Fiction
2001 Penguin Books (first published in 1999)
Finished on July 31, 2001
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Girl with a Pearl Earring centers on Vermeer's prosperous Delft household during the 1660s. When Griet, the novel's quietly perceptive heroine, is hired as a servant, turmoil follows. First, the 16-year-old narrator becomes increasingly intimate with her master. Then Vermeer employs her as his assistant—and ultimately has Griet sit for him as a model.
My Original Thoughts (2001):
Historical fiction. Very readable. Engrossing! Sexual tension. Emotionally charged. Wonderful characterization. I read it with an article full of Vermeer's paintings beside me. Very enlightening about the actual thought process of a painter and the mechanics involved in painting. Would read again.
My Current Thoughts:
I don't know if I read it a second time, nor do I remember if I watched the movie.
I'm a fan of this author and remember liking this book. I also liked her books Falling Angels and The Lady and the Unicorn.
ReplyDeleteTina, I loved Falling Angels and still own a copy, ever hopeful to read it again! I've not read The Lady and the Unicorn, but I'll see if my library has a copy. Someday.
DeleteI thought this was a fantastic book. I have read it twice, once in 2001, and then later in 2012.
ReplyDeleteI think this comment is from you, Deb? Came through twice. :)
DeleteI remember enjoying this book very much. I have read it twice, once in 2001 and once in 2012.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it's certainly worthy of a re-read, isn't it?
DeleteI recently visited the Mauritshaus museum in the Haague, Holland, where the original painting hangs, and along with the other people on our trip, I found it lovely to see the actual work of art that features in this famous book. I think there have been quite a few imitators since it was published.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Mae, how wonderful for you to not only visit the museum, but to see this lovely work of art. I am very fond of Vermeer's paintings. I used to own a print of The Little Street, but no longer have it. I love Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, as well as View of Delft.
DeleteI loved this book and the movie too! Although I can't remember if I thought the movie matched the book. Like Mae, I was also at the Mauritshaus museum several years ago and saw the painting. I had to take a picture next to it! :)
ReplyDeleteIliana, I'm pretty sure I saw the movie, but it's been ages! How great that you were able to visit the Mauritshaus museum. I love art museums!
DeleteAs soon as I saw the title of this post, I remembered that I read this book and really liked it, but I couldn't tell you a thing about it. I think my brain is like a seive.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Helen. Some of my favorite books are easy to remember at least some of the details, but you'd think I'd remember more about one to which I gave a high rating. I suppose that's one of the problems (if there are problems to be had) of reading a lot of books each year.
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