The New York Times bestselling novel by the author of Remarkable Creatures and The Last Runaway Translated into thirty-nine languages and made into an Oscar-nominated film, starring Scarlett Johanson and Colin Firth
Tracy Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly-imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer’s most celebrated paintings.
… inspired one of Vermeer’s most celebrated paintings.
History and fiction merge seamlessly in this luminous novel about artistic vision and sensual awakening. Girl with a Pearl Earring tells the story of sixteen-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius . . . even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil.
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This is a great great! compelling and interesting.
I really loved how much historical detail was woven into the story. The characters were well-developed. The story is about a young woman who is hired to be the maid for an up and coming artist. The details about her daily life as a maid and the social mores surrounding how she interacts with the artist, his wife, their children and the other servants is so interesting. The ending is neither happy or sad–just realistic. The book is well-written and I enjoyed it immensely.
Glad I read this book but it was not one of my most favorite
Fabulous!
Great background in understanding the art period of the time. Enormous amount of historical detail. Wonderful research on a subject many would find boring. Wonderful!
I read this book many years ago and still remember it. Great read.
I liked knowing about the painter and I like the painting so was interested in him.
This book is an oldie but goodie. A very well written historical novel that is a must to read.
Interesting historical fiction. Great transfer of information about what was life like during the artist Vermeer’s time bothe for the servant girl that would become his model as well as for the artist and his family. The author did an excellent job of combining the two into a readable book that later became a movie.
Great literature here ladies and gents. Good historical fiction. Could not put it down.
Great book, very entertaining!!
I enjoy books based on historical figures, and I’m a big art fan. This brought Vermeer and his art to life for me!
Loved everything about this book, how it was written , the setting(which I have visited). One of my very favorite books. Heartfelt story.
I’ve read this several times because I love the main character, the young girl who goes to work in the famous painter Vermeer’s home. The imagination and research it must have taken Duvalier to re-create the time period of 17th century Delft, the tension in the Vermeer household, the striking difference between those who live in poverty and those who live in wealth. And then, of course, there is the growing attraction between the protagonist and the painter–delicious!
Loved the descriptions of the art of the paints. A great tale.
Wonderful character and nice to be introduced to the girl and the painter.
So different from anything that I have ever read. Great character building and educational of the Dutch during this time.
Read this book quite some time ago, so don’t remember many details. What remains is extraordinary, though. An imagining of the story behind the famous piece of art.
I thought this would be a good read, but I was very disappointed. I kept reading, sure something was going to happen to bring this book to life. Nothing. I am stunned this very very boring book got good reviews. I am not a painter, nor am I really interested in “art” pieces, but even if I were, this book would do nothing for me. Too may really good books to read to waste time on this one.
It was much like the movie with a bit more insight into the character of Griet. Most book, on which movies have been based, are significantly better than the movie. This was not the case, so if you have seen the movie, it is not worth the price to read the book.