Girl with a Pearl Earring
14 journalers for this copy...
I found this for a bargin today and couldn't resist buying it. I've read two of her other novels "The Virgin Blue" and "Falling Angels" and both were wonderful. Apparently this is supposed to be the best one so I can't wait to read it! This is going out on the Oscars Bookring and then will become a bookray afterwards.
Noodlebowl - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Bookfrog - Sydney, NSW, Aus
TQD - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Awaywithfairies - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Guinevere69 - St James, WA, Aus
MsMello - Perth, WA, Aus
Sunny27 - Brisbane, QLD, Aus
Felicia-fairy - Mackay, QLD, Aus
FutureCat - Christchurch, NZ
gwilk - Christchurch, NZ
Tasamina - Yankalilla, SA, Aus
ada2 - North Gosford, NSW, Aus
Augustusgloop - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Charmedwitch23 - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Fushmush - Sydney, NSW, Aus
Journal Entry 2 by fushmush from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 17, 2004
I've enjoyed all the Chevalier novels I've read so far and as Girl with a Pearl Earring is reputed to be her best, I wondered if it would live up to the hype. Definitely!!!
16 year old Griet is sent to be a maid in the Vermeer household, where she becomes embroiled in the domestic tensions within the house - between her gifted master, her jealous mistress and Vermeer's assertive mother-in-law. Even the children and the other maid make life difficult for Griet. Throughout the novel, Griet struggles to find her place in the world. Griet is almost ruined as her relationship with her master becomes increasingly intimate and she is drawn into their world. From cleaning his studio, to becoming his secret assistant and finally posing for one of his paintings wearing the mistress' pearl earrings. Although in the end Griet, intelligent and courageous, is a survivor and regains her footing in society.
I've already been tainted by the movie, although I haven't seen it. It is easy to imagine the serene Scarlett Johansson as Griet and taciturn Colin Firth as Vermeer.
16 year old Griet is sent to be a maid in the Vermeer household, where she becomes embroiled in the domestic tensions within the house - between her gifted master, her jealous mistress and Vermeer's assertive mother-in-law. Even the children and the other maid make life difficult for Griet. Throughout the novel, Griet struggles to find her place in the world. Griet is almost ruined as her relationship with her master becomes increasingly intimate and she is drawn into their world. From cleaning his studio, to becoming his secret assistant and finally posing for one of his paintings wearing the mistress' pearl earrings. Although in the end Griet, intelligent and courageous, is a survivor and regains her footing in society.
I've already been tainted by the movie, although I haven't seen it. It is easy to imagine the serene Scarlett Johansson as Griet and taciturn Colin Firth as Vermeer.
Journal Entry 3 by noodlebowl from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Monday, February 23, 2004
Started today on the train, so far, so good. Thanks for delivering it FushMush.
Journal Entry 4 by noodlebowl from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 24, 2004
I really enjoyed this book. I love her subtle style of writing, that is almost reminiscent of painting, layer upon layer of emotions and meaning. It was a beautiful love story that leaves what is best unsaid, unsaid.
I too am tainted, and kept imagining Scarlett Johanson as Griet. And doesn't Tanneke sound like a Japanese name? Kept confusing me.
On to Bookfrog now. Passed on to her at cocktails tonight at Kuleto's. Seems to be a reoccuring theme. Drinking and reading.
(also as a snobby aside, I've seen the painting in real life, and now I want to see it again after reading this book)
I too am tainted, and kept imagining Scarlett Johanson as Griet. And doesn't Tanneke sound like a Japanese name? Kept confusing me.
On to Bookfrog now. Passed on to her at cocktails tonight at Kuleto's. Seems to be a reoccuring theme. Drinking and reading.
(also as a snobby aside, I've seen the painting in real life, and now I want to see it again after reading this book)
Journal Entry 5 by BookFrog from Albion Park, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, February 24, 2004
I don't know if I have or haven't seen the painting in real life but looking forward to reading the book and seeing the movie, she makes a good match Scarlett does!
Journal Entry 6 by BookFrog from Albion Park, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, February 26, 2004
So the good thing about being sick and unable to sit at the computer for long time and just lying in bed is that you have nothing to do except whittle away at Mt TBR. This was a lovely book.
I throughly enjoyed it, almost like another world, with hints of plaugue *how sad* and clothing and washing and cooking. It was quite sad, how cut off she was, I am hoping she was happy in the end with the choice she made at the star. Don't want to say too much so as not to give away what happened. Looking forward to watching the movie.
This book is onto TQD next...
What it is nominated for
Art Direction
Cinematography
Costume Design
I was just thinking isn't it interesting the themes in the nominated films this year - two films have pearl in the title *this and pirates*, three films are about water - Master and Commander, Pirates and Finding Nemo, Three have long names with colons in them LOTR, MaC and Pirates. Anyway enough rambling! Good luck at the Oscars this book!
I throughly enjoyed it, almost like another world, with hints of plaugue *how sad* and clothing and washing and cooking. It was quite sad, how cut off she was, I am hoping she was happy in the end with the choice she made at the star. Don't want to say too much so as not to give away what happened. Looking forward to watching the movie.
This book is onto TQD next...
What it is nominated for
Art Direction
Cinematography
Costume Design
I was just thinking isn't it interesting the themes in the nominated films this year - two films have pearl in the title *this and pirates*, three films are about water - Master and Commander, Pirates and Finding Nemo, Three have long names with colons in them LOTR, MaC and Pirates. Anyway enough rambling! Good luck at the Oscars this book!
Got this at Tuesday's meetup. Looking forward to reading it, and seeing the movie!
Oh, a lovely lovely read! I really liked Griet, she was such a great strong and intelligent character, and her development within the Vermeer household was both scary and wonderful.
On to AwayWithFairies next!
On to AwayWithFairies next!
Popped in the mail today. Enjoy, awaywithfairies!
Journal Entry 10 by 
awaywithfairies
from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, March 23, 2004
awaywithfairies from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Arrived in the post today. Looking forward to reading it!
Journal Entry 11 by awaywithfairies from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Friday, April 9, 2004
awaywithfairies from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Friday, April 9, 2004
I really enjoyed reading this. Much preferred it to the movie which I felt had an 'indecisive' ending. The book gave me a better idea of what happened to Griet after she left the house.
Will mail to Guinevere69 as soon as I can get to a post office!
Will mail to Guinevere69 as soon as I can get to a post office!
Release planned for Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at Postal Release in Sydney, Australia Controlled Releases.Mailed to Guinevere69 today. Post offices open again after the Easter break. Happy reading!
Journal Entry 13 by guinevere69 from Willetton, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Good book, moody love story, painted in different layers. Want to see the painting in real life now.
This came today. I've been looking forward to it for ages, so I'm going to start it straight away..
Girl With a Pearl Earring was so convincing, that I will find it hard to imagine the painting with any other 'story' behind it, than this one.
A beautifully woven story. One whose characters will stay with me for quite some time.
A beautifully woven story. One whose characters will stay with me for quite some time.
received today and really looking forward to reading it.
Released on Monday, June 07, 2004 at sent to another bookcrosser in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Controlled Releases.
I absolutely adored this book. It's so descriptive and lush I felt like I was there watching it all unfold. This is a story with the two best ingredients in fiction - characters you love and characters you love to hate. I could easily believe that this is the exact story behind that painting and can't wait to see if they've done justice to it on film.
It's been safely wrapped up and ready to post in my bag for a few days now. I'll be sending it off as soon as I can.
I absolutely adored this book. It's so descriptive and lush I felt like I was there watching it all unfold. This is a story with the two best ingredients in fiction - characters you love and characters you love to hate. I could easily believe that this is the exact story behind that painting and can't wait to see if they've done justice to it on film.
It's been safely wrapped up and ready to post in my bag for a few days now. I'll be sending it off as soon as I can.
Recieved yesterday - yes! on the Public Holiday, lucky me!
Started reading the book last night and got 180 pages in before I decided sleep was a good idea. Really enjoying it... will PM FutureCat and send it off this week sometime.
*Futurecat journalled before I had a chance to, so I am editing this post*
I enjoyed this book. My mother-in-law read it and didn't really find it anything to rave about, but it is one of the better books I have read this year. I do enjoy books that take history and fictionalise it.
I really want to see the painting now myself!
Started reading the book last night and got 180 pages in before I decided sleep was a good idea. Really enjoying it... will PM FutureCat and send it off this week sometime.
*Futurecat journalled before I had a chance to, so I am editing this post*
I enjoyed this book. My mother-in-law read it and didn't really find it anything to rave about, but it is one of the better books I have read this year. I do enjoy books that take history and fictionalise it.
I really want to see the painting now myself!
Arrived safely in New Zealand today. I've got a final exam on Saturday, so I think I'll be spending this week studying rather than reading, but as soon as that's out the way, I'll get straight onto this book.
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Really enjoyed reading this book, but I was disappointed by the ending - I think it would have been a much better story if she'd stopped at the end of the 1666 chapter, and left it a mystery as to which choice Griet made.
I want to see the actual painting now! (And all the other paintings mentioned in the book too!)
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I want to see the actual painting now! (And all the other paintings mentioned in the book too!)
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Dropped off in Gwilk's letterbox this morning (I only just realised he literally does live just around the corner from me!)
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Arrived in my letterbox yesterday, thanks FutureCat. Looks like it will be a change of pace for me... it is now the top of my TBR pile.
I was going to make a journal entry saying I had started this book, but whoops I've already finished it which shows how much I enjoyed it. While I was reading my local paper, The Christchurch Press, ran an article saying a Vermeer painting Young Woman Seated at the Virginals just sold for UKP16.2 million (NZD45.3 million). It also talked about how infrequently Vermeer paintings are offered for public sale and how little is known of his life.
My favourite part of this book is when Vermeer teaches Griet how to look at clouds. Of course, I have looked but all I see is white and grey (so far). That kind of highly trained perception brought to mind the Anne Rice Vampire books since those guys were always getting more out of any given sensory input than us mortals. I appreciate books that at some level try and open my eyes to new experiences and next time I visit an art gallery I will certainly be looking with this book in mind.
I got to half way and then the rest of the book just rushed by. It is hard to imagine how this book can translate to the screen, but it must be worth a look.
My favourite part of this book is when Vermeer teaches Griet how to look at clouds. Of course, I have looked but all I see is white and grey (so far). That kind of highly trained perception brought to mind the Anne Rice Vampire books since those guys were always getting more out of any given sensory input than us mortals. I appreciate books that at some level try and open my eyes to new experiences and next time I visit an art gallery I will certainly be looking with this book in mind.
I got to half way and then the rest of the book just rushed by. It is hard to imagine how this book can translate to the screen, but it must be worth a look.
Will post this off to Tasamina this afternoon.
By the way, I like the cover shown with this book since it actually shows the painting. The actual cover of the book is presumably from the movie.
By the way, I like the cover shown with this book since it actually shows the painting. The actual cover of the book is presumably from the movie.
Girl With A Pearl Earring arrived safely in the mail today, from New Zealnd. Thank you gwilt. I am looking forward to reading this book, epecially as it my introduction to Tracy Chevalier.
Thank you fushmush. A wonderful book.
I enjoyed the development of the story lines as the paintings evolved. The colours, the brightness and shadows, the dimensions and the reworkings of the masterpieces fascinated me. The parallels between the work created by an artist and an author completely drew me into their world.
I not only look forward to seeing the film but also reading more Tracy Chevalier works.
I will post this book to ada2 today.
I enjoyed the development of the story lines as the paintings evolved. The colours, the brightness and shadows, the dimensions and the reworkings of the masterpieces fascinated me. The parallels between the work created by an artist and an author completely drew me into their world.
I not only look forward to seeing the film but also reading more Tracy Chevalier works.
I will post this book to ada2 today.
Will advance this and read it next - really looking forward to it. Thanks fushmush...
Finally finished this, sorry I held onto it for a while - I've been moving house and it has all taken much longer than I'd expected (or hoped).
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. It has a gentle, sensual tone and draws the reader into its world in ever so subtle a manner. For such a small book I'm also amazed at the depth of knowledge I seem to have of each of the characters - as well as complex emotional responses to most of them. How hard it was for women and for the poor in those times. And for artists! Felt this book really touched and enriched me. Thanks fushmush...
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. It has a gentle, sensual tone and draws the reader into its world in ever so subtle a manner. For such a small book I'm also amazed at the depth of knowledge I seem to have of each of the characters - as well as complex emotional responses to most of them. How hard it was for women and for the poor in those times. And for artists! Felt this book really touched and enriched me. Thanks fushmush...
I'm sorry I've had this book so long - I have been trying to pass it on, but not much success I'm afraid. Up to charmedwitch23, but I wasn't able to make last meet-up so will send it by post. Apologies once again....
Journal Entry 30 by augustusgloop from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Received from fushmush at tonight's Sydney MeetUp at Zanzibar's.Thanks for registering this book and organising this ring fushmush! Will get stuck into it as soon as I finish my current book.
Journal Entry 31 by augustusgloop from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, October 24, 2004
I really enjoyed this book. I found Chevalier's writing style very engaging, with characters I could easily connect with. Her use of words and dialogue was constrained--each sentence and word seemed to be carefully chosen for maximum effect. I seemed to know so much about them in so few words--a craft which is rarely exercised or realised these days.
I can see how this was quickly adapted to film, especially with its intriguing "what if it's true" theme to the actual artworks. I haven't seen the film yet and yes, I can see how Scarlett Johansen instantly came to mind as Griet. I thought it helped too (rather than detracted), that I kept picturing Colin Firth :-)
Can watch the film now with a clear conscience that of course I read the book first!
Thanks for organising this ring fushmush. Will PM charmedwitch23 and get this book moving along asap.
EDIT: Passing onto charmedwitch23 at the next Sydney MeetUp.
EDIT: charmedwitch23 wasn't there, so I passed this back to fushmush.
I can see how this was quickly adapted to film, especially with its intriguing "what if it's true" theme to the actual artworks. I haven't seen the film yet and yes, I can see how Scarlett Johansen instantly came to mind as Griet. I thought it helped too (rather than detracted), that I kept picturing Colin Firth :-)
Can watch the film now with a clear conscience that of course I read the book first!
Thanks for organising this ring fushmush. Will PM charmedwitch23 and get this book moving along asap.
EDIT: Passing onto charmedwitch23 at the next Sydney MeetUp.
EDIT: charmedwitch23 wasn't there, so I passed this back to fushmush.
Journal Entry 32 by fushmush from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, August 17, 2005
I got this one back -ages- ago (almost a year ago). Thanks to everyone for being involved in a successful bookring.
I've passed this on to a friend. I'm hoping she'll get the BC bug.
I've passed this on to a friend. I'm hoping she'll get the BC bug.
