title: Girl With a Pearl Earing
author/editor: Tracy Chevalier
reviewed by: Carol

This book is by Tracy Chevalier. It gets its title from a famous painting by Vermeer. The story gives one explanation for how that painting may have come to be. It is an historical novel that takes place in Delft, Holland in the 1660's when the artist was actively painting.

Griet, the story teller, is sixteen years old when she becomes a maid. In the household she serves Vermeer, his pregnant wife, his wife's mother, and their five children. Griet comes of age as she is pursued by the butcher's son, Pieter, and Vermeer's patron, Van Ruijven. Griet, however, is attracted to Vermeer, himself.

The story shows the confusing situation of youthful attraction vs. life's reality and convention. The story also beautifully tells the dynamics of a large 1600's household.

The story reminded me of my days as an artist's model and how fine the line sometimes became between becoming a lover or a muse and remaining a model. It also reminded me of my attraction to my uncle, an older man with family ties.

There is a video by the same name. When I watched it, I found it more simple, but beautiful in its own way. Some of the characters were taken out of the plot, but the story still worked.

I highly recommend both this book and video to Ninepatch readers.

Carol is involved in her hometown with a book study group where this book was read and discussed.

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