Girl with a Pearl Earring

by (Mrs.) Tracy Chevalier, first published in 1999. ISBN (pbk.) 0-452-28215-2

Date of story: 1664 - 1676

This book was recommended to me by Amazon.com when I ordered Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland, which traces the history of a fictional painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. I had enjoyed that book, so was delighted when I saw Girl with a Pearl Earring at a recent flea-market-type silent auction.

In this case, though, the painting is real; the fictional story is of the young girl who serves as the inspiration for the painting. She works as a maid for the Vermeer family and, because of her unique artistic insight and her unusual beauty, is a growing source of fascination for the moody painter and an extreme source of irritation to his wife Catherine, who appears to suffer from low self-esteem and lack of attention from her husband.

The story is told through the eyes of Griet, the 16-year-old maid, whose father's inability to provide for their family has forced her into servitude. Through her eyes we experience the awakenings of adult love mixed with infatuation. We also experience the sights of 17th century Delft–its markets, its homes and its people–maybe the most lasting effects the book will have on me. We are taken into Vermeer's studio and given a glimpse into the joy and agony of the creative process.

If I have any criticism, it would be that at times, particularly as she deals with Vermeer's children, Griet appears to be very bold and even unfeeling, yet at other times seems backward and indecisive. I never had a definite grasp of her character or personality.

I would recommend the book, though. Let's see -- 7 out of 10?

Morality rating? A couple of short but fairly explicit scenes with Pieter, the butcher's son, that I wouldn't want my daughters to have read when they were younger. I don't remember any off-color language.