read. Highly recommended. Noeleen, WA, 5 Stars
The Naturalist of Amsterdam follows the lives of the Merian women during a time when women did not have a lot of choices outside marriage and family. I found the descriptions of the artistic/scientific world in Amsterdam fascinating, as well as how talented women artists were able to forge an independent life free from the normal constraints of society. The writing is beautiful in particular the descriptions of Maria and Doortjes’ drawings of insects and plant life, as well as their adventures in South America. I would have loved to read more about Hanna’s experiences in Suriname. Maybe another book? I read this book while on holiday which allowed me to enjoy it uninterrupted by ‘life’ disruptions. For those readers who loved The Bee and the Orange Tree, Melissa Ashley has again produced a wonderful story of the life of women in history. Linda, VIC, 4 Stars
The Naturalist of Amsterdam creates the world of 17th and 18th century Europe, especially how women were regarded and treated by society and men. Even talented women had to conform to norms that they had little control of in their lives. As Dorothea says later in her life when she is asked to make a life-changing decision, “I’ve moved around all my life to serve other people.” The book is a tale of how women can be successful as naturalists and illustrators in a man’s world, and are often better due to superior observational skills and the ability to accurately recreate these in sketches, diagrams and paintings. The novel also looks at how hard life could be during this time. Anne, NSW, 4 Stars
Well-written book, a little bit hard for me to get into to start with but I enjoyed the story and the strong, intelligent characters (Maria and Dorothea). One of the more interesting historical fiction books that I’ve read lately and overall a good, solid read. Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
Wow. This book had so many interesting things. The Labadist Community, which I had never heard of and after some research myself found it of interest. The gathering of insects and small animals and the detail to which Mother and her children documented it all. And the happiness that Hanna found with her husband, children and herself. And Dorothea had overcome so much. A well-written and researched book. I definitely enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Melissa’s books in the future. Annette, NSW, 4 Stars
Dorothea (Dort) is the daughter of a well-known scientific painter and from a child has assisted her mother in her painting. From catching and breeding insects that her mother paints, to learning the art of drawing, painting and coloring for her mother, she devotes her life to helping her mother to realize her dreams, and has little time or opportunity to follow her own. Although this work is interesting, Dort wonders if this is all she will ever achieve. Even though The Naturalist of Amsterdam is fiction, I found it really informative: on the Labadist movement, on Dutch colonisation, and on scientific painting and how it lead to scientific discoveries. The story follows about thirty years of Dort’s life and I felt the heaviness and sadness in the novel of trying to achieve someone else’s dreams and not your own. I enjoyed following Dort’s journey. Sonia, VIC, 4 Stars
This book was beautifully written. I love how it gave voice to these women from our history. As well as being beautifully written it was also such an informative read – I learnt so much about all things nature! Would recommend if you like historical fiction and beautiful writing, and are a nature lover! Danielle, QLD, 4 Stars
Set in the 1700s in Amsterdam and Suriname, South America, this novel reveals the amazing lives of two particularly talented artists. Dorothea Graff, the daughter of the renowned artist and author Maria Sibylla Merian, serves her mother while being starved of her love in a strict sect. Dort’s loving grandmother makes her time at the sect bearable along with the invaluable learning of classical languages. Upon leaving the sect, Maria is unsettled so they move to Suriname where Maria immerses herself into her naturalist work on the metamorphosis of the native insects. They return to Amsterdam after Maria contracts malaria and she opens a business as a “widow”. The descriptions of the landscapes, insects and artworks are exquisite. At times it is difficult to ascertain whether Maria is a scientist or an artist but as Maria’s health starts to fail and Dort takes over the task of preserving her mother’s legacy, it becomes apparent that Dort’s intelligent observation of her mother’s work has allowed her to develop into a fine naturalist in her own right. The novel explored the themes of “modern” medicine and indigenous remedies, feminist issues, the class structure and the shipping trade. Highly recommended. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
A beautifully written story highlighting the path of discovery of the natural world, and the place that artists and in particular women had in that time. Rach, QLD, 4 Stars
The Naturalist of Amsterdam follows along similar lines to The Birdman’s Wife in following the life of a woman in the shadow of another, in this case, her mother. Dorothea is an accomplished woman in her own right but has followed her mother across the New World for the love of insects and painting. Never knowing how good she could be, always in her mother’s shadow. Dedicating her life to fulfilling her mother’s dreams and in doing so leaves opportunities in her life behind. I often found myself feeling angry for “Dort” and willing her to leave her mother and pursue her own life. It was interesting to view the lot of women in Europe during the 1700s and had me looking up some of the details within the book for further understanding. Ainsley, QLD, 4 Stars
In The Naturalist of Amsterdam, Australian author Melissa Ashley has crafted a memorable story set in Amsterdam in the 1700s. A story of the intersection between scientists and artists in the discovery of the natural world, notably in South America. This period of discovery has been impeccably researched and written in an engaging story of a mother’s quest for perfection in cataloguing insect and plant life in both scientific and artistic forms. Her daughter Dorothea Graff is seemingly tied to her mother’s work but looks to become her own person. She is now renowned for her work in this field but at the time was often overlooked as just her mother’s assistant. This is an in-depth study of the times and it is easy to dive into this unknown world and come out refreshed. Highly recommended. Sue, NSW, 4 Stars
Set in the 1800s, a story of strong independent women who followed their dreams of being an artists in nature; the youngest daughter was overlooked as an artist by being her mother’s assistant, while the eldest daughter married and moved away to have a family of her own. A historical novel that I’m sure needed much research in a time when women were seen as the weaker sex, not the strong women that have been portrayed in The Naturalist of Amsterdam. Sally VIC 4 Stars
I was very grateful for the opportunity to preview The Naturalist of Amsterdam by Melissa Ashley. The rich attention to detail and thorough exploration mean that this book is a slow burn. While the first half struggled to hold me, in the second half, I found myself very invested in Dorothea Graff as she navigates cards dealt by fate. Despite being set in the 16th and 17th centuries, Dorothea’s story was relateable and heartbreakingly human. When she finally realised her own worth and potential, I celebrated from my couch. A beautiful story, one I think would be most enjoyed by people with historical knowledge of the places, people and art explored. Chloe, VIC, 3 Stars
I was really torn with this book, it definitely is not a page-turner, but it was such a beautiful book, quite mesmerising. I sometimes felt like I was reading a scientific textbook with all the descriptions and nature terminology of the studies Maria Merian and her daughter Dorothea (or Dort as she was affectionately known) spent soooooo much time on. Poor Dort seemed to live in her mother’s shadow, her character was very solid and strong, I really felt for her, never quite getting the accolades for her talent which was overshadowed by her sister Hannah’s artistic talents and her mother’s almost obsessive personality. There were times I was captivated, especially the journey Maria and Dort made to Suriname. I sometimes tried to imagine David Attenborough in the late 1600s to early 1700s and thought this is how he would have had to capture his wildlife studies, with hand drawings and note-taking. Although very slow moving I am so happy that I read this book, I feel it would make a beautiful movie, can imagine the photography we have the luxury of today mixing with the time and effort that our main characters in this book had to put into bringing to life this world of insects and plants from the deep jungle of South America. It is indeed a beautiful book, I encourage anyone thinking about reading it to definitely give it a go. Linda, VIC, 3 Stars
In The Naturalist of Amsterdam Melissa Ashley explores an amazing period of ecological discovery through Amsterdam and Suriname. The book explores a variety of engaging themes: science, art, religion, love, motherhood and family. I enjoyed the depiction of life as a woman at the turn of the 18th century, how Dorothea and her mother flouted cultural expectations while still remaining in polite society. Some readers may find the pacing of the novel a bit erratic; however, if you are a fan of female-centred historical fiction this one is for you! Julia, WA, 3 Stars
A full yet heavy-of-detail historical fiction novel that follows Maria and her mother Dorothea from Suriname to Amsterdam with detailed passages of landscapes, artistry, and wonders of the natural world, which all paint a wonderous story for the reader. Full of rich research on Labadist religion, entomology, art, painting, science, all captured in the middle of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Amanda, VIC, 3 Stars
Interesting insights into the beginnings of both scientific discovery of nature, in particular caterpillars, butterflies, insects, plants and flowers, but also the methods of recording observations in various art forms. The story is a slow burn, chronicling the life and travels of Maria Merian and her daughter Dorothea. Intelligent and independent women of their time, who overcame various struggles to forge meaningful careers and leave a lasting legacy. Bree, NSW, 3 Stars
The Naturalist of Amsterdam is a lovely, well-written and thoroughly researched historical fiction based on the story of German Naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian and her daughter Dorothea Graff also known as Doortje. This narrative, set in the 1700s, shares a detailed story of the tenacious relationship between mother and daughter as both strive for independent success in health, love and research. A beautifully told story, it is inspiringly true to historical facts and combines honest feminist themes. The intricate details defined in this book will take you on a vivid journey as you visualise the lush landscapes and descriptive illustrations. Jess, QLD, 3 Stars
I found the book very descriptive of times in the 1600-1700s. The book made me research life in Amsterdam (think I am happy to live now) I had no idea of a place called Suriname, I do now. The ability of artists to bring to life plants and insects is amazing. I did find the book a little difficult to read, it took me longer than usual but I am glad I managed to read to the end. Pat, QLD, 3 Stars
I enjoyed the different places that they visit and how they collected the bugs, butterflies, etc. I liked the relationships with the characters. The book is slow to start, but it does get interesting as it moves on and I was invested in reading it. The characters are built up nicely and are likable and interesting. The storyline makes up for some of the flat parts at the beginning. Rebecca, VIC, 3 Stars
To be honest I really struggled reading this book and almost gave up on it but I kept going. Definitely not a page-turner and I skipped some of the pages when it went into too much detail of the descriptions and nature terminology. I did enjoy Dorothea’s story and how she always was in her mother and sister’s shadow. Shame it wasn’t my cup of tea but feel like someone who loves nature and insects and the details of this book will very much enjoy it. Renae, QLD, 2 Stars
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