What’s That Book? Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: *****

What’s it about? A wonderful historical fiction set in Holland in the 1660s, describing the restrained attraction between an artist and his model. It was inspired by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer and his painting of the same name. The story is told through the eyes of beautiful sixteen-year-old Griet, who works as a maid in the Vermeer household and develops a relationship with the painter. The friendship begins when Vermeer notices Griet’s eye for art. He sends her on errands, teaches her how to mix paints and has her pose as a substitute model. One of Vermeer’s wealthy patrons, known for his shameless behavior towards young girls, notices Griet’s beauty and asks Vermeer to paint a picture of the two of them. To protect Griet, Vermeer agrees to paint just Griet for the man. Vermeer gives Griet his wife’s pearl earrings to wear for the painting, a move that causes his already suspicious wife to act.

How did you hear about it? One of my book club friends selected it for our discussion.

Closing comments: It’s uncommon for everyone in a book club to like a book selection, but everyone in my group loved Girl with a Pearl Earring. Tracy Chevalier is a wonderful writer and does a great job depicting 17^th century life in Holland.

Contributor: Ginette

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11 thoughts on “What’s That Book? Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier”

I read this book in a library book club I was in a couple years ago. What an interesting story! We all enjoyed it as well.

I remember thinking that I SHOULD read it, but never did. That’s for inspiring me to do so now.

Thank you for sharing this! I’m definitely going to check it out!

This is one of my all time favourite books – a real gem and I’m not surprised everyone enjoyed it. I think I’ve read all her books and they’re all wonderful.

I liked, but did not love this one. Her writing is amazing, but something was missing from this story to me. I’m probably the only reader on Earth who felt that…..

One of my favorite artists and painting.

I remember reading it…although its kind of blur, I think I remember liking it. :o)

I really liked that book, too. As well as most of her other ones, as she is a very good writer!

It sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing.

This cover caught my eye because… 🙂 Love this painting. And I’m adding the book to my TBR list. I’d never heard of it (shameful, I know) so thank you for sharing.