May 2019

Remember Steve McCurry’s ‘Afghan Girl’, looking over her right shoulder, remember being mesmerized by her eyes? That expression? The juxtaposition of colours? Well, the cover of this book, ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ will do the same to you.

If you pick this book, you’ll find yourself turning back to have a look at the cover, mid-story, stare at the mystique of her eyes, fathom her expression, read those lips… As the story progresses and more of her personality is revealed, one searches for the artist’s genius in her face.

Vermeer is an artist who’s work I have always admired. Reading a fictional story about his life, his family and his approach to art is beautiful.

The real hero of this story, however, is Griet, a sixteen year old who joins the Vermeer household as a maid.

We walk through the entire story holding onto her hand. Her insights and perceptions are sharp and quite often unbelievable in their maturity. She stands apart from the others, mature and independent, as others fumble around, her young life is put in disarray when the artist decides to paint her… How she copes with it and how her life pans out, is what you need to read the book for. It is sure to transport you to another era.
Tracy Chevalier is an author that I wish to read more. All her other books have made it to my ‘tbr’ list