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Set in Delft, the Netherlands, in 1664 this historical novel is based on the life of the Dutch painter Veermeer as seen through the eyes of his newest maid, Griet.
I believe the writing is intentionally simplistic so as to mirror the thoughts of 16 year old Griet, forced through circumstance to work in Veermeers home.
Descriptions of the lives of those living in these times are beautifuuly written and powerful in imagery. I was unexpectedly and delightfully stirred by the strory and the way it gently unfolded, of Greits artistic awakening, the singlemindedness of Veermeer and the households resentment of both.
I enjoyed this book very much, and would reccommend it highly.

Read the book and saw the movie. They did a really nice adaptation.

Enjoyed both.

Carla Hurst-Chandler wrote:Read the book and saw the movie. They did a really nice adaptation.

Enjoyed both.

It was indeed an excellent movie adaptation & the book is a lovely read.
My niece had it on her school reading list & she absolutely loved it so insisted I read it too.

I haven't seen the movie as yet, but have only ever heard good things about it.

I haven't seen the movie but did read the book a year or so ago and really enjoyed it.

I think the movie is very well done and does the book justice. Scarlett Johansson is brilliant.

Well I have to say, Scarlett Johansson, is always brilliant. Does she play the part of Griet?

Yes. And is perfect in the role!

I thought the book was just OK - enjoyable, but nothing to rave about. I haven't seen the movie, but I have heard good things about it.

Has anyone read any other works by Tracy Chevalier? I've also read "Remarkable Creatures" based on Mary Anning's life and the dinosaur fossils she unearthed in the cliffs near her home. A personal story about important 19th century discoveries never fully recognised by the male-dominated academic community. I'm a bit of a closet palaeontologist!

Maud Fitch wrote:Has anyone read any other works by Tracy Chevalier? I've also read "Remarkable Creatures" based on Mary Anning's life and the dinosaur fossils she unearthed in the cliffs near her home. A personal story about important 19th century discoveries never fully recognised by the male-dominated academic community. I'm a bit of a closet palaeontologist!

Howdy there Maud. I have also read "Burning Bright". I really enjoyed it, with the French Revolution as the backdrop and William Blake. Once again I read it about four years ago, I got it of the shelf and now I want to read it again.

Gannon wrote:

Maud Fitch wrote:Has anyone read any other works by Tracy Chevalier? I've also read "Remarkable Creatures" based on Mary Anning's life and the dinosaur fossils she unearthed in the cliffs near her home. A personal story about important 19th century discoveries never fully recognised by the male-dominated academic community. I'm a bit of a closet palaeontologist!

Howdy there Maud. I have also read "Burning Bright". I really enjoyed it, with the French Revolution as the backdrop and William Blake. Once again I read it about four years ago, I got it of the shelf and now I want to read it again.

Yes...I have read Remarkable Creatures Quite enjoyed it. (Also a collector of fossils and rocks)

@Maud
A palaeontologist .... wow, how many strings do you have to you bow? IMO you're a bit of a genuine Renaissance Woman.

I've read Burning Bright & Remarkable Creatures & liked both ... I have her first book 'The Virgin Blue' on my TBR list for a long time ... must make a mental note to get to it.

I have just picked up a copy of Falling Angels, set in England following Queen Victorias death. It follows the fortunes of two families during this time. I am a bit of a history fan, palentology sounds interesting too

I read the book when it first came out. My daughter read it after it became popular and also enjoyed it. A highlight for us was actually visiting Delft on an unrelated trip to the Netherlands and imagining Griet's life there.