|
|
|
|
|
|
This historical novel about the painter Vermeer is deeply immersed in he world of 17th century Holland. It concentrates on the triangular relationship between the Vermeer, his young model who is also a serving-maid in his household, and his jealous wife, Catharina.
|
|
|
"[A] delicately perceptive little novel....Chevalier draws the reader into the world of the painting, into the mood of the masterpiece she explores: moving, mysterious, at times almost unbearably poignant. Sometimes it seems so strong the reader can almost sense it, feel it breathing all around." - Pat Warren (Times (London), 9/18/99)
"[A]n engaging fictionalization....Fittingly, Chevalier's writing style adopts a painterly approach: The elegant prose evokes contemplation, the pace is slow and cumulative, the drama emotional rather than visceral. In other words, the world Chevalier so vividly captures is a far cry from the whirl and white noise of our own....Looking at the painting after having read the novel, the reader thinks, Yes, Chevalier got it right--that was the story hidden behind those eyes, silent for centuries." - Pat Warren (San Francisco Chronicle Book Review, 1/2/00)
"Chevalier's exploration into the soul of this complex but naive young woman is moving, and her depiction of 17th-century Delft is marvelously evocative." - Lauren Springer (New York Times Book Review, 1/23/00)
"This is a wonderful novel, mysterious, steeped in atmosphere and yet firmly rooted in the drudgery and denial of a servant's life. It is deeply revealing about the process of painting and is best read with a volume of Vermeer's paintings open beside you - it then becomes a truly magical experience." - John A. Lima (Guardian (London), 8/7/99)
"Tracy Chevalier has written a vibrant, sumptuous novel....Ms. Chevalier doesn't put a foot wrong in this triumphant work....It is a beautifully written tale that mirrors the elegance of the painting that inspired it." - Pat Warren (Wall Street Journal, 1/14/00)
|
|
|
| users who liked this item also liked these items...
|
|
|
- Average review for this item:
 (37 reviews)
-
-
-
"It was a good book. Not the best I've ever read, but I would recommend it to other readers."
-
-
"A fantastic book! You actually get a feel for the era. Highly recommend for the artist in you!"
-
-
"A nice, easy read; very interesting and good to curl up to on a rainy Sunday morning."
-
-
"I really enjoyed this book. It's a great read that pulls you back in time."
-
-
"Although this was a quick read and entertaining, I felt it lacked a lot of substance. A lot of things were implied, but not elaborated on enough for my taste. Overall, just not as interesting as it could have been."
1-5 of 37 | 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| popular books in the same categories |
|
|
|
|
|
 top arts & entertainment books |
|
|
|
|
|
| top types of characters books |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For personal
use only. All rights reserved. (click for more)
books
music
movies
games
have it
rating saved!
