Girl with a Pearl Earring (novel)
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 First edition cover |
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| Author | Tracy Chevalier |
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| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Historical fiction |
| Publisher | Dutton Adult |
| Released | 1999 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| Pages | 240 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 052594527X |
Girl with a Pearl Earring is a 1999 historical novel by Tracy Chevalier. It takes place in Delft, Holland and was inspired by Vermeer's painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. It fictionalizes the circumstances under which the painting was created. It was adapted into a 2003 film of the same name.
[edit] Plot summary
Griet, a 16-year-old Dutch girl, 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. Although she is different from him in upbringing, education and social standing, they have a similar perspective. 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 Catholic 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's son and from Vermeer's patron, the wealthy van Ruijven, while confronting her obsessive feelings for her master. She must also find her way through this new and strange life outside the simple Protestant 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.
Tracy Chevalier develops the character of Griet intensely throughout the duration of this novel. She uses experiences and other characters to influence Griet's attitude, behavior, and ultimately shape her identity.
