This book is historical romantic fiction at its best. However, don't let the word "romantic" make you think less of the writing. Johannes Vermeer, the great 17th century Dutch Master, hires Griet as his housekeeper. It is not long before things spiral out of control after he paints her portrait wearing his wife's earrings. A great read that may be Chevalier's best.
— RoxanneTranslated into thirty-nine languages and made into an Oscar-nominated film, starring Scarlett Johanson and Colin Firth
Tracy Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly-imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings.
History and fiction merge seamlessly in this luminous novel about artistic vision and sensual awakening. Girl with a Pearl Earring tells the story of sixteen-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius . . . even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil.
Tracy Chevalier is the New York Times bestselling author of seven previous novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, which has been translated into thirty-nine languages and made into an Oscar-nominated film. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., she lives in London with her husband and son.
"A vibrant, sumptuous novel... triumphant... a beautifully written tale thatmirrors the elegance of the painting that inspired it."
—The Wall Street Journal
"Chevalier has so vividly imagined the life of the painter and his subject."
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Lustrous."
—Entertainment Weekly