About:
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier is a historical fiction novel taking place in 17th Century Holland. The book has fascinating descriptions of the times, how people lived and behaved.
My rating for Girl with a Pearl Earring – 3
Buy this book in paper or in electronic format*
Thoughts:
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (website | Facebook | @Tracy_Chevalier)was neither here nor there.
The story seems like an episode of the old British drama “Upstairs Downstairs” set in Holland with a coming of age story neatly tucked in it as well. The plot is somewhat interesting with one well developed character (Griet) and none others I cared about.
The book is written very well but nothing happens and for awhile I was actually bored. Some of the characters are well developed but I was hoping for Johannes Vermeer’s character to be more in depth. To my disappoint Vermeer played a minor (yet important) part in the book.
However, the descriptions of 17th Century Holland, the class system and mercantile society were excellent, which by itself was worth finishing the book. The descriptions of how the paintings were painted were amusing as well and since I had the “Deluxe Edition” with 9 full color paintings I could flip back and forth, reading the descriptions and seeing what they pertained to.
I can certainly see why many people loved this book, it is classical, dramatic and a pleasure to read because (not despite) the slow pace. Technically, this is an excellent book and I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Chevalier’s work.
Synopsis:
A young woman named Griet arrives at Vermeer’s house to be a new servant. She had some tragedy in her family and so ended up a maid. As she gets to be part of the family, Vermeer allows her to help him, due to her artistic eye. Eventually she poses for the famous “girl with a pearl earring” painting, which ends up being her undoing.
Buy this book in paper or in electronic format*
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got bought this book.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account
The plot might be overstuffed, but I enjoyed the new characters. Moneypenny is COO of…
A.H. Raskin (26 April, 1911 – 22 December, 1993) was a reporter, writer, and assistant…
I hated the author’s passive-aggressive agenda. It just rubbed me the wrong way and seemed…
Teachers can help kids stay strong in bad times, and together they can strive by…
Sarah Kemble Knight - teacher & diarist. Her journey from Boston to New York provides…
Billy Boyle wakes up in Sicily, with amnesia. He doesn’t remember what happened, or who…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
Interesting that you reviewed this book. I just read last night an article on the writer. I was wondering if the book was any good.
I know what you mean about a book being well-written but not interesting. I'm reading a book on writing. The points are excellent but his examples don't intrigue me at all.
Thanks for an even review.
What a coincidence, I'm looking forward to hear what you thought of any of Ms. Chevalier's works.
I read this book a few years ago. I believe it was overhyped, so I expected more. It bored me. You say it bored you at first, but it bored me throughout.
I did not write a review of this after I read it. But I gave it only two stars on goodreads.com.
I started to read the book with preconceived notions as well.
Great objective review. I'm glad you ended up liking it. I really loved it when I read it. It has been years and I can't believe I still haven't read any of her other books, even though I own them all. :/ Maybe I'll pick one up this year.
Thanks for the great comment.
I know I'd definitely have to be in a thoughtful and patient mood to read this one. I caught part of the movie on TV once and didn't have time to sit down and watch the whole thing. It looked good though.