I've wanted to read Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier for years. Having read two other Chevalier novels (Burning Bright and The Lady and the Unicorn), I felt sure I would like it. When I saw that one of the requirements for the What's in a Name 4 challenge was a book with a jewel or gem in the title, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to finally read it.
Chevalier has a knack for taking an historical person or item and weaving a fictional story around it that is that is totally believable. In Girl With A Pearl Earring we enter the 17th century world of Dutch artist Jan Vermeer. The story follows Griet, a young woman who enters the Vermeer household as a maid after tragedy befalls her own family. Not only must Griet deal with the burdens of her new household duties, she also must face the moods of a mistress who dislikes her, a child who wants nothing more than to cause her trouble, and the dilemma of trying to keep secret her role as an assistant in Vermeer's studio.
I loved this book every bit as much as I expected to and the ending was completely satisfying. I'm tempted now to watch the 2003 movie with Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth.
Chevalier has a knack for taking an historical person or item and weaving a fictional story around it that is that is totally believable. In Girl With A Pearl Earring we enter the 17th century world of Dutch artist Jan Vermeer. The story follows Griet, a young woman who enters the Vermeer household as a maid after tragedy befalls her own family. Not only must Griet deal with the burdens of her new household duties, she also must face the moods of a mistress who dislikes her, a child who wants nothing more than to cause her trouble, and the dilemma of trying to keep secret her role as an assistant in Vermeer's studio.
I loved this book every bit as much as I expected to and the ending was completely satisfying. I'm tempted now to watch the 2003 movie with Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth.
7 comments:
Johansson is very like her. I saw bit of the film last evening while surfing before going to bed.
The movie doesn't stack up against the book (although Johansson's looks ARE believeable). Nice review of a book I treasure.
quid
I have to admit I've never read the book or seen the movie.
I've never heard of the book or the film! Oops, sorry. :D
I loved this book and all of her books. She's a great writer. xoxo
I think you may have just changed my mind about reading this. I don't know why I have never picked up a copy as you know I love historical novels and I have heard lots of good things about this book and about the author in general. To be honest, Kelly, I think it is the cover that puts me off - once again, I don't know why, but I have a strong dislike for this - totally illogical I know.
Glad it worked out for you! I never read this author. Now that you mentioned Scarlett Johansson, I can totally see her in the girl on the cover.
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