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Summary: Vermeer's spirit of realism caught in print
Review: This American, who lives and writes in London, has crafted a deceptively straightforward novel. The story is inspired by one of Vermeer's finest and most famous paintings, and this novel is the most enjoyable I have read all summer. In a day and age when writers seem to equate complexity of plot and obfuscation of language with the prerequisites of a serious novel, Ms. Chevalier reminds us that a simple story, told well, can enrapture our hearts and imaginations and instruct us, and entertain us all at the same time. The story is told in first person through the eyes of 16-year-old Griet, and is set in 17c. Netherlands where the divisions of life-master and servant, rich and poor, Protestant and Catholic-are sharp and well established. Although we see the world through Griet's eyes, we only glimpse at her deep emotions that she shields from us, the reader, almost as effectively as she hides them from the outside world. Griet, whose family has fallen on hard times, is employed as a maid in the Vermeer household; a home full of personality landmines that keep Griet on her toes and a perpetual outsider. Griet's serene manner and spirit soon attract the attention of the master painter and she is drawn, half unwillingly, into a chain of events that will set the course of her life. Chevalier tells this tale against a backdrop of realism so prized in Vermeer's paintings. It is a straightforward story without the adornments of the physical, emotional and sexual scars that so often permeate today's novels. This is a quick and highly satisfying read and one that I know I will look forward to visiting again in a few years.
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Summary: What an incredible book...
Review: Ms. Chevalier has truly out-done herself with Girl With A Pearl Earring. Griet (the girl to whom the title refers) is easy to relate to, even as she is in the remarkable setting of Vermeer's studio. Ms. Chevalier's deliciously colorful descriptions make this book one that this reader could not put down. Via this book, the reader is able to step out of technology-based, 21st century America and into the intense, 17th century Holland. This is a story not to be missed.
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Summary: Deft, delicate, delightful.
Review: As a rich, hand dipped chocholate is not a meal, as a single canvas is not art, this book is neither a historical journey nor a page-turning melodrama; although it contains elements of each. Like a single sweet confection, or a well loved picture, it is a tantalizing glimpse into a dreamed-of past, full of promise and color. The reader may well be left wishing for more; more length, more detail, more knowledge of the people and their time. Wisely, the author leaves us hungry for more, knowing that to fulfill those wishes and expectations, would be like a painter writing an explanation of his work ... it would defeat the purpose of the canvas. Try this little sweetness for an afternoon, you will be surprised and delighted at Chevalier's power to move you. Sometimes, less is plenty.
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Summary: coming of age
Review: This is one of the best books I've read this year. Mixing terrific historical and geographical knowledge, the author gives us a coming of age novel of a young girl we have known - but not known - for generations, this Vermeer model. The story she weaves is filled with tension, intrigue and the wonderful inner life of a 17th century girl trying to grow up with no education but with great intelligence and instincts. I've bought several copies to give as gifts.
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Summary: Girl With a Pearl Earring
Review: Little is known about the life of Johannes Vermeer. With 35 paintings to his credit he's a bit of an enigma. Perhaps it is that enigmatic persona that lends itself so well to the genre of speculative fiction. Dutch Renaissance fiction, and specifically Vermeer, is the dernier cri right now and the newest contributer is Tracy Chevalier with her novel, Girl With a Pearl Earring. Chevalier's novel centers around Vermeer's chaotic seventeenth century Delft household. Enter sixteen year old Griet, forced to work after her father is blinded in an accident. She is hired as a maid, but her quiet steady manner and artistic inclination soon have her secretly working with Vermeer; first cleaning his studio, then grinding pigments, and finally posing secretly for the painting known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa." We watch Griet's transformation as an attractive young woman who is already aware of her effect on men, to something more complex and cunning. We listen to her efforts to de-feminize herself to deflect unwanted attention, her rationalizations in her trading of dispassionate minor sexual favors to achieve her goals, however vague they may seem. The beauty of Girl With a Pearl Earring, like a Vermeer itself, lies in it's deceptive simplicity. The use of sparse, matter of fact language belies the novel's depth and sophistication. Chevalier magically weaves fact and fiction. She brilliantly explains the nuances of Vermeer's masterpiece; the girl's odd expression, its mixture of innocence, guilt, desire, and fear. This is a poignant bitter sweet story, part coming of age novel, and part art history lesson, and too wonderful to miss.
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Summary: Lovely historical novel
Review: I enjoyed this unusual historical novel. The portrait "Girl With A Pearl Earring" by the famous Dutch painter, Vermeer, apparently is considered "the Dutch Mona Lisa" because of the girl's enigmatic look as she gazes at the painter. This book tells a possible story explaining the painting. It revolves around a young maid who worked at the painter's house, and who was enthralled with his work (and him). The story takes place in the highly stratified and puritanical Dutch culture of the mid 17th century. When I finished the book, I felt that I has just read a beautiful fable.
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Summary: enchanting
Review: I finished this book in just two nights - it was short, but also I was eager to discover Griet's fate. The story moves somewhat quickly through time. But the emphasis is on the relationship between characters and how they keep their roles clear in this strictly divided society. Griet is a most interesting protagonist.
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Summary: Good Fiction
Review: I would first like to warn anyone that this book is a fiction novel not a research book about this particular painting from Vermeer. The novel and story is great though, when looking at the paintings after it is nice to have a little story to go along with them. For anyone that likes fiction based on real life facts kind of stories, i strongly recommend this book.
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Summary: Perfect
Review: Tracy Chevalier reminds me of Pearl Buck, an author I grew up reading and cherishing. Chevalier's book is so beautiful; I treasure it! I sent a copy to my mom, who also loved it. What's beautiful about it? Her characters- with wonderful names, especially Griet. The setting, both physical and historical. The story, too- understated and poignant. Like other readers, I bought a book about Vermeer and looked at it while reading this. Get a nice cup of tea or whatever you enjoy drinking, and immerse yourself in this fabulous book that may become a classic.
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Summary: History, Art, Beauty ,and Imagination
Review: After hearing a review of this book (and Susan Vreeland's Girl in Hyacinth Blue) on NPR, I quickly bought and devoured them both. I loved the inspiration behind Chevalier's idea for her novel: WHO was the girl with the pearl earring and WHAT could possibly produce that haunting expression? Paintings have often had that effect on me, and I thoroughly enjoyed Chevalier's imagined (and plausible) explanation. I also appreciated her dedication to detailed descriptions of the historical period. As many other readers have done, I too read the novel with a book of Vermeer paintings along side. Not only did the paintings enhance the novel, but the novel throughly enhanced my understanding of his paintings.
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