The Porcelain Menagerie is a historical fiction novel following two timelines: one follows Johann Kändler, an artist, and the other follows Fatima (also known as Maria), a handmaiden who is forced to become the king’s mistress. Both these characters must survive the reign of King Augustus the Strong and his obsessions with women, porcelain, and control.

I really enjoyed this book! Forsberg’s prose is beautiful. I really enjoyed both timelines/POVs and how they seamlessly intertwined with one another throughout the story. Both characters were interesting, and I was invested in their stories, though I found Fatima’s story more compelling. The premise of the book was fascinating and felt really unique, though that may be because I am not familiar with the historical figures/events that inspired this book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. She did a much better job of pronouncing the character and place names than I would’ve been able to!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.