GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier
Copyright 1999
Delft, 1664. 16 year old Griet's family in in financial ruin following the explosion of a kiln which blinded her father. The family's savings has been spent to apprentice her younger brother to the tile factory where her father had been an artisan, and Griet is sent to work as a maid Vermeer, the famed painter, a position which her father obtained for her through his artisans' guild. The story winds through several years during which Griet lives with and works for the Vermeer family, eventually being used by the painter not only to clean his studio without disturbing anything, but also to assist him in mixing his paints. The book takes a beautiful painting and creates a story behind it. There's a great deal of detail about life in the 1660s contained within this story; it captured my imagination even more than the movie did. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction would like this book.
Hope you all have a great weekend! Anyone have any exciting plans?
7 comments:
I enjoyed reading this book as well. Like most books, it was much better than the movie. Have a great weekend!
I have not read the book nor seen the movei, but your review was excellent, and I'm kindeling it now. Thanks, Marje!
Love to Thor
We met a beautiful 7 year old mastiff girl, Emma, at the vet's the other day. What a sweetie pie!
I haven't seen the movie or read the book, but now I'm fascinated.
Staying cool is the main objective this weekend.
Read it. Loved it. Home alone today. Plan to be a lazy useless piggy.
Mango Momma
I wasn't aware of the story and will check it out. Thanks for another excellent review.
I like it when you (and anyone else) does book reviews.....I'm always looking for a new read. Thanks for mentioning this on my blog too!
I love your book of the week club. Since I really enjoyed the movie, this book goes on my list.
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