44 pages • 1 hour read
Girl With a Pearl Earring
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Delft, Netherlands • 1660s
2000
Adult
15-18 years
770L
Super Short Summary
In Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Griet, a young maid in the household of painter Johannes Vermeer, navigates her new responsibilities, including the delicate task of cleaning his studio without altering anything. She becomes fascinated by Vermeer’s artistry and develops a complex relationship with him, ultimately becoming the model for his famous painting. Griet’s journey is marked by her personal growth amid the constraints of 17th-century Dutch society, family tragedies, and evolving relationships that shape her future decisions and self-understanding.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Serene
Reviews & Readership
755,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier receives praise for its vivid depiction of 17th-century Delft and its richly atmospheric narrative. The characterization of Griet and her journey resonates with readers. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing slow at times. Overall, it's celebrated for its evocative prose and historical detail.
Who Should Read Girl With a Pearl Earring?
A reader who appreciates richly detailed historical fiction with a focus on art and drama will enjoy Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Comparable to readers of Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red and Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, they will relish the intricate storytelling and exploration of 17th-century Dutch life.
755,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vermeer
Vermeer
A skilled and reserved painter, he employs Griet and forms a unique artistic rapport with her. His enigmatic nature and dedication to his craft create a central tension in the story.
Catharina
Catharina
Vermeer's jealous and expectant wife, who feels threatened by Griet's involvement in her husband's artistic pursuits. She balances her domestic life with her role in the household.
Maria Thins
Maria Thins
Vermeer's practical mother-in-law who manages the family's finances and supports her son-in-law's work. She often serves as an ally to Griet within the house.
Pieter the Son
Pieter the Son
The butcher's son who expresses a romantic interest in Griet and eventually seeks her hand in marriage. His presence represents an alternative future for Griet.
240
Novel • Fiction
Delft, Netherlands • 1660s
2000
Adult
15-18 years
770L
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