Journal Entry 1 by Atenea-Nike from not specified, not specified not specified on Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Just got it, just got it! I bought it at amazon.fr and I expect to read it very soon :) 

Journal Entry 2 by Atenea-Nike from not specified, not specified not specified on Friday, April 30, 2004

An excellent book. I love the way the author introduces us to the world and feelings of the main character, I lvoe the story she tells us, I love the historical setting...
The story is about a maid at vermeer's house who has a fine soul, finer than the one of those around her, a sensibility that singles her out and brings her master's attention.

Warning: SPOILER written with secret ink. if you want to read it, select the text hidden behind this words.
But why don't they fulfill their obvious atraction for each other? I'd have been content with just a kiss! I know, he paints her, he caresses her cheek, they share quiet times grinding colors, he sees her hair... it's all very beautiful and subtle and intense and I shouldn't be so prosaic, but really, a kiss wouldn't be that much to ask for, would it? Or a passionate affair on the studio floor... *sigh* 

Journal Entry 3 by Atenea-Nike at BookRing in Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, July 23, 2004

Released on Friday, July 23, 2004 at BookRing in Book Ring, A Bookring Controlled Releases.

Participants list: (bold means the member has read it or is reading it)
1. Marejadilla, Spain
2. Apapsa, Greece
3. Helly77, UK
4. Dagett, Au
5. SarahMulloy, Germany
6. RoryG, Finland
7. fannynatalie
 

Journal Entry 4 by Marejadilla on Monday, July 26, 2004

Thanks to Atenea-Nike from Vitoria...I must say that I have already read it in spanish, but here at home I´ve got a Dutchman -who happens to be my husband- and he wants to read it in original version...se what he writes later! 

Journal Entry 5 by Marejadilla on Monday, August 09, 2004

It was interesting to read this book, because I am a dutchman, who on top lived ten years in Delft. The names of the streets were familiar and I could visualize how Griet went from her home to the Papist Corner on the Oude Langedijk. The feelings of a 17-year old girl seemed to me a bit too much, but the relation with the Vermeer-family was very real. 

Journal Entry 6 by apapsa from Athens, Attica Greece on Monday, August 16, 2004

I received the book today. It seems very "readable" :) I'm finishing another bookring in a couple of days and I'll start reading this one right after it.
Thank you Atenea-Nike for starting the bookring and marejadilla for sending it to me :)
Also thanks for the beautiful postcard (I have been to Asturias some years ago and some photos in the postcard reminded me of the area...) I hope someday I can visit La Coruña as well :) 

Journal Entry 7 by apapsa from Athens, Attica Greece on Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Just finished reading it. A good story. I was feeling sorry that it would end, even as I was at the first pages...
Maybe the fact that it is so popular made me imagine that it would be more... poetic; but that doesn't mean I didn't like it.
I will send the book to Helly77 tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 8 by Helly77 from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 08, 2004

This has gone to the top of my TBR pile! Hopefully get round to it by the weekend! 

Journal Entry 9 by Helly77 from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Friday, September 17, 2004

Journal Entry 10 by Helly77 at Bookring in to another bookcrosser, By Post -- Controlled Releases on Friday, September 17, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (9/21/2004 UTC) at Bookring in to another bookcrosser, By Post -- Controlled Releases

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Sending on Monday (my weekly trip to the post office) 

Journal Entry 11 by dagett from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Monday, September 27, 2004

Thank you all for passing this book on, it arrived today! (I love to recieve bookcrosing-mail :)!)
I'll just finish what I'm currently reading and then I jump right in! 

Journal Entry 12 by dagett from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Monday, October 04, 2004

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! The slow, colourful and concentrated style of Chevalier's writing drew me into the story at once. It did not take long until I took out my art history books and browsed them for paintings of Vermeer.
Now I'm sitting here and I'm searching the clouds for their colours :)
Thanks for sharing this beautiful novel with me! 

Journal Entry 13 by dagett at on Monday, October 04, 2004

Released 7 yrs ago (10/4/2004 UTC) at

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Mailed to Germany today! 

Journal Entry 14 by MarahSulloy from Regensburg, Bayern Germany on Monday, October 11, 2004

Just got it today. Thanks, dagett! 

Journal Entry 15 by MarahSulloy from Regensburg, Bayern Germany on Sunday, October 17, 2004

While I enjoyed this book, I don't think it quite lived up to the enormous hype. I tend to like historical fiction, but the character of Griet kind of bothered me. Maybe because I'm Catholic. :) 

Journal Entry 16 by MarahSulloy from Regensburg, Bayern Germany on Friday, December 03, 2004

Sent this to RoryG in Finland on Dec. 2. 

Journal Entry 17 by RoryG from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Friday, January 14, 2005

This was waiting for me when I got back after spending Christmas at my parent's house. I couldn't get to internet sooner but I have already started the book and it's not very difficult to read so I should be done soon. I'll comment the book when I'm done. 

Journal Entry 18 by RoryG from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

I read this one in a few days. It was just the sort of light reading I needed. I just couldn't put it down. Now I would really love to see the movie. I liked the way the book was about the paintings as much as about the people's lives the paintings touched. I think I have to find out more about the real life and paintings of Vermeer as well.

Well, I'll be sending this forward as soon as I get the next person's address. 

Journal Entry 19 by fannynatalie from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Wednesday, February 02, 2005

The book has safely arrived. I have not seen the movie, but I like the painting and so I will put it on top of my Mt. TBR in order to read it as soon as possible. 

Journal Entry 20 by fannynatalie from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Monday, February 07, 2005

I enjoyed reading the book very much. It evokes the Delft of the 17th century and the atmosphere in the markets and households. Furthermore I got the impression that I was watching Vermeer directly when he created all those paintings. I could nearly see and also smell all the colours, as well as the blood at the butcher's and the steaming laundry. And I got a bit angry about the selfish artist for whom nothing seemed to count apart from his art and who carelessly fathered children one after the other and also about all the other men who treated maids like unprotected game.

As it seems the bookring now will go back to where it started from. Thanks a lot to Atenea-Nike! It was a pleasure for me to read the book and to share the reading impressions with you all.

 

Journal Entry 21 by Atenea-Nike from not specified, not specified not specified on Monday, February 07, 2005

fannynatalie has offered to send the book back home but I've asked her to keep it moving - she can keep it, lend it, bookray it again, whatever she chooses.

Thanks to all of you for taking part in this ring and sharing your impressions of this book with me. It's been a pleasure meeting you all! :) 

Journal Entry 22 by fannynatalie at on Friday, February 18, 2005

Released 7 yrs ago (2/18/2005 UTC) at

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Will be released at our Ladies-Night. 

Journal Entry 23 by symphonicca from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Ack! Sorry for journalling so late! I picked this up on friday at the bookcrossing ladies night. Was quite tired after a long week at work, so did not stay long or say a proper thank you for the book. In any case, looking forward to reading it! Perhaps i can finish it in time to release it on my way back home to Canada! :)

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Loved this book. Very close to the movie, which i also loved. The main character was so stoic and reserved and strong and almost calculating. A fascinating character. You almost want to know how the rest of her life unfolded. There didn't seem to be much happiness or exhileration in her--- even tragedies or pleasures were born with a dignity and rationality that bordered on cold, i thought.

But, like I say, very delicately and artisically done. Really enjoyed the opportunity to finally read the book, since, like i say, i really did enjoy the movie. Thanks for giving me the opportunity!! :) 

Journal Entry 24 by Karschtl from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Monday, March 14, 2005

Got it from symphonicca last night, who did manage to finish it before her trip back home.
I haven't seen the movie, but heard that it was a good one. Now the book crossed my way and I'm really curious what it's like. Two months ago I saw some of Vermeers paintings in London, in the National Gallery I believe. But unfortunately not "The Girl with the Pearl Earring". 

Journal Entry 25 by Karschtl from Wien - irgendwo / Vienna - somewhere, Wien Austria on Wednesday, June 08, 2005

I read the book in only two days, since it is relatively short. It is also well written, easy to understand.
Just like Vermeer paid attention to detail in his paintings, so did Chevalier in her description of 17th century life in Delft.

Only thing I did not quite understand: why was Vermeer such a wimp?? Is afraid to tell his wife that he needs Griet to assist him, does not defend her when they question her about the earrings. Ok, he had to some extend obey to the wishes of Maria Thins, since he lived in HER house and as far as I found out on the Internet about the real Vermeer they also depended financially on her. But for God's sake, he is a grown-up man, head of his fast growing family, and it seems unrealistic to me that a 17th century man would behave like Vermeer did, having to keep secrets from his wife. A normal man wouldn't have bothered if his wife agreed to his doings or not, he would have just done as he wished.

For me Vermeer was rather a negative character, and apart from his (admittetly) beautiful paintings it wasn't quite clear to me why Griet liked him so much. That was never really explained. Or did she admire him only because he could paint so well? Like somebody else already said I'm also of the opinion that he was very egoistic, asking Griet to work for him but do not once think about how she will manage to do that in secret and where she should take the time for his tasks.

----Spoiler ahead, don't read if you haven't read the book yet----

I also didn't understand why Griet didn't speak up at the end, in the studio. She knew she would leave the house, no matter what she says!! Why didn't she answer the question of Maria Thins with "You gave them to me this morning, and I gave them back to you in the afternoon." Why is she such a coward now? Maybe I'm just thinking what I would have said in this situation.

I don't think that Griet's life afterwards was a wonderful one, but I do believe she was contented with what she had: a husband, children, an income. Seems to me better than continue a maid's life in Vermeer's house, with all the mischief there. And I'm sooo glad that Griet finally did slap Cornelia again. Hope it was a hard one.

Today I spent some time looking for Vermeer's paintings on the internet, looking especially for those Griet described (since I already know the one of her). I'm looking forward to eventually watch the movie on DVD.

Thanks to Spain for this nice little book. I will take it to the next Ladies' Night, our topic there is film books. Hope it will find a new reader there. 

Journal Entry 26 by Karschtl at on Friday, June 17, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (6/17/2005 UTC) at

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Wird zur Ladies Night, Thema "Filmbücher", mitgenommen. 

Journal Entry 27 by allbookedup from Wien Bezirk 21 - Floridsdorf, Wien Austria on Friday, June 17, 2005

I took the book with me from tonight's meetup.
I've already read this book a while ago (bookring) but I want to keep this copy and maybe reread it, because I liked it so much! 

Journal Entry 28 by allbookedup from Wien Bezirk 21 - Floridsdorf, Wien Austria on Tuesday, June 21, 2005

The book was sent off today to bookcrosser Fluffy-Owl in England as a RABCK. 

Journal Entry 29 by Fluffy-Owl from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Friday, July 01, 2005

Received this in the post today from allbookedup, thank you! Also was sent today a postcard from Hong Kong, so feeling quite international! 

Journal Entry 30 by Fluffy-Owl from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 16, 2005

I read this quite quickly, as it's a very readable book. The story kept my attention all the way through. I loved the way the relationship between Griet and Vermeers developed, despite everyone knowing that nothing could ever come of it. The artistic background gave the relationship a different dynamic, compared to your average maid-and-master story, and the writing was excellent all the way through. Glad I already have another book by Chevalier waiting to be read! 

Journal Entry 31 by Fluffy-Owl from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, September 01, 2005

Posted off earlier this week to newf in Canada. Hope it makes it safely across the Atlantic and enjoys the trip outside of Europe! 

Journal Entry 32 by newf from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Thursday, October 27, 2005

Just received this in the mail, and will start reading it on the weekend. Thanks for sharing it. 

Journal Entry 33 by newf from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada on Wednesday, January 04, 2006

As several others have said, this is a very readable book, and once I finally got around to reading it over the Christmas holidays, it went by (sadly) very quickly.

I quite enjoyed reading about the historic city of Delft, which I am not very familiar with. The character of Griet did seem a little cold and one-dimensional at times, but I found that I could relate to her nevertheless. It must have been a difficult life for any woman in a lower-class family in that era.

I will head out this evening and look for a DVD of the movie to rent. As for the book, I will look for an opportunity to pass it on via bookrelay. 

Journal Entry 34 by newf at -- Controlled Release in Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Saturday, January 14, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (1/16/2006 UTC) at -- Controlled Release in Ottawa, Ontario Canada

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mailing to anninhawiii in Brasil. 

Journal Entry 35 by anninhawiii from Sorocaba, São Paulo Brazil on Tuesday, February 14, 2006

I´ve just got it!
thank you!
 

Journal Entry 36 by Metropolitan from São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil on Monday, July 03, 2006

Anninhawiii was the first Brazilian BookCrosser I met, incredible as it may seem!
I wanted to share some of my books, so on one of my visits to my parents in Sorocaba, I pmed her for her address and had a nice visit with her. She was kind enough to share this well traveled book with me. Thank you! 

Journal Entry 37 by Metropolitan from São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil on Thursday, February 01, 2007

As others have written, this is a very enjoyable book - it seemed to me I was watching the painting being done. The part about Griet and the colors amazed me, as colors and their differences are a mystery to me.
Thanks to all for sharing!
The book is now going on a trip to Peru, to fulfill JanetCarolina's wish. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 38 by janetcarolina from Lima, Lima Peru on Sunday, February 11, 2007

Yikes! what a great surprise. Thanks so much Metropolitan! I see this book has been all over, ain't that just great? Been wanting to read this book so much, will do as soon as i get the time.

Thank you =) 

Journal Entry 39 by janetcarolina from Lima, Lima Peru on Tuesday, October 06, 2009

I just finished this one, after having it inside a dark box for a loooong time...anyway, i'm back to my old habits, reading, that is, so i really did enjoy it, and as so, i feel like setting it free so someone else can enjoy, so i'll probably be handing it to the next bookcrosser that comes around, as i feel uneasy leaving it on a bench or so...people here don't get the whole share a book thing *sigh*

So, thanks for the chance =)