This fictional book (published in 2003), Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, covers the life of artist Vermeer, set in the 1660s, in Delft, Holland. The main character is a teenage girl, who becomes a maid in Vermeer’s home after her father is blinded by a kiln explosion and loses his livelihood.
A quick read, and enjoyable book. But not entirely satisfying, it seems, to me. I did like the character of Griet, the maid. Although she did change somewhat over the course of the story, I felt a couple changes were lacking, I wanted more. Most of the rest of the characters were static.
I do feel that I may have learned something about how an artist may see, and how such an artist may consider color. I liked the use of guilds in the story.
Here’s the painting the book takes its name from, in case you’re not familiar with it. (And even if you are, it’s still pretty to gaze upon.)
I watched the movie years ago, probably while it was on the new release wall at the video store. I don’t recall much of the movie, although I do remember it as very beautiful.
Here’s the author’s website.
This week’s Booking Through Thursday questions (suggested by Tami are: What book do you think should be made into a movie? And do you have any suggestions for the producers? Or, what book do you think should NEVER be made into a movie?
, formerly called Blink.
