The Porcelain Menagerie

by Jillian Forsberg, Caroline Hewitt (Narrator)

🏅 Finalist, 2026 American Fiction Awards — Historical Fiction

From award-winning author Jillian Forsberg, author of The Rhino Keeper, comes an unforgettable tale of art, ambition, and survival set in the glittering—and dangerous—court of eighteenth-century Dresden.

In eighteenth-century Dresden, beauty, power, and ambition are as fragile—and deadly—as porcelain.

Narrated by Caroline Hewitt, The Porcelain Menagerie brings to life a world where artistic genius and royal obsession collide.

Johann Joachim Kändler, a gifted young sculptor, is summoned to the court of King Augustus the Strong, who demands a magnificent porcelain menagerie unlike anything the world has ever seen. Every sculpture could secure Johann's future—or cost him everything.

Decades earlier, Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden chosen to become the king's royal mistress, must navigate a court ruled by power, spectacle, and impossible expectations. To survive, she must protect her identity while mastering the dangerous game played within the palace walls.

Two timelines. One king. A legacy shaped by obsession.

Perfect for listeners who love richly researched historical fiction, immersive settings, unforgettable characters, and the hidden stories behind history's greatest works of art.

Advance Praise
"An engrossing, page-turning historical novel. I could not put it down." — Jess Armstrong, USA Today bestselling author

"A dazzling tale of art, power, and survival... Forsberg paints history with a vivid hand." — Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical, Literary Fiction

Audible Audio

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 18th-century Dresden, the dangerous whims of King Augustus the Strong shape the court and the lives of those held captive, both people and animals. Johann Kändler, a talented young artist, is drawn into the king's world as he attempts to meet the king's desire for a lifelike porcelain menagerie. Decades earlier, another story unfolds as Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden, is chosen to replace Augustus's discarded mistress. The two timelines intertwine as Johann and Fatima navigate the king's unpredictable demands and the deadly allure of court life, where ambition can be as fragile as porcelain.

This story takes place in two different timelines, the first in the early 1700s when Fatima catches the eye of King Augustus and is sent to Dresden as his mistress where her name is changed to Maria. As a reward for her favours the King creates a menagerie for her where she cares for animals which would otherwise be killed during the King's hunts. The second timeline occurs about 20 years later when Johann is appointed as the King's porcelain maker and is tasked with creating porcelain statues of the animals in Fatima/Maria's menagerie where he and Katharina, the daughter of Maria and the King, meet and become close. The story is enthralling and the characters are well described and believable; I could almost smell the king's oniony sweat! Like The Rhino Keeper, the author's previous novel, the amount of research that went into the book is mind-boggling. I really appreciated the warning about Chapter 30. I did read it and it's quite disturbing but truthful. I'll be watching for whatever Jillian Forsberg writes next.

I was lucky enough to have both the digital ARC and the audio edition of this historical novel. Once again Caroline Hewitt did an excellent job narrating the audiobook and voiced all the characters with spirit. I can't say I preferred one version over the other since it helped to see some of the names in print and also to hear the proper pronunciations.

My thanks to History through Fiction, as well as the author, via Netgalley, for providing access to both editions in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 21, 2025

[Jillian Forsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear reader:

This story won’t comfort you or soothe your soul. It will, and is intended to, make you think and hurt and grit your teeth.

Please heed the content warning at the beginning of the book. Please understand why this story needed to be told, including all of its difficult parts.

THE PORCELAIN MENAGERIE’s content warning:

“Reader, beware.
The truth of history is people come across things we'd rather close our eyes to.

In this book, based on truth, is a cruel sport called fox tossing. I wish it weren't real.

There is also a woman who cannot escape the reality that women are seen as objects, even today. I wish that weren't real either.

If you find yourself needing to close your eyes, skip chapter 30.

If you find yourself wanting to feel the fire I did when I uncovered these unfortunate realities, read it all.”

[JoJo_theDodo · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is messy and so are all the human lives in this book. This was a very intriguing tale full of all the elements anyone could possibly want in a story. I did not want to put this book down and raced to pick it back up again. All the feelings involved in flawed humans, fantastic animals and beautiful art are included. The author made all the characters come to life, including a castle that in my mind became a dark fiery dragon. I love historical fiction and this almost read like fantasy mixed in as well. I have not read the author's first book, but I will be adding it to my TBR and look forward to reading more books from this author.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked from the first page! I can't remember the last time all my senses were heightened on page one. Vivid. Descriptive. Compelling.

⭐ REVIEW TO FOLLOW ⭐
======================================
(updated)

Jillian Forsberg weaves together multiple narratives across decades and blends sharp analysis of life in King Augustus’s 18th-century court with engaging storytelling. The intertwining timelines showcase King Augustus’s obsession with white gold and exotic animals, as well as the drastic lengths two ordinary people will go to in order to survive life at court.

From the very first sentence, Forsberg captured my interest with her vivid descriptions. Appealing to multiple senses, the author managed to place me in the action. I could hear the horse and bells, feel the bitter cold, and see the warm breaths of each disappearing into the chilly morning air. It was as if the words on the page morphed into a moving picture in my head. My heart broke with learning about leichendiebe, yet Forsberg’s compelling tale kept me turning pages as I attempted to piece my heart back together. I was most interested in how Johann Kändler came to rely on his art to save his future, but was almost equally captivated by the Turkish handmaiden, Fatima Aurora, and discovering how her survival depended on what she could secure for King Augustus the Strong.

🚩Don’t miss the author’s notes!

I really enjoyed this deeply researched and moving journey through 18th-century Dresden.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[History Through Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the publisher of The Porcelain Menagerie, we are incredibly proud to share this sweeping and imaginative historical novel by Jillian Forsberg.

Following her acclaimed debut The Rhino Keeper, Jillian has once again demonstrated her extraordinary gift for weaving rich, emotionally resonant stories grounded in meticulous historical research. Set in 18th-century Dresden, The Porcelain Menagerie draws readers into a court ruled by the dangerous obsessions of King Augustus the Strong—where ambition, identity, and survival are as fragile as the porcelain that defines the king's legacy.

Told through dual timelines—Johann Kändler, the ambitious porcelain sculptor, and Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden forced into the court’s dangerous games—this novel is both poignant and powerful. Jillian’s writing is lyrical, insightful, and full of heart, and we are honored to be the press bringing this remarkable story to readers.

For fans of immersive historical fiction that doesn't shy away from the complexities of power, art, and identity, The Porcelain Menagerie is not to be missed.

[ABCme · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the early 1700's when Johann gets employed by King Augustus the Strong, to create a porcelain menagerie for the royal palace.
The story tells of life in Dresden and surroundings and the evolution of Meissen porcelain in competition with China.
It shows life at the factory, the heat of the kilns, the harsh environment, long hours, bad hygiene and disrespect for its workers.
I appreciated the author's warning and skipped the chapter with animal cruelty.
Well written and moving at a fast pace, this is superb historical fiction.

Thank you Netgalley and History Through Fiction for the ARC.

[Karin (book_scent) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! RTC

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story hurt my heart. While it is historical fiction, many of these things or situations happened and the thought of them is crushing. I learned about fox tossing, which I hated, but I did skip chapter 30 (thanks for the warning!) and instead just googled what it was.
Fatima was a wonderfully strong and clever character (based on a real person) and I loved watching her try her best to carve some peace out for herself and the animals; while in a gilded cage herself.
A beautifully written, soul crushing account of the past.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Jillian Forsberg, and History Through Fiction for my ARC of this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story by @JillainForsberg!

So this is historical fiction, from the 1700’s!! 😮😮. And to say that my mouth was HANGING OPEN would be a total understatement!

King Augustus (The Strong) is… crazy. 😝 He is married, and has had and continues to have mistresses. But they are not only mistresses, they are basically beautiful, young, slaves.

So when Fatima is summoned to meet him, she has no idea that life as she knew it is now over. He has plans, and whether or not she wants to be a part of them has no bearing on him. He gets what he wants. Plain and simple…

Her name is changed. Her faith is changed. But, she feels he will not break her… or her spirit.

And so, in this crazy setting where she is watched and controlled, she decides to have a say in something… and that something is a menagerie of animals. He has them imported for her from all over the world. And, she has a way with them… the animals know that she will be kind to them. She feeds them and visits them every day!
The kingdom and its s army are appalled! She has no business doing this! But, she is the King’s mistress… and she must have some kind of pull, right?? And this is only just the beginning…

And, he decides to have his own menagerie. Only his will be made of porcelain! And he only needs to find someone to make this for him…. This will be quite a task..

And so the story goes…

It is interesting. At times it is uplifting. At times it is downright horrible. And the way he treats her is abhorrent!

I cannot even imagine the research that had to be done for this book, but wow! It was totally worth it!!

*** I will mention that there are 🛑🛑 MANY TRIGGERS 🛑🛑 in this one… abuse…sexual and verbal, as well as animal cruelty. And basically slavery of any and all kinds…. When she mentions to steer clear of chapter 30, I thought it was a mild suggestion. It was not! Just beware….

That being said, this was terrific!

5 big, bold, historic, beautiful stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#ThePorcelainMenagerie by @JillianForsberg and narrated beautifully by @CarolineHewitt.

*** THIS ONE HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE 👀 LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 10/21/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HistoryThroughFiction, #IndependentBookPublishersAssociation (IBPA) and #MembersAudiobooks for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often say that a book is 'captivating', but the word is perfectly suited to describe historian Jillian Forsberg’s meticulously crafted second fiction novel 'The Porcelain Menagerie'; it's a paradigm of the literary historical novel.

Dresden is vivid in its eighteenth-century incarnation – scenery fit for the towering characters with whom Forsberg populates it. Fatima's chapters are, simply put, captivating; they rolled over me like waves and I just floated along in her narrative. Both timelines are immersive; once I could distinguish the cast performing alongside Fatima in each act, Forsberg made it easy to slide back into the individual accounts of her finely wrought characters.

Thanks to the author’s warning (I can’t tolerate animal cruelty), I chose to skip chapter 30, and I continued on after that point without feeling that I’d missed any significant development, so take up this suggestion if you’re similarly fearful of this trigger. Also in the address to her readers, Forsberg says that her second novel will make you hurt, and – wowee – it did. This book does have ‘difficult parts’, as she says. Yes, Johann’s story is scarring, but the true emotional wringing, for me, comes with how Forsberg crafts the mother and daughter narrative for Fatima and Katharina to scrutinise attitudes towards ownership of women.

And this extraordinary novel couldn’t have come alive in anyone else’s narration than Caroline Hewitt’s. Her performance is so remarkable that I would rewind passages just to listen again. Her narration is heartful, emotive, compelling. Hewitt is half of what makes this triumph of a book so memorable for me.

My recommendations? Readers who enjoyed The Glutton a couple of years ago (A. K. Blakemore), I think, will adore this. The only other comparison I can think to make that climbs the heights of the Historical novel is Elixir: a Story of Perfume, Science and the Search for the Secret of Life by Theresa Levitt.

Enormous gratitude to Jillian Forsberg, NetGalley, and to History through Fiction (IBPA) for a copy of the audiobook for review, who are proving themselves to be a discerning and ambitious independent press. I look forward to what comes next from them!

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this historical fiction that I wish more people knew about.

Taking place in 18th century Dresden, it is mostly the story of the famous artist Johann Kaendler who became the most famous and skilled creator of Meissen porcelain during the reign of Augustus the Strong and afterward, and of Augustus's mistress Lady Maria, also called Fatima, who as a Turkish woman in Dresden who had a lot of influence on Augustus at the time.

I knew about Johan Kaendler peripherally only because I studied art history in college and remember him in connection with Meissen porcelain which is world renowned for its beauty and quality. However, with that being said, I knew pretty much nothing about 18th century Dresden or really much about German/Prussian history in general from that time period including much of anything about Augustus the Strong who was also the King of Poland.

I love historical fiction which illuminates periods and characters of history that are previously unknown to me and this novel was no exception. I loved the court politics, the high stakes, and the descriptions of art that it provided. I can't believe that this novel and this author are not more known because this was better than many other novels that are more famous and more popular with similar themes (Looking at you Tracy Chevalier). I also loved her author's note at the end in which she describes the history behind the novel including the deviances this story took and her reasons why she made the changes she did. She also talked about her personal connection to the story and this period in history. I loved how one of her main characters was female, and a strong female to boot. I loved the feminist themes which shed light on how few rights and responsibilities women had during that time, that even women with influence like Fatima had were still kept women and every single jewel worn, gift given, and provision made for her made her gilded cage she lived in more prominent. It also shed light on Augustus's famed "animal toss" that really did happen and was so abhorrent that it made Augustus compete with Henry VIII for the crown of biggest royal asshole in history. The audiobook narrator was also a 10/10 and brought each and every character to life and did everything possible to bring the story itself to life.

The story had two dual timelines highlighting two narrative voices. It begins with Johann Kaendler leaving his father and brother for an apprenticeship in the arts and being selected personally by King Augustus to create for him a porcelain menagerie full of life size animals and mystical creatures created from porcelain, not a small ask during that time. We journey with Johann as he traverses the treacherous court and king and finds himself intrigued by Lady Katharina, the daughter of Augustus and Fatima who finds herself at court asking her father for a divorce from her cruel husband. The other timeline is 25 years earlier when Fatima, the lady's maid of Augustus's mistress is summoned by the King to be his new mistress, replacing her lady to become Frau Maria. Fatima is a fish out of water among the royals and courtiers, but finds herself in a position of power when it seems that the King has more than just a passing infatuation with her. Trouble ensues when she begins to grow in her role and her attentions fall on Friederich Boettger, the royal porcelain maker.

Maybe it was going into this story blind, and maybe it was the fact that I knew almost nothing about these events and these characters, but I was enchanted pretty much from the getgo and my enjoyment never waned. It didn't quite give me that "OMG five stars" feeling that I get with my highest book honor, but it was very close. I definitely am going to look for more on this author's backlist. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.

4.5 stars

I received an ARC of this audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Desiree Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, well-told, with interesting characters. A unique insight into early European porcelain (I always love to learn something when I read fiction!)

Mostly clean fiction with no swear words and only light sex scenes.

A fabulous “Easter egg” at the end, for readers of Ms Forsberg’s prior book, The Rhino Keeper.

A huge thank you to the author for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.

Highly recommended.

- Desiree Reads
October 16, 2025

[Erika Kinchion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jillian Forsberg pens yet another stunning tale, for her second novel, The Porcelain Menagerie.

The Porcelain Menagerie is a hauntingly beautiful, emotionally wrenching novel that has carved itself into my memory.

From the first chapter, Jillian Forsberg immerses readers in a world ruled by an obsession with perfection—a perfection enforced by power, fear, and manipulation.

Forsberg takes us back to the 18th Century in Dresden with a duel timeline between 1706 and 1732 telling the tale of two highly important individuals, Johann Kändeler and Fatima Karima better known as "Maria".

King Augustus the Strong was a wildly unhinged ruler. He was selfish, cruel, sometimes kind and charasmatic, but more than anything, he was obsessed. His obsession was one that lasted his (and other people's lifetimes), he wanted someone to create, and own the perfect porcelain, and he stopped at nothing to get it.

Johann was living in Dresden when he had a chance encounter with King Augustus. Under the tutelage of Benjamin Thome, Johann is deemed to be King Augustus new porcelain maker. Under this ruling, he was bound to make the king well over 300 items from a personal list, all while never having carved or worked with clay before, a wildly unrealistic expectation.

Well within his reign was King Augustus' fascination with women, he was known to bed several mistresses, his favorite being Fatima "Maria". Maria though a mistress, was also held captive under his rule. Though Augustus gifted her many things, her favorite was her menagerie of exotic animals. Fatima's animals were often the only thing that kept her company and made her feel less lonely.

Fatima's story is yet another story that pens both sadness and beauty all in one. Her relationship with Augustus, his rulings and the cruelty she endured not only to her, but her animals.

Forsberg weaves themes of captivity, artistry and control into the fabric of the story.
The scenes involving fox trotting were particularly harrowing—they broke my heart and stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Forsberg doesn’t just write about cruelty—she makes you feel it. And more importantly, she makes you question it.

This book is not just a story—it’s a warning, a mirror, a cry for compassion in a world obsessed with surface-level beauty. I found myself moved, disturbed, and strangely hopeful by the end.

If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your emotions and leave a lasting impression, The Porcelain Menagerie is it.

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

1704: King Augustus the Strong of Saxony, he who prizes the rare and exotic, takes Turkish handmaiden Fatima Kariman to be his latest mistress. Renamed "Maria" by the King, Fatima dreams of a life of freedom, and, after witnessing a cruel hunting 'sport', begs the King for a menagerie so she can care for animals. As Fatima grows used to court life, she witnesses the king's growing obsession with porcelain - and her own obsession with the porcelain maker.

1733: Johann Kändler, son of a pastor, earns the chance of a lifetime to study sculpting as an apprentice to court sculptor Benjamin Thomae. After impressing the King with his work, Johann is ordered to the castle of Albrechtsburg, the home of Meissen porcelain, where he is commissioned to make Fatima's menagerie of animals in porcelain.

Johann and Fatima's lives are intertwined as he studies her animals and unearths secrets from her time with the King. With more than their own lives held at the whim of a capricious King, can they both succeed in their search for freedom?

This was a fascinating tale. This is a prequel to Jillian Forsberg's previous novel, The Rhino Keeper, with this story finishing with the rhino being presented to the castle. This was a part of history I knew nothing about, and it was fascinating to learn the history of porcelain production in Europe, and to learn about Fatima (as women are so often forgotten throughout history). The book had a slow start, and touched on some dark subjects such as the treatment of disabled people, body snatchers, domestic abuse, animal abuse, xenophobia and trafficking - all of which really did happen. But Forsberg told this in an engaging way to draw the reader in and despite its slow start, this soon became a page turner.

This is a fictionalised version of actual historical events, and I look forward to reading the next book Forsberg releases!

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook of this alongside the ebook. The audiobook, narrated by Caroline Hewitt, was a delight, as she brought the characters to life, and through her use of accents, provided the local pronunciation of names and places.

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this while on a trip to Dresden and Meissen was probably the closest I could have ever come to time travel. It feels about as close to living people as historical fiction can get.

Jillian Forsberg's character writing is really magnificent, with all characters feeling wholly human, turning a name or a piece of art into something that felt like I have lived its history. Forsberg knows exactly what to do to make me care about the characters... or despise them (looking at you, Augustus). Johann and Fatima, flawed and human as they are, are very easy to root and care for, coming alive like they're right in front of you, rather than being just 'that one porcelain maker', 'that one king in the 18th century' or 'that king's mistress'. Caroline Hewitt's wonderful audiobook narration also adds a lot to the way these historical figures are given a voice.

With its vivid descriptions of real places, people and porcelain, The Porcelain Menagerie let me feel all the feels (joy, heartbreak, anger, disgust) of early 18th century Dresden and Meissen in the book. Walking through these places in real life then allowed us to see history unfold around us, and it made us tear up. We know who made this, we know who walked here, we've walked in their shoes.

The two perfectly interwoven storylines are both very strong, and it never felt like 'I need to get back to the other one'. The way they follow each other up never breaks the tension either, with a really good flow all throughout.

The menagerie animals are so sweet as well! The way Forsberg writes gives them so much personality and makes you care so much for them too 🦁🐒 Truly a book for animal lovers too. Just heed the content warnings in the beginning; history can be messy and painful, but telling these stories is essential.

Jillian Forsberg's books are now 2 for 2, and I can't wait to see what's next!

P.S. Shoutout to 'our girl' Clara the rhino from the Rhino Keeper; Johann Kaendler's porcelain figure of her can be found at Albrechtsburg in Meissen 🦏

---

Many thanks to History Through Fiction | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Emmanuelle Lescouet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sous l’émail, la camaraderie

Dans The Porcelain Menagerie, Jillian Forsberg transporte le lecteur dans le Dresde du XVIIIᵉ siècle, alors capitale du faste et des ambitions démesurées de l’électeur de Saxe, également roi de Pologne, entre autres. L’obsession de ce souverain pour les objets rares, et plus encore pour la porcelaine, sert de toile de fond à une fresque où se croisent intrigues de cour, ambitions artistiques et destins personnels.
Le roman déploie deux lignes temporelles distinctes, mais intimement liées. Dans la première, située au tournant des années 1730, on suit Johann, un jeune homme aspirant à trouver sa place dans le monde, qui se retrouve emporté dans l’apprentissage exigeant de la fabrication de la porcelaine. Enfermé dans les ateliers secrets pour préserver la maîtrise d’un savoir-faire que seule la Chine possède encore, il doit composer avec ses propres blessures familiales et ses élans amoureux, notamment pour la fille illégitime du roi. Lorsque le roi lui confie un projet insensé et probablement impossible : réaliser une ménagerie grandeur nature en porcelaine, il comprend que son avenir, comme celui de l’atelier, se jouera dans cette entreprise titanesque. La réussite de ce défi dépend aussi de ses mentors : des hommes expérimentés qui, loin de tout esprit de rivalité, s’efforcent de se protéger mutuellement et de rendre leur semi-liberté plus supportable. Cette camaraderie, rare dans le roman historique, apporte une chaleur humaine inattendue au cœur d’un cadre marqué par la contrainte et le secret.
La seconde intrigue remonte deux décennies plus tôt. On y découvre la jeunesse et l’ascension d’une des maîtresses du roi, future mère de la bâtarde aimée par Johann. Portée par un goût prononcé pour les animaux et la volonté de créer quelque chose d’unique, elle rêve de constituer une véritable ménagerie au château. Sa trajectoire croise celle d’un artisan hors du commun, capable de réussir pour la première fois la cuisson de la pâte précieuse, scellant ainsi la naissance de la porcelaine saxonne. L’autrice fait converger ces deux récits dans un jeu d’échos et de transmissions, où passions intimes et projets démesurés se répondent à travers le temps.
Si la construction peut sembler complexe, Jillian Forsberg parvient à maintenir une clarté constante avec, entre autres, des transitions entre les époques qui demeurent toujours fluides. Celles-ci sont portées par une alternance équilibrée des chapitres et par un soin particulier apporté à l’individualisation des personnages. Notons le choix de modifier certains prénoms, un geste rare, mais bienvenu dans un contexte où l’Histoire regorge de Johann, Friedrich et August, contribue à préserver la lisibilité.
Sur le plan narratif, The Porcelain Menagerie s’inscrit très clairement dans la grande tradition du roman historique : nous y retrouvons une restitution minutieuse du décor et des usages, un ancrage solide dans des événements réels, et une sensibilité romanesque qui fait passer l’Histoire au prisme des destins individuels. Jillian Forsberg maîtrise ici assez finement le dosage entre documentation et invention, évitant un risque de sécheresse du récit purement factuel comme l’excès d’anachronismes. La romance, bien que présente, ne prend jamais le pas sur l’exploration du contexte artisanal et politique, ce qui permet à l’intrigue de rester ancrée dans son époque.
La thématique de la porcelaine, souvent réduite à un luxe décoratif, est ici exploitée dans toute sa dimension technique et symbolique, tout en conservant son secret et en mettant en avant la complexité du processus. La fabrication, ardue et jalousement gardée, devient métaphore du pouvoir, de la création et du désir de perfection. La ménagerie grandeur nature, projet aussi splendide qu’impraticable, incarne à la fois la virtuosité des artisans et l’aveuglement d’une cour prête à tout pour éblouir.
Bien sûr, on pourrait reprocher à Jillian Forsberg de ne pas prendre, avec ce roman, de risques stylistiques majeurs, avec une écriture qui reste classique, fluide et descriptive, et qui privilégie l’efficacité narrative à l’expérimentation formelle. Mais ce choix, en cohérence avec le genre, assure une lecture accessible et immersive. L’autrice ne cherche pas à bouleverser les codes, au contraire : elle offre une œuvre solide et très plaisante, portée par des personnages résolument attachants; le tout, dans un contexte historique assez richement rendu.
En définitive, The Porcelain Menagerie séduit par sa capacité à marier clarté du récit et richesse historique, en proposant une plongée captivante dans un monde où l’art, le pouvoir et l’amour se disputent la prééminence. Sans bouleverser le genre du roman historique, Jillian Forsberg en propose une variation raffinée qui laisse derrière elle l’éclat persistant d’une pièce de porcelaine finement ouvragée.

Lien vers la critique : https://comfycademia.emmanuellelescou...

[TheDeniseBianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking but amazingly well-done and enthralling account of the lives that surrounded such an extravagant and self-serving Royal.

I first heard about the story of King Augustus from a documentary detailing various castles in Europe. Albrechtsburg Castle was briefly mentioned for being a well-made stronghold that mostly sat empty except during the reign of Augustus. He opened it up to house a factory to supply his obsession with Chinese Porcelain. The documentary also briefly mentioned that this obsession had him keep a very clever man imprisoned in order to find out how the Chinese made their perfect porcelain.

What the documentary (understandably so) did not mention was the terrifying ordeal of being in Augustus’s Court. Learning Johann, Katharina and Fatima’s tales were incredible and Jillian Forsberg told their stories in such a caring and addicting manner. I couldn’t put this down!

If you are as fascinated by the real stories of living in someone’s Court as I am, you need to pick this up!

[G L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 18th century Dresden during the reign of Augustus the Strong, this tells the story of the development of Meissen porcelain through the lives of two people: Fatima, known to history as Maria Aurora von Spiegel, and Johann Joachim Kändler. The chapters alternate between 1706, when the young Fatima became (against her will) one of the many mistresses of Augustus, and 1733, when Augustus drafted Johann to create a menagerie of life-sized porcelain animals for his ever-growing collection.

This is not a period of German history I know much about, so I very much appreciated the author’s notes at the beginning and end about the historical material and changes she made for the sake of the novel. She does a good job of bringing this period to life, but I did seem to detect a faint whiff of superiority about modern sensibilities. It is normal for us to think that many of our own time’s ideas are better than those of an earlier age, but we must always guard against thinking we are superior to those who went before. Holding these together is a hard path to navigate, and I’m not certain Forsberg entirely succeeded. The extended subplot about Johann’s disabled brother did not seem to add anything to the story, and I found myself wondering if it was there principally to show how far we’ve come in our attitudes toward disability. I very much liked the fact that Forsberg showed how Fatima was trapped in her relationship with Augustus. I don’t know if there’s any evidence about Fatima’s own feelings, but too often history has assumed that royal mistresses sought or desired their position. Another strength is Forsberg’s skill at introducing some of the bigger historical context such as geopolitical events and the European obsession with Chinese porcelain without distracting from the action.

The audio narration was disappointing. The pace of the reading was a little slow, but that’s a matter of taste and I could compensate by speeding up the digital copy. The real distraction had to do with how Hewitt accommodated the German setting. At times she adopted a faux German accent. I’m glad she didn’t use it all the time, but the inconsistent use was confusing. Her pronunciation of German names was inconsistent, and her pronunciation of “Dresden” was particularly distracting. On the other hand, she imparted a real warmth to the passages about Fatima that helped me like that character, and she seemed to have real sympathy for Johann and his friend Samuel. The alternation between 1706 1732 ones with was clear.

For me, this was a hard novel to get into. The writing was easy to follow but conventional, and occasionally clunky. Imagery was routine, and character development was limited. I did begin to enjoy it once Fatima and Johann in their respective sections were a little established in their lives and beginning to develop relationships with those around them. I liked the way that she brought the two stories together. At bottom, this is the story of how two individuals managed to live in a system that held them captive to a capricious and narcissistic ruler. I found myself wishing there was more about the relationship between power and art, or a deeper exploration of the tensions between Johann’s effective captivity and the freedom necessary to create art, but Forsberg gave the book enough dramatic tension to keep my interest, and it was fascinating to read a novel about the first successful European hard paste porcelain.

My thanks to History through Fiction for an advance audiobook via NetGalley

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC

Genuinely, I’m surprised by “The Porcelain Menagerie”. At first glance, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book at all. But, as I continued on, I found the characters to be very compelling, which made me want to continue to see what happens next. With that being said, the book tends to be a bit dull at times, which may be, in part, due to the uninspired dialogue. Conversations felt a bit stilted, which made for an awkward read for a majority of the novel. As interesting as the story was at times, I couldn’t find myself fully investing in the read. I’m not sure why I couldn’t connect to it, but I was having difficulties getting my teeth into the meat of this one. It’s interesting enough to keep you wanting to finish the story out, but unfortunately doesn’t bring much else to the table. It was still interesting to be put into this early 1700’s world, it’s just unfortunate that it wasn’t interesting enough.

[Molly Greeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her heart-wrenching and hopeful sophomore novel, Jillian Forsberg brings 18th-century Saxony to life in vibrant detail, from the deceptive glitter of the royal court to the porcelain factory where the king, consumed by the pursuit of "white gold," keeps his artisans imprisoned. The Porcelain Menagerie is historical fiction at its best: impeccably researched and weaving historical fact seamlessly with enough imagination to give the characters real, beating hearts. Like the flawless porcelain whose formula her characters so desperately chase, Forsberg has created her own white gold—a finely-wrought story of ownership, obsession, and love.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history major, I enjoy books where I have the opportunity to learn about topics or people I haven't learned about before or learning more about topics or people that I have heard about before. With Porcelain Menagerie, this was an opportunity to learn about someone that I hadn't heard about before and I enjoyed this book. I will definitely read more of Jillian's work.

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 18th century Dresden, Johann is a talented young artist who is drawn into King Augustus the Strong’s desire for a lifelike porcelain menagerie. Johann works ardently to meet the king’s impossible demands and soon finds unexpected allies in the King’s former mistress Maria and her daughter Katharina. Decades earlier, Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden, is chosen as the King’s mistress and she tries to create a menagerie of exotic animals while navigating the unpredictable life at court. Two timelines intersect and are bound by a King’s art and the need for survival in a realm where ambition can be as fragile as porcelain.

THE PORCELAIN MENAGERIE is a beautifully written novel set in 18th century Dresden about King Augustus the Strong and his ambitious demands to those of his inner circle. It’s told in dual timelines: 1706 and 1730, in the POVs of Fatima (1706) and Johann (1730s). I initially struggled to understand how these two timelines and characters intersect but this was soon revealed as the chapters progressed.

This is a novel that’s rich with history, educating about the porcelain trade and a King’s tireless demands for perfection and pleasure. Forsberg’s descriptions are vivid and breathtaking, easily immersing the reader in the world and timeline she has based her book upon. I also learned about fox tossing which is a truly horrific sport that I cringed the entire time I listened to the audiobook – do mind the author’s note at the beginning of the novel indicating which chapter to skip if this is something that’s too heavy for you.

The characters are well written and dynamic, making them easy to root for. I loved both of their POVs (Fatima’s and Johann’s) and what each revealed through their views. As with much of history, and even today in many places, women are seen as merely objects, and this point is further driven home here.

The ending was well done with an epilogue that neatly ties into the beginning of this author’s first novel, The Rhino Keeper, leaving the reader with the perfect opportunity to pick that novel up next if they so choose. Both novels are standalones and can be read independently of the other. The audiobook narration by Caroline Hewitt was excellent, easily engaging the listener and immersing them within 18th century Dresden.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, History Through Fiction, for the opportunity to read both this advanced digital and advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Greg Sanford]

Jillian Forsberg has followed the success of The Rhino Keeper with another historical fiction tour de force, The Ceramic Menagerie. Like the best historical fiction, the novel immerses us in events both intellectually and emotionally. In this case, she introduces the physical and psychological prisons created by absolute monarchs, such as Augustus II the Strong. Moreover, the novel conveys the atmosphere of that world: the pervasive fear underlying court life, the terror of royal violence, and the sensuality that accompanies unrelieved repression.

Forsberg does this, as she did in The Rhino Keeper, by observing the world from unique points of view, in this case, the parallel perspectives of the two main characters, Johann and Fatima. She alternates chapters between them. Johann Kandler, an apprentice stone carver, was raised to the position of ceramic artist after King Augustus recognized his talent. Fatima was a child prisoner of war, given as a servant to Maria Aurora von Königsmark, August's mistress, who then replaced her. Augustus II, obsessed with beautiful ceramic objects and with Fatima, assigns them parallel tasks. Johann must create a menagerie of hundreds of ceramic animals while Fatima oversees the capture of wild animals to assemble a menagerie of living beasts. Nevertheless, the king's real intentions are never clear to Fatima or Johann, making his decisions seem arbitrary and his actions both life-threatening and life-changing. Over the course of the narrative, Johann becomes an artist, embracing the Sisyphean task of perfectly capturing natural beauty in physical objects. Fatima, introduced to the court as Maria, fights to express her true identity and to distance herself from the king while protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the animals themselves. As they work to complete their projects, their lives intersect in surprising, unusual, and terrifying ways, making The Ceramic Menagerie a powerful, enlightening, and entertaining read.

[Mikala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forsberg's second novel, Porcelain Menagerie, is again in a genre almost its own: "historical, almost non-fiction." In an era where many contemporary authors twist the truth for drama or embellish the past with romantic subplots, Forsberg refuses to sacrifice authenticity to “make the story more exciting” and commits to historical accuracy through relentless research.

In this book, rather than narrowing her lens to a single battle or ship (the territory of many “hardcore” historical reads), Forsberg manages to cover an entire reign of a king - an entire region and era painted in vivid colors as daily life unfolds for members of the royalty, commoners, prisoners, guards, and, unfortunately, the animals. The book’s subject matter is unapologetically intense, accompanied by plenty of trigger warnings, but the starkness serves a purpose, grounding the narrative with empathy and truth.

What continually impresses me is how the most unbelievable plot points are drawn straight from history. I finished the book certain that some shocking scenes must have been fictionalized to move the story along, only to learn that these were often the most faithful retellings of real events.

While Forsberg’s restrained approach to romance and drama might limit its appeal to fans of softer novels like The Venice Sketchbook or All The Light We Cannot See, I find that her respect for the past and her refusal to pander to modern tastes make Porcelain Menagerie a fascinating, sometimes harrowing, but always enlightening read. If you want to live inside history for a spell and don’t mind a narrative that doesn’t flinch from the darkness of its era, then this book is absolutely worthwhile.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you start reading a book and it grabs your attention immediately that the book is going to be a great one. That is what happened to me with this book.
The book has it all, romance, betrayal, ambition, will to survive, impeccable characters and great writing.
Told in two timelines by two main characters, we see the life of Fatima, or Maria as she's known in the court of King Augustus II the Strong, she's the mistress of the king and his favorite among the many he had. She was a Turkish girl stolen from her place when being a small child and brought to the palace to become the mistress. Her love for animals and her self preservation and savior of animals made her ask the king for a menagerie, allowing her a place of respite from her life in the palace and at the same time to save many animals destined for death.
Tbe other main character is Johan Kändler an artist whom the king demands to make him a porcelain menagerie, ans whose life is chained to this task for life.
I found this book to be beautifully written, even on the hard parts of it, especially Chapter 30, very engaging to the point of sometimes not being able.to put it down, even at the wee hours of the morning.
I believe that what it makes this book so engaging, besides the characters, is the amount of research that the author put into writing the book and which shines thru te pages of it, making reading it an extraordinary experience.

[Maeghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank the author, Jillian Forsberg, for sending me an ARC of this title (but also the NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC so I could still read it on my lunch break when I'd invariably forgot the book at home).

This book, like Forsberg's first, was immaculate. I just love that these stories are being brought to life! What I especially appreciate is that these books aren't just your average story, they are so detailed on lesser-known historical events. I do love me an off-the-beaten-path book, especially when historical fiction is so WWII dominated. You know it's a good book when you go into a Wiki spiral, and boy did I ever. Am I disappointed that I didn't learn all the things on Fatima, and her kids? Yes!! I'm also a little upset that I wasn't able to find any other major pieces of work to review on the porcelain menagerie (also cause most things would just turn up this book). But I do love that I learned SO. MUCH. with this book and I'm definitely going to be looking at porcelain very differently from now on.

In terms of the story itself, I loved Fatima's chapters more than Johann. Probably just where I wasn't able to find info on her (which in reading the Author's Note, doesn't look like there's a lot out there about her anyways). I think her character was portrayed so well. I couldn't imagine the life she must have had, much less her influence to be awarded so much after Augustus' death where none of his other mistresses were. The love affair between her and Bottger was cute, but I definitely liked her relationship with Georg more. Was that little twist at the end true? That he paid for her?? That little bomb killed me a little.

Johann's story was also good, though there were a few times that I felt were a little bit repetitive. I have questions though, not answered by my Wiki spiral on him: What happened to his dad (and, in this book, to Katharine), what about his brother? Was he truly a little person, was he even a person or just a character? What happened after Clara??? He died after 40 years in Meissen, that's an awful lot of life to report on madam Jillian!!

I just love these books, Jillian is 10/10 and I'm so incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon her books. I will always recommend them, and always look forward to whatever books might be next in line!

[Julie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to listen to this wonderful tale on NetGalley. The writing is incredibly well-researched and filled with thought-provoking detail. The story follows two main characters in the court of King Augustus at different times and paints a vivid picture of the lives they lead. This is not an easy read/listen at times and it covers some hard-hitting themes based on historical detail of common practices during the period. In spite of this, or maybe because of this, it is a fascinating book that I cannot recommend highly enough. The narration is second to none and brings the characters to life and you can feel the settings as they are described. A five star read or listen, I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was so interesting and intricately woven. The dual timeline was welcome and it helped building the plot, as well as to comprehend it better. It wasn’t joyous, it was full of greed, vulnerability, ambitions, motives. It’s one of those books where you have to be in the mood fort it, so if you want a artful historical fiction full of kings’ whims and the repercussions those wishes have on others, it’s perfect for you.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and IBPA for the ALC.

[Elizabeth Hesseltine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great historical fiction novel. Gave me Phillipa Gregory vibes. I enjoyed meeting the author, Jillian Forsberg, and hearing her research for this book. She truly loves the people, places, and things she writes about, and it shows in her writing.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5–4.75 stars)

Set in 18th-century Saxony under Augustus the Strong, this book explores the creation of Meissen porcelain—Europe’s first true porcelain, so prized it was known as “white gold.” The story follows Johan Kandler, a porcelain sculptor essentially held captive to create for the king, and Fatima (later renamed Maria), a woman navigating the dangerous world of court life and survival.

What I loved:
• The seamless weaving of history and storytelling. Forsberg’s research shines, and the way porcelain is treated as treasure—traded for lives—was staggering to read.
• Both POVs were equally strong. Johan’s artistry, obsession, and the impossible standards he worked under paired beautifully with Fatima’s intelligence and finesse as she carved out influence in a world determined to strip it from her.
• The exploration of freedom versus captivity. Whether through artists trapped in endless labor, women reduced to objects, or soldiers bartered away, the book consistently asks what freedom costs and how people cling to pieces of it.
• The interconnectedness of the storylines—court politics, porcelain-making, Johan, Fatima,—all threads woven together into a cohesive, layered narrative that felt both alive and inevitable.

Trigger Warnings:
The book does not shy away from the darker realities of the 18th century. There are graphic depictions of how animals, women, and people were treated, which, while historically accurate, may be difficult for some readers.

Overall:
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. In fact, I think I preferred it even more than The Rhino Keeper, as I was equally invested in both storylines here from beginning to end. Forsberg has a gift for illuminating the overlooked corners of history and making them vivid and unforgettable.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy obscure historical fiction, richly researched storytelling, and narratives that don’t sugarcoat the past’s darker truths.

Thank you to NetGalley, History Through Fiction, and Julian Forsberg for the eARC of The Porcelain Menagerie in exchange for my honest review.