From the back cover: "History and fiction merge seamlessly in Tracy Chevalier's luminous novel about artisitc vision and sensual awakening. Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Griet, the world of 1600s Holland comes dazzlingly alive in this richly imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings."

This copy was provided by the Oakland University Alumni Association to members of the OUAA Literature to Film Book Club. Thanks, OUAA! Currently reading this book for the book club.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wasn't expecting to, figuring it would be a blah story: Painter hires maid, painter paints maid, painter falls for maid (or vice versa). Silly me. This book is rich with detail and vivid description, bringing the setting and era alive.

I wasn't familiar with the paintings in the book (other than the title work), so I searched for them on the web, and found this fascinating site: Essential Vermeer. The paintings described in the book are found on this page. Pictured at left is A Lady Writing.

I'll release this book eventually, but I haven't yet decided when or to whom.