Inspired by the Vermeer painting, this historical novel might be a disappointment if one was hoping to learn about the life and motivations of the master painter. Instead, the book focuses on the fictional Griet, a young woman who is forced to take a position as a maid in the Vermeer household, after her own family falls on hard times. (It reminded me a little of Valerie Martins re-telling of the Jekyll & Hyde story from the point of view of the maid, Mary Reilly)
In bringing vividly to life the trials and hopes of Griet, as well as what it may have been like to work as a maid in 17th century Delft, the book succeeds fabulously the book is quiet theres not much action, no extraordinary events but the littlest things become points of high tension through Chevaliers writing. Will the bullying child Cornelia succeed in ruining Griets reputation? Will anything come of the sleazy art patron whos trying to sleaze his way into her skirts? How about the handsome young butcher who pays her attention at the market? And what will happen with her almost-unrealized crush on Vermeer himself?
Ill definitely check out more of Chevaliers books if I come across them!
In bringing vividly to life the trials and hopes of Griet, as well as what it may have been like to work as a maid in 17th century Delft, the book succeeds fabulously the book is quiet theres not much action, no extraordinary events but the littlest things become points of high tension through Chevaliers writing. Will the bullying child Cornelia succeed in ruining Griets reputation? Will anything come of the sleazy art patron whos trying to sleaze his way into her skirts? How about the handsome young butcher who pays her attention at the market? And what will happen with her almost-unrealized crush on Vermeer himself?
Ill definitely check out more of Chevaliers books if I come across them!
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