Girl with a Pearl Earring
Chevalier, TracySet in 17th-century Delft, this historical novel, inspired by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece, intertwines the art of Vermeer with his life and that of a servant. Sixteen-year-old Griet goes to work in the home of the painter and becomes his subject. Through her eyes, we experience the complicated family life, the small town society and life with an obsessive genius.
Comments from Groups
We all enjoyed the book and felt it gave a wonderful insight to life in Delft in those times. Mana 001An enjoyable read especially for those who had been to Holland and/or were interested in the great painters. Stratford 001Great easy read. Te Awamutu 004Fabulous book, beautifully written, well-constructed. Hamilton 042 We thoroughly enjoyed it.One dissenting voice thought the story contrived - which of course it was! Wellington 050 Most of the group loved the book. A lot commented that they kept turning back to the cover to look at Griet. We had great discussions about the characters and how we enjoyed the short precise descriptions of each one. One member did not enjoy it as much, she found it a light read with not much substance - none of us could agree with her. We all enjoyed a story that had a great ending. Coromandel 003 The whole group loved 'Girl With a Pearl Earring', which is a first for us. We all loved Griet, and were particularly enchanted with the idea that it is actually almost complete fiction. Because Vermeer is real, you can be seduced by the writing to think all the characters are real. A most enjoyable read. Wellington 057 Good discussion. All enjoyed the book. Those who had seen the film thought it added an extra dimension. Masterton 013 We loved this one. Easy to read and enjoyable. We have 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' painted on a brick shop wall here in Tauranga, so it was interesting to read the book. Now we all look at the painting quite differently! Tauranga 039 We all enjoyed the book. We thought it an easy read, but a wonderful insight into painting techniques as might have been used at the time....Pukekohe 001 A very interesting and detailed glimpse of life at that time. Someone brought a Vermeer art book along, so we had a much better look at the paintings,which was great. Kohe 001 Some found the story a bit uneventful, but most liked the simple story and plain language. The depiction of everyday life was interesting, and the detail of attitudes towards women/servants/classes insightful. The description of painting in layers, and how precious the colours were was also noted. Hikurangi 001 We loved the portrayal of characters, and the 'window' into life at this time in Holland. Chch 099
Pages
248
248
Year
1999
1999
Reviews
19-12-2022
We all loved this book. It gave us a window to viewing the life of a young servant and the powers that reigned over her from those socially above her, and the relationship she developed with the artist.
29-01-2021
We all enjoyed it. It provoked a lot of discussion about life in 17thC Holland. Many different opinions about the girl's expression in the painting.
22-05-2020
An easy and pleasant read. Our members loved it and kept them interested to the end. It portrayed the life of males and females in that era, when there really was no choice - their role in life was typecast and it was a strongly male-dominated world. Well recommended!
28-02-2019
Generally enjoyed.
28-02-2019
Ingenious story written around the few facts know about Johannes Vermeer. A lively discussion took place. Most people enjoyed this easily read book.
28-02-2019
We all enjoyed this book immensely.
28-02-2019
Fabulous book, beautifully written and well-constructed. Everyone enjoyed it. Good book notes which enhanced the enjoyment and appreciation of the book.
28-02-2019
All enjoyed it. Very readable. You are drawn into the era and felt you were there. Some had seen the film and enjoyed it.
28-02-2019
2 of our group did not enjoy this book. The other 5 of us did enjoy it. It gave us an idea of what life was like in 17th century Holland. Griet's position as a maid was quite different to her initial position in her well off family. Everything changes when her father is blinded at work. It was interesting to learn how Vermeer's paints were made. Well worth reading.