67 pages • 2 hours read
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196
Novel • Fiction
Holland • 17th Century
Adult
16+ years
950L
Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland explores the journey of an imagined Vermeer painting through the centuries, depicting the lives of its various owners from the present to the mid-17th century. This reverse-chronological narrative delves into how the painting influences each owner and reveals the timeless power of art. The novel addresses sensitive themes including the Holocaust, infanticide, and marital strife.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Serene
42,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Susan Vreeland's Girl in Hyacinth Blue intertwines eight poignant stories reflecting the journey of a Vermeer painting through time. Critics commend its lyrical prose and rich historical detail, though some feel the narrative structure disrupts flow. Each character's intimate connection with the painting adds depth, but the disjointed timeline can be challenging.
Readers who would enjoy Girl In Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland typically have an appreciation for art history, historical fiction, and interconnected narratives. Fans of Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring or Geraldine Brooks’ The Girl in the Green Sweater will likely find this novel captivating for its rich detail and exploration of a painting’s legacy through time.
42,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hannah Vredenburg
A sensitive young girl on the brink of womanhood, deeply affected by the changing world around her and the unfolding historical events she witnesses, symbolizing innocence and hope.
Laurens van Luyken
A man who evolves from a self-involved perspective on love to a mature understanding of enduring companionship with his wife, reflecting on past mistakes and personal growth.
Claudine
A charismatic and unconventional high-society matron, characterized by her bold pursuit of authentic love and self-realization, ultimately choosing spontaneity over societal expectations.
Saskia
A devoted wife and mother, whose story is rich with religious symbolism and personal transformation through temptation and redemption, intertwined with her attachment to a painting.
Adriaan Kuypers
An intellectual and scholarly character with a scientific mindset, who struggles with the contrast between rationality and the superstitious beliefs of someone he cares for deeply.
Johannes Vermeer
A talented but impoverished artist who sacrifices his passion for painting to support his family, embodying the conflict between artistic devotion and familial responsibilities.
Magdalena
A tragic figure who admires her father and longs for a creative life of her own, yet faces limitations imposed by her gender and circumstances, living with unfulfilled creative aspirations.
196
Novel • Fiction
Holland • 17th Century
Adult
16+ years
950L
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