what did you think

[Lilian]

Nannette wrote: "I know it was a period piece and a sign of the times but I was really pained with how much this young woman allowed men to control her life and make her choices....I didn't find her strong, and it ..."

Well, Nannette, women in those days were not as liberal as they are today.
As a novelist, I find the author was totally in touch with her characters and period in which she was writing.

[Lilian]

Lilian wrote: "Lilian wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I did not know there was a movie. I am almost afraid to see it because the book was so beautiful that I don't want the images marred. Should I rent it or leave well..."

Barbara, I think you should rent it. The movie compliments the film. See for your yourself, that's my advice.

[Lilian]

Overall, you liked the film and the novel. That's a wonderful achievement for the author. Thanks.

[Ellen]

June wrote: "i loved it. it was one of the most beatiful books i have ever read. i wish i could find more like it any one have any suggestions?"

[Lilian]

Thanks for all your comments. Yes, watch the movie!

[Karen]

I loved it. Chevalier is one of my favorite authors, although I did not like her latest The Runaway. Remarkable Creatures is even better than Girl With a Pearl Earring.

[Lilian]

I thought the novel was great.
The film is emotive.
Thanks for your comments.

[Cristina]

All Tracy Chevalier's book are well written and very beautiful, but what really stands out for me is how well researched they are. Whatever she decides to write about, be it 15th century tapestry makers, 16th century Dutch painters, 19th century English fossil hunters, she is able to create such a vivid, realistic setting, it's unbelievable (or rather, totally believable)! I started with Girl with a Pearl Earring, then read everything she wrote. I cannot pick one favorite, but the most haunting one for me was Virgin Blue.

[Dawn]

Lovely story the way the connection between an artist and his muse can have such a strange effect upon each other. I suspect that at times Vemeer loved his muse as he created her in the image and added to her beauty with the gift of the pearl as if giving his mistress a gift ! Although a very devoted husband and family man his love was with his own creation. This was so sad for his muse. A young girl who was fist exposed to any special treatment and to find it is all superficial. What a painful feeling to be used as someone's clay to be perfected. Knowing you are just a skeleton or outline for your desired love's strange attention. It is a book about the selfishness in artists who are most devoted to their work and are successful. Their art comes first always because it really possesses their very soul. Some artist seek balance but most never find it.... Chevalair's books are all rare and beautiful. Dawn

[Lilian]

It is easy to caught up in your work/art in this case. You must make time for those you love!
There is no saying you won't succeed at what you're doing if this is your destiny.
It is hard for a young girl to learn a hard lesson in love particularly if this so-called love is superficial.
I agree with most of your comments, Dawn, and thanks.
Happy New Year to you and to your family and friends.

[Lilian]

Cristina, I agree with you. There is nothing like a great novel to captivate its readers!
Happy New Year!

[Lilian]

Happy New Year to all of you!
I hope you all have wonderful days!

[Dawn]

Lillian - thank you so much for your nice comment . I too love historical fiction and as Cristina wrote above that reminded me of another reason for my love of Chevalair's writing. I hope you both have a HAPPY NEW YEW and we all continue to enjoy our love of reading while meeting and enjoying the company of each other! :) Dawn Copley

[J.U.]

I also love this book. The writing is beautiful, and I love the conveyance of the sense of claustrophobia within the house (apart from in Vermeer's studio). A tense, masterful classic!

[Karen]

I loved this book, too. I was lost in a different country in a different century and was completely enamored with the characters of Griet and Vermeer and their relationship. Their growing attraction to each other, the tension in the house...I knew it wouldn't be a happily ever after ending but it still was a completely satisfying read.

[Anita]

I agree. I liked the Girl with the pearl earring, but my favorite by her is The virgin blue.

[Saxonjus]

I did enjoy the book so different than the film.

[Geoffrey]

The director´s sensitivity to color matched Griet´s own fascination. In that regard, the movie surpassed the novel, which IMHO says it all. One of the few rare cases in which the flic outdistances, ever so slightly, the brilliance of the novel.

In many scenes, the atmospheric haze was monochromatic with a single ítem that was in a different color, adding significance to it.

[Carole]

This book took my breath away. I read it on a recommendation and had no idea what to expect. When he pierced her ear, I swear I had stopped breathing. That was singularly on of the best love scenes I had ever read. Falling Angels was terrific too, better the second time around, it's so multi layered.