Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed on 12/31/2009 + 87 more book reviews

I set this aside for a long time thinking that it wouldn't grab my attention, but I was more than pleasantly surprised! I loved the story, and devoured the book. The book is a fictional portrait of the Dutch artist Jan Van Der Meer, and speculates that his famous portrait, Girl With A Pearl Earring, was of a young girl who worked as a maid in his home, Griet. Griet gets sent to work for Van Der Meer when her father, a tile painter, is blinded in an accident and can no longer support the family. She is fascinated by the art (and artist), but must tiptoe around his wife and numerous daughters, and the other maid in the house. She is also fighting off advances from a butcher. Fans of historical fiction will not be disappointed, regardless of whether you are familiar with the artist or the painting. Highly recommended.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details