I read this book because I found the painting and beautiful. This book puts it into context and paints another picture, of Delft in the 17th century. The story of young Griet in the house of the famous painter is made all the more poignant because we know the picture that is being painted

RELEASE NOTES:

I'm trying to get Cafe Nero to be an official bookcrossing zone. Lets get it going in Sudbury!
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

This is a book that's hard to put down - it's very simply written, in keeping with the character of the narrator, Griet. I love the way it draws you into her world - I'm not sure it's a fully realised 'historical novel' but I was more interested in Griet's story anyway. You get a very detailed sense of her inner life and her sensuous awakening. Using this enigmatic painting (Girl with a Pearl Earring) as a starting point for a novel is such a powerful idea. And if you've seen the film you get to 'see' Colin Firth all over again!

This is my first entry for bookcrossing - what a great idea! I will be leaving this book back where I found it (Cafe Nero, Sudbury) in the next couple of days and I hope someone else enjoys it as much.