Girl with a Pearl Earring

by Tracy Chevalier | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0452282152 Global Overview for this book
Registered by aine-eireann of Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on 1/20/2006
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7 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by aine-eireann from Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on Friday, January 20, 2006
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Girl With a Pearl Earring tells the story of Griet, a 16-year-old Dutch girl who becomes a maid in the house of the painter Johannes Vermeer. Her calm and perceptive manner not only helps her in her household duties, but also attracts the painter's attention. Though different in upbringing, education and social standing, they have a similar way of looking at things. Vermeer slowly draws her into the world of his paintings—the still, luminous images of solitary women in domestic settings.
In contrast to her work in her master's studio, Griet must carve a place for herself in a chaotic household run by Vermeer's volatile wife Catharina, his shrewd mother-in-law Maria Thins, and their fiercely loyal maid Tanneke. Six children (and counting) fill out the household, dominated by six-year-old Cornelia, a mischievous girl who sees more than she should.

On the verge of womanhood, Griet also contends with the growing attentions both from a local butcher and from Vermeer's patron, the wealthy van Ruijven. And she has to find her way through this new and strange life outside the loving family she grew up in, now fragmented by accident and death.

As Griet becomes part of her master's work, their growing intimacy spreads disruption and jealousy within the ordered household and even—as the scandal seeps out—ripples in the world beyond.
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This is a sensitive and beautifully written novel, combining fact and fiction, a famous painting at the centre of love and scandal. Very enjoyable.

*Reserved: Will be a controlled release for kayjay33.

Journal Entry 2 by aine-eireann from Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on Wednesday, February 8, 2006
RABCK mailed to kayjay33 February 9/06

Journal Entry 3 by wingkayjay33wing from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Monday, February 20, 2006
This beautiful book arrived today. Thank you Aine- eireann. I am sure that I will enjoy it.

Journal Entry 4 by wingkayjay33wing from Langley, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, February 22, 2006
I loved this book, and couldn't put it down. It is a beautiful, sad story of a young woman working as a maid in the household of the artist Vermeer. The fact that she is at the mercy of her "masters" or one might say "owners" as well as their friends ,associates and children , makes one realize how close to slavery life for the lower class was in those days. I think I will offer this book as a bookray and see if I get any takers.

Journal Entry 5 by vibrant-art on Tuesday, March 7, 2006
This just arrived and I'm looking forward to reading it....one other bookring just before it that I hope to finish up soon! Thanks for sending this along as part of the bookray....I'll journal again when I've finished the book and am about to send it on its way.

Journal Entry 6 by vibrant-art on Monday, March 27, 2006
I enjoyed the novel, though I found it didn't explore the mixed feelings a servant might have for her master--i.e. only the respect for the master and his work, and no feelings of resentment at her situation (these only directed at the other female characters). I thought that her choice at the end of the novel was a little predictable also...but satisfying too, since she chooses a happy life for herself (I won't give away the ending...!)....



Thanks for including me in this bookring! I'll send the book along next week...

Journal Entry 7 by wingAnonymousFinderwing on Saturday, April 8, 2006
Received in the mail as part of a book ring. Thanks vibrant-art.

CAUGHT IN MIDLAND ONTARIO CANADA

Journal Entry 8 by tintagel from Midland, Ontario Canada on Monday, May 8, 2006
I quite enjoyed this book, not only for the story but also for the day-to-day historical information. I'll send it on to the next person in a couple of days.
PS I am the Anonymous Finder - I messed up when initially inputting the arrival of the book.

Journal Entry 9 by tintagel from Midland, Ontario Canada on Saturday, June 17, 2006
Mailed this book this morning to aunt-sophie in Quebec as a part of a book ring.

Journal Entry 10 by rem_VSP-560485 on Thursday, June 22, 2006
Received today! Got a couple of other rings to read before this one, though­.

Journal Entry 11 by rem_VSP-560485 on Tuesday, June 27, 2006
I am drowning in books right now, and due to eye problems, I cannot read as much and as fast as I would like, so I will skip this one and send it on to the next person (moraelyn) on July 12.

Thank you for sharing, though!

Journal Entry 12 by moraelyn from Rialto, California USA on Sunday, July 23, 2006
Found this waiting for me when I got home this morning. I have one ahead of it, so should get into it by the end of the week. Looking forward to it.

Journal Entry 13 by moraelyn from Rialto, California USA on Saturday, November 4, 2006
I finished this book tonight, and though I had much better things to do, I really wanted to find out how it ended. I was intrigued by Vermeer, and anxious for Griet. Thank you for including me in this bookray. I will see about finding a way for it to continue its journey.

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