Historical novel set in mid 17th Century AMSTERDAM

24th March 2026

Rembrandt’s Promise by Barbara Leahy, historical novel set in mid 17th Century Amsterdam.

Ever since reading Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (set in Delft) and Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach (set in Amsterdam), I have been a sucker for novels set in the Netherlands in the 17th Century.

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This is the story of Geertje Dircx, who joined Rembrandt’s household to care for his son, whilst his wife, Saskia was in the latter stages of her life. Geertje was a good companion and carer right to the end of Saskia’s life.

Geertje’s own story was one of tragedy, having lost her husband and young son. Through the ministrations of her brother Pieter, Geertje is engaged as a servant but it soon becomes clear that money is involved between her brother and “the master”, and the former serves his own interests and not those of his sister.

The author beautifully sets the scene both in Amsterdam and in Rembrandt’s house, and the reader is fully transported in time and place to the bustling and cruel streets of the city. Once Saskia has passed away, a more intimate relationship ensues between Geertje and the painter, and for me, I didn’t feel the passionate build-up coming, a little coy, perhaps (although I could guess, given I knew their history) and so it was a bit of a surprise when things moved along apace.

The main thrust of the story is actually how women had to find ways of surviving in this hugely patriarchal society, and soon Geertje finds herself on the back foot, fighting for her rights.

There are well drawn characters who move in and out of the frame, and the backdrop of the Netherlands is superbly captured. I really enjoyed reading this novel.

This novel would work well in tandem with Rembrandt’s Mirror by Kim Devereux, which focusses more on Hendrickje, who was a later servant in the house.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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