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Summary: MY FAVORITE BOOK!
Review: Where to begin on such a beautifully-written, compelling, vividly-imagined novel? Tracy Chevalier writes a spectacular novel in general, and this is no exception. The main character, Griet, and both the family she leaves and the one she comes to work for are so well-developed that if time-travel were possible through literature, the reader would find herself instantly transported to Vermeer's Holland.
Griet is a striking, ironic, observant young girl who posesses little materially but owns volumes of emotions, experiences, and the potential to love or hate fiercely. However, Griet is also a calm, mature young woman who knows to keep her feelings hidden in this time of male dominance. She is most devoted to her family, and most disgusted with her mistress, the Mrs. Vermeer, and one of the numerous Vermeer children.
The story could not have been any more detailed, as Chevalier did her research of not only Vermeer himself, but of Holland and historical rituals and mannerisms that exist within.
The most exquisite semi-plot within the story is that of Griet's relationship with Johannes Vermeer. She reveres him, yet is terrified of him at once. In this chasm of opposites the reader is given only miniscule morsels of her feelings outright. Much more often, the subtlety paints an even more compelling picture. When Vermeer decides to use Griet as a subject of a secret painting, their relationship becomes a conspiracy, almost erotic and racy in the most demure and reserved way. The air between them is so sexually charged and yet professional all at once. Griet seems to have an inner-obsession, profoundly affected by any action or word from her "Master." It's sick, but gorgeous.
We watch as Griet finds herself in sorrow, in love, in desperation, in ecstasy, and finally, inside her own body. Griet becomes a woman: strong, independant, and willing to sacrafice for her family and for herself.
Buy this book. It's a jewel, a prized possession for any literature lover. Complex yet simply told, but with immense feeling and honesty. You will love it! Plus, you might become so enchanted with it, you'll plan your own trip to Holland to see where Griet "lived" and where her likeness (fictionally, of course) now hangs in the Hague. Chevalier: bravo! Wonderfully imagined.
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Summary: wonderful book - brings the period and the art alive
Review: I was sorry it ended. It truly is a book that "takes you there" and particularly gives the a heightened appreciation of the art.
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Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I don't read a lot of books but this one was recommended by a friend. I literally could not put the book down. It draws you in and makes you eager to find out what happens next. Although it is a little predictable, I found the descriptions of everyday tasks and objects amazing. I could literally picture it all happening as I read it.I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: Great historical fiction
Review: This book will definately keep your interest. I couldn't put it down. It tells the story of The Girl with A Pearl Earing in Holland in 1660. The best thing about this book is that it was very easy to read. There was just enough information given to give you an idea of life in those times - but the book does not weight you down with historical facts. It keeps you interested by keeping the story moving - you keep wondering how it will end and where the girl will end up. It is a really good story.
Rating: 
Summary: Vapid, empty, lifeless characters...
Review: Given the number of reviews of this book, there is little chance that anyone will read mine. But since so many of them laud this simplistic story, I just had to. Yes, they are vapid, empty, lifeless characters, the writing is boring - if not bad at times - and there is no emotion at all. Okay, the idea's good - that deserves the two stars. But it's beyond me how so many people see this as an excellent book...
Rating:
Summary: great read
Review: It took me a day to read "Girl with a Pearl Earring". I could not put it down. What a fascinating concept of telling a story- to describe a painting in progress. From the outset we are drawn into the world of Vermeer and get an insight into the lives of the serving class. Griet has little choice but to stay on as a servant for her master but manages to maintain her moral standards despite pressure from the master's sponsor and also from the master himself. Her solution at the end of the novel is realistic and inspiring. Well worth a read.
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Summary: Beautiful...
Review: It is the 17th Century. In a town of Delft, Holland, Tracy Chevalier brings to life the subtle yet colorful imagery of that time. Her keen attention to detail and her ability to transfer those details into words wow you. There are no pretenses but only what the story is: It's a simple and elegant tale of 16 year old Griet who ends up becoming an employee of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. While she's there to help out her family financially, Griet learns more than she imagined. She is shown the beatuful yet painstaking art of painting and soon helping the great painter himself. But as Griet begins to learn more about life than what she's known, she also learns the harsher side of reality. For conflict between herself and other members of the Vermeer family is all but inevitable. I recognized the portriat on the cover. It was so thin and small looking, I didn't imagine anything grand to be sandwhiched between the cover. Low and behold, I was wrong. Some books only need a few pages to get the story out, yet with such volume; Girl With a Pearl Earring is one of them. Give it try, you'll see.
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Summary: A Beautiful Painting Comes to Life
Review: Chevalier has done for this painting what well researched historical fiction does for history: taken a beautiful painting from a museum and brought it to life. She has given it a story that makes the reader wonder if this could be true, and if not, what can be seen in the picture that would tell the story of this girl-the one with the pearl earring.
Griet is just 16 years old when she is sent by her family to clean the studio of the famous painter, Johannes Vermeer. Since her father was blinded in an explosion in a tile factory, Griet must support her family by living and toiling as a maid in the Vermeer's rich home. Resented by Vermeer's wife, only Griet can enter his studio to clean, for she can do it with an artist's eye, replacing each item with the precision with which they were originally placed for a painting. She sees her hands age years from the hours of soaking, scrubbing and ironing for a family who does not appreciate her perfectionism. Her pleasure comes when she labors secretly for her master, mixing pigments in his workroom, now her bedroom.
Strong undercurrents of sexual attraction and restraint are the force de vivre in this creation: she is always waiting for him and he caring so much for her. He is bound by marriage and morals of the time, but he is also bound forever to the girl in the painting, the one with the pearl earring- the way the light plays with her eyes, her just slightly parted lips, and a wisp of hair.
Rating: 
Summary: mixed.
Review: Tracy Chevalier writes books that are easy to read. This one moves a little slower than the Angels book; both took some time to get going. The momentum can be rough, and her writing does not have any striking originality. but she did pick a good subject for sure. She has a knack for recreating periods (or what we think is a recreation of a period), so for one's interest in history, these books are good. There's also a feminist slant which is of interest. She does tend to stack her story with unpleasant characters. It's not brilliant writing for sure, but she gets an A for concept.
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Summary: Girl With History to Teach
Review: Middle and High School History and Art teachers looking for a great read-aloud need look no further. GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING has appeal. Although we cannot time travel, reading a book like this makes it possible to both travel back in time and be entertained. You learn about the most intimate details of 17th century life; the place of women in society, the struggle of the lower classes, tile-making and art of the century, Vermeer's art in particular, the creation of paints and color mixing, courting, prominence of religion, painters and patrons, and sexual awakenings. Even everyday washing and ironing was made interesting by Tracy Chevalier's artistic writing.
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