Happy #bookreview day! Since it's September, I thought this week should focus on a book on one of the independent reading lists for one of my classes.
Just over a year ago now, I was in Europe. That was when out-of-country travel was not only possible, but fairly common. (We are super glad we planned the trip for summer 2019 instead of summer 2020!)
While we were in Europe, we spent a few days in Amsterdam, and we absolutely LOVED the city. I've actually decided it's my second-favourite European major "capital" city of all time, and I cannot wait to go back... one day... hopefully...
Anyway.
While we were in Amsterdam we were fortunate enough to get to go to the Rijksmuseum, which is just a beautiful location all around. While there I fell in love with Vermeer's works; in fact, I wrote a short story for a contest that included mention of some of his paintings.(It's called Vermeer and Coffee Cups, it did fairly well in the contest, and if you're a subscriber to my occasional newsletter, you may have seen it, as it was a featured story recently. If not, and if you subscribe now, send me a message via my contact page, I'll send it directly to you!)
If you don't know, Girl with a Pearl Earring is the title of Vermeer's arguably most famous painting. His paintings featured domestic life, and were done with a focus on light and texture. He is now considered the epitome of the Dutch golden age. But little is known about him.
Griet, sixteen years old, is the protagonist and narrator of this novel. She is hired as a servant in Vermeer's household based on her focus and attention to detail, her artistry, and her injured father's role in the artist guild.
Vermeer increasingly relies on Griet, and her attachment to him grows. Eventually she begins to assist him, and then even sit for one of his paintings. As may be expected, problems ensue.
Okay, so firstly, I loved that reading this book took me back to the canals and alleys of Amsterdam. I find the history of that area very interesting, so a historical fiction novel about a place I newly love, and a painter I am newly fascinated by, seems a great fit for me. The time period and locale isn't as saturated in the world of historical fiction as certain other ones. Plus the class roles, the reality of young women in particular, and the separation and role of religion was rather interesting.
There is one serious issue with this one, and honestly, I think knowing about it in advance helps the matter. There is a reason this book is on a reading list for one of my high school classes; it is very similar to a YA novel in tone and storytelling style. In fact, this is sometimes classified as a YA novel.
As far as the ending (SLIGHT SPOILERS), I really thought it effective. Are all questions answered? No. But Griet's ending fits the context of the time, her role, and yes, the story overall. I can see that some may not like that though.
For me, personally, on a 5-star rating scale (like Goodreads), I'm giving this one a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Would I have rated it so highly had I not recently been to Amsterdam (and missing my last big travel experience when I read it)? Maybe,maybe not, but just like Griet, we are all products of our context, and that was my context while I read it, so... sticking with the 4-star rating.
The painting is incredible, Vermeer's work is incredible, and if you want to read a short historical fiction book about it all, you'll like this one.
Have you ever liked a book largely because it reminded you of somewhere (or something, or some time, or someone...)?
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