R.A.W.: Book: Girl with a Pearl Earring

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Book: Girl with a Pearl Earring · 6. September 2004, 18:03

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

This is a wonderful novel that takes as inspiration the painting by the same name by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. Tracy Chevalier describes in this book a fictional account of the girl in the picture and how she may have come to be a model for Vermeer. Along the way she gives an insight into life in late 17th century Delft, Holland.

I originally saw the film that was made recently of the book. Having enjoyed the film, I bought the book when it was available as part of a 3 for 2 offer – seldom is a good film made from a bad book so I had little fear that I might be disappointed. I wasn’t disappointed and as is so often the case the details and nuances in the book are far beyond those shown in the film.

I have no doubt that many people might construe the book as being boring and too slow. For me, however, it was a relaxing read with a very pleasant story and I highly recommended it to anyone who is looking for a change of pace in their reading (as I was after Elizabeth & Mary).

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