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Summary: Lovely, Lyrical Tale of Love and Art
Review: What an exquisite novel! Deceptively simple in the telling, GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING is told from the perspective of a serving girl in the house of Vermeer, who becomes both model and muse. Chevalier captures the very quality of a Vermeer painting in her writing, and vividly brings the Delft of the artist's time to life in this breathtaking first novel. A lovely, lyrical tale of love and art. Don't miss it!
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Summary: A WONDERFUL AND IMAGINATIVE STORY
Review: I think that this is one of the best works of fiction that I've read in a long time. It takes place in Holland during the years 1664 to 1676. The author, Tracy Chevalier has used a beautiful painting by Johannes Vermeer to spin a beautiful story. She's named the girl from the painting Griet, and made her a 16 year old maid in the Vermeer household. The artist is famous for his sunlit domestic scenes and considered one of the greatest of the Dutch painters.I liked the fact that Griet is intelligent and seems to have an instinctive understanding of humanity. Her quick mind helped her to traverse through a household of jealous and mean spirited people. Chevalier has learned her craft well. The characters have been so fine tuned that I felt that I knew everyone myself. I've read a little about the life of Vermeer and it seems to me that the author did her homework. I'll look forward to her next novel!
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Summary: An enjoyable, literary read.
Review: This is a delightful novel. The story seems to sparkle in the Dutch sunlight of the 17th century. It contains the characteristics of many great works of literature- symbolism, foreshadowing etc, yet the plot moves along quickly. It helps to be familiar with art of the era (Rembrant and others in addition to Vermeer). This is a book that can be savored while the art brings it to life. I also appreciated the description of various painting techniques illustrated by the author. This is definately worth your time!
Rating: 
Summary: A Dissapointment
Review: I came onto Amazon.com and read the reviews for Girl With A Pearl Earring before going out and buying it. The majority of the readers gave the novel a strong rating and the reviews led me to expect and outstanding novel. However, I found quite the opposite. The novel was bland and the characters flat. Griet's whining was annoying and Chevalier's portrayl of Vermeer was a sorry one. I grew to hate both these characters. Chevalier began too many things and finished them either too abruptly or with too little thought. That's the overall view of the novel I got. I feel the author didn't put enough time into the novel. It had great potential but the novel failed to come close to my expectations. Expect easy reading but not much else.
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Summary: Lowered Expectations
Review: The story-line is engaging enough, but I was unimpressed with Tracy's handling of historical material and prose style. This was simply not very well written.
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Summary: Painting a story...
Review: It's been a while since I read a novel within 24 hours but Chevalier's "Girl With a Pearl Earring" had me enthralled. This imaginary title inspired by the Dutch Vermeer's 17th century piece of the same name left me with such an echoic presence that I could read it again, just as I could stare at the mysterious painting for hours. The fascination of the parallels of religious families, the unquestioned oppressive role of females and the cleanliness of this novel's dialogue (no flowery prose about sunsets or night skies to lengthen it) made it worthy of a reader's time. Griet's vivid descriptions of her sister, of Pieter the son and of the market square star left me feeling as though I were still in that not-quite-there age of seventeen myself. "I knew before he did. When I saw what was needed - that point of brightness he had used to catch the eye in other paintings - I shivered. This will be the end, I thought. I was right" Beautiful.
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Summary: Quietly intriguing
Review: At first I didn't see the point to this book. There wasn't much action or conflict other than Griet becoming a maid. However, her narration was compelling and story enjoyable. The one thing I would tell those who are looking for a thorough historical fiction peice is that this is not for you. Although it took place in the 1660's, there was nothing to distinguish this from say the 1760's or even the 1860's. But if you are looking for a light hearted novel about a young girl and how she draws people to her, then this is the book for you.
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Summary: A beautifully crafted novel
Review: Finishing this book is like eating a gourmet meal. You didn't need it, but it sure was enjoyable. Girl With a Pearl Earring is fine storytelling; at the close, you'll wish it were a true account of Vermeer's masterpiece. Told in first person by teenage maid, Griet, this novel creates a passionate tension like in all those great Merchant Ivory films. Repressed sensuality, religious differences, conniving women, dastardly rich folks - it's all here. This book is an excellent choice for Book Clubs everywhere!
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Summary: An Artist's Description
Review: Normally, historical fiction does not interest me but this book gave you a close look into an artist's life. The way the artist went about his paintings fascinated me. I will never look at Vermeer's paintings the same. This is also a book about a progressive 16 yr. old girl growing up. By the end of the novel she becomes much more opinionated, outspoken, and aware of her sexuality. I was suprised at the importance she put on her hair and what it meant. I love books that open your eyes to a different way of life and Girl with a Pearl Earring did that for me. Chevalier webbed together an array of personalities and history beautifully. She really did her homework.
Rating:
Summary: YAAAAWWWWNNNNNNNNN
Review: Not quite sure why this continues to be on bestseller lists. I found this book to be rather empty. Great idea to tell a story behind a paiting -- but beyond that, the story isn't that original.
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