Rating: 
Summary: Detailed, Imaginative and Engrossing
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I noticed that some reviewers complained about the so-called lack of plot development, however, I think these reviewers have missed the point. The novel lovingly and carefully uses the every day life of Griet, a girl who is thoroughly average in many ways, to provide insight into the age of Vermeer. Moreover, the plot is not only about the creation of the painting, but about the coming of age of Griet. Instead of finding the plot lacking, I found that it was full of the sort of suspense and intrigue that is contained in the mundane details of all of our lives. I also especially liked that Chevalier did not attempt to give her characters a modern sensibility. Griet's practicality and sense of her own reality anchored the book for me because they seemed consistent with the ideas of her time. In perfect keeping with Vermeer's work, the book provides us with a main character who appears to be ordinary, yet possesses a glimmer of light. In this case, Griet's "light" is her eye for detail and her strong ability to intuit the moods and thoughts of others around her. My only critique of the novel is that Chevalier wrapped the novel up too hastily. While it seemed correct that our knowledge about Griet would end as abruptly as it began (after all, a painting is but a glimpse), I was disappointed in the lack of a sense of who the adult Griet really was. Still a very enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: The author must be reincarnated!
Review: The best way to read this book is to first visit The Girl with Pearlearring website. Print the paintings that are provided there. These make a great referral as you read this terrific book! The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to the setting of Vermeer's lifetime. Although this is a work of fiction, I am convinced that the author must have been Griet, for she seems to know exactly how these paintings were created. The book is unique, and a learning experience as well as great fun to read. Ms. Chevalier, well done!
Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS!
Review: I read this book for school with some of my friends and thought it was great! I am right in the age level it is suited for and think that if your haven't read this book, you are definately missing out! It is beautifully written and captures the true characters of the book the way you would expect from the paintings they were inspired by. I don't know why some think that it wasn't very interesting but it is one of my favorites! I can't wait for Tracy Chevlier to finish her next novel!
Rating: 
Summary: Chavalier Paints a Pretty Picture
Review: If you like the sort of book that paints a picture of days gone by, then this book is for you. If you like the sort of book that is more concerned with plot than atmosphere, then you might want to consider something else.While I found the "Girl With a Pearl Earring" to be an enjoyable read, I was slightly disappointed by the lack of character development. Whereas Vermeer's paintings convey a dimensionality beyond the painted surface, Chevalier's book does not convey anything beyond a pretty picture. I did enjoy the book, and I would recommend it as a good book to promote interest in an entry-level art history class or as a short summer read.
Rating:
Summary: Hope Tracy writes another book soon!
Review: I really liked this book. It was well written, and it had great characters and descriptions. Anyone who enjoys readying historical fiction would rave about this book. I can't wait for her next book!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Impressed
Review: I expected so much more from this author of the "Bird Tales", the translation is evidently taken from another language, not to be confused with the history book.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good!
Review: I went to Borders book store before leaving from Kauai this past week, and was really confused on what book I should get. I'm 15, and don't really like those young adult books anymore, but I also don't like some adult books. I love books that are historical fiction though. I saw this book on the shelf, and thought it looked interesting, but wasn't too sure about it. With my parents pressuring me to to hurry up and choose a book, I grabbed it and bought it. I read it in two days (the day I got it and while being stuck in the airport for endless hours). It was a lot better than I had expected it to be! It was really pretty good!
Rating:
Summary: A Pearl of a Book
Review: A wonderful novel that brings to life 17th century Dutch life through the eyes of a girl of 17 who becomes a maid in the house of Jan Vermeer. Griet is the daughter of a tile painter and a member of the guild Vermeer heads. When her father is blinded by a kiln explosion, his family becomes destitute and Vermeer, needing a maid, agrees to take the girl, who will turn over her meager wages to support the family. Griet has many jobs but one in particular is to clean Vermeer's studio, where no other family member is allowed to venture without his authorization and presence. Since her father is blind, she has learned to keep things where they are when cleaning so that a blind man can find what he needs. Vermeer needs to keep his painting backgrounds clean but exactly the same and Griet does this well. When he first meets her in her house, he sees she has separated the vegetables she is cutting into colors around a wheel and knows when colors clash. From this moment, we know that there is a gravitational field around the two. But the novel is far more complex than artist seduces maid and Chevalier handles the various subtle erotic elements with a care that makes them real. The novel is well written in simple, clear language that evokes the time and the place. Despite the strictures imposed on women by that society, Chevalier shows how women could be bold and use their intelligence. Without being heavy handed, she shows the social stratification as being very subtle and permeable. This is a love story and is handled with grace and verve. The characters are fleshed out remarkably well in a very short novel and we care about them. While not much happens in the three years covered by this novel, the reader comes to know the characters, and finds deep meaning in the ordinary actions of daily life. A wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: FLAT!!!!!
Review: I so wanted this book to be good! Unforunatelly, I was mildly dissapointed. I am even not sure if the author conducted a serious research on the topic. She stated that she read two books on Vermeer and used the catalogue from an exhibition. Is that all?! I sincerely hope she did go to Holland though. I say the story is "flat" because there are no layers, there are no changes in pace, it's (almost) monotonous, the characters are not defined well... The only character in the book that was more developed is that of Maria Thins. And the only "intense" moment was when Griet was left without her cap. The relationship between the master and his maid is strange. They are in love but he behaves like he doesn't care about her a bit.(?!) One more thing that caught my attention. Near the end, Griet talks about her second venture to the house saying:"...two girls, lined up as their older sisters had been ten years before when I first arrived." Well, she says that in the year 1676. She first arrived in the house in 1664. Little more than ten years I think? It could have been a great book. I hope the author will read these comments and think about what she can do to improve her storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious!
Review: I truly enjoyed this book. The story is not what I expected at all. The view from maid Griet's station in life brings out colors, drama and a rich sensuality I did not expect. Living and learning from a master is a rare priveledge. The story is simple /dramatic and exciting. I couldn't put it down. I so loved Griet's awakening to color and all the revelations that come with that...learning how to see. There are some very interesting characters. The book is meticulous and well researched. But you don't feel that while reading because the author is a truly wonderful story teller. Enjoy!
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