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angelofthetardis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This wasn't previously on my TBR list, but the author was mentioned in connection with my work's book club and I wanted to get it off my mind. I didn't go in with high expectations as it's not usually the sort of book I'd enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy I found this to read and the feelings it evoked.
Told from the point of view of Griet, the writing somehow flows beautifully despite her limited world view and lack of self-confidence. You are absolutely seeing the world through her eyes; the actions of certain characters and the reasons for them remain shrouded in mystery, with your only insight being Griet's thoughts about them. The undertones of jealousy on the part of Catherina and Cornelia are strong, but there's no real hard and fast reasoning for it, especial on Cornelia's part. To me, she just comes across as a bit of a sociopath!
Likewise, you experience Griet's feelings incredibly deeply, even though she cannot always clearly explain or name them, even to herself. I wouldn't say it's a comfortable read; there are so many moments within the story that have potentially dark undertones, and the various characters' treatment of Griet is questionable at best. Even throughout the development of Griet's working relationship with Vermeer, the writing gives a sense that something is just 'off' about the whole thing. It's cleverly framed around a sense of infatuation from Griet's part, but at the same time Vermeer's actions aren't painted as being 'rose-tinted' by that infatuation. Instead, there are moments that suggest something more sinister on his part, even though they could have a perfectly innocent explanation. I was expecting it to be a case of when he did something to her, rather than if.
The story itself is quite pedestrian - there are no real sudden shocks or gripping action sequences, and yet it keeps you reading with very little effort. It also keeps you guessing throughout; there are several examples of moments where you clearly expect something to happen but the author takes the road less travelled instead. The ending is quite satisfying, but there are several threads left loose, which I would have liked more exploration of.
While this is never going to make a list of my favourite books and I doubt I would read it again, I don't regret spending the time on it. It may not be my style, but I can appreciate that it's a very well written piece and absolutely deserving of praise.
Told from the point of view of Griet, the writing somehow flows beautifully despite her limited world view and lack of self-confidence. You are absolutely seeing the world through her eyes; the actions of certain characters and the reasons for them remain shrouded in mystery, with your only insight being Griet's thoughts about them. The undertones of jealousy on the part of Catherina and Cornelia are strong, but there's no real hard and fast reasoning for it, especial on Cornelia's part. To me, she just comes across as a bit of a sociopath!
Likewise, you experience Griet's feelings incredibly deeply, even though she cannot always clearly explain or name them, even to herself. I wouldn't say it's a comfortable read; there are so many moments within the story that have potentially dark undertones, and the various characters' treatment of Griet is questionable at best. Even throughout the development of Griet's working relationship with Vermeer, the writing gives a sense that something is just 'off' about the whole thing. It's cleverly framed around a sense of infatuation from Griet's part, but at the same time Vermeer's actions aren't painted as being 'rose-tinted' by that infatuation. Instead, there are moments that suggest something more sinister on his part, even though they could have a perfectly innocent explanation. I was expecting it to be a case of when he did something to her, rather than if.
The story itself is quite pedestrian - there are no real sudden shocks or gripping action sequences, and yet it keeps you reading with very little effort. It also keeps you guessing throughout; there are several examples of moments where you clearly expect something to happen but the author takes the road less travelled instead. The ending is quite satisfying, but there are several threads left loose, which I would have liked more exploration of.
While this is never going to make a list of my favourite books and I doubt I would read it again, I don't regret spending the time on it. It may not be my style, but I can appreciate that it's a very well written piece and absolutely deserving of praise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual assault
Minor: Infidelity, Violence, Child death, Death of parent, Sexual content, Death, and Religious bigotry
paigerini's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read this for class earlier this year.
I have to say, the premise of this novel really drew me in. This historical "what if" is quite unique, and I think it is a novel that everyone should read at some point or another.
To be honest, my only gripe with this book is that certain parts of the book progressed really slowly, almost to the point where I tuned out of the story while reading. Sometimes you had to get through a passage just to get to a part where something happens. Other than that, this had an interesting plot and characters.
I have to say, the premise of this novel really drew me in. This historical "what if" is quite unique, and I think it is a novel that everyone should read at some point or another.
To be honest, my only gripe with this book is that certain parts of the book progressed really slowly, almost to the point where I tuned out of the story while reading. Sometimes you had to get through a passage just to get to a part where something happens. Other than that, this had an interesting plot and characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, and Sexual assault
shroomy's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love that the book invites you into the world. I could picture it all wonderfully. I love softly spoken/quiet/reserved female protagonists although I did feel like Greit lacked likeability. The book builds weird tension between characters which is never really resolved satisfactorily and I guess that's the beauty of the book. I love books that show a lot of the mundane aspects of life in a different time or place and this book gave that to me in spades.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Child death
tabea17's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Interesting story, but the characters were not really likeable and the main event of the story came so late in the book that it was a bit disappointing in a way.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
fixesofia's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Death, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Grief
pandorasirens's review against another edition
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Classism
Minor: Miscarriage
aurnia's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child death
tfpjr492's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This novel recounts the romantic tribulations of a young lady in seventeenth century Netherlands. The main character Griet is a sixteen-year-old girl, who must take a job as a maid to art painter Johannes Vermeer. Her primary duty is to clean Vermeer’s studio meticulously. She is the only household member that he will allow into the studio. Her other duties include household laundry, daily errands to the market, and assistance to the other servant/cook - all of which make for exhausting workdays.
Power in the household is spread among the family matriarch, the wife, and Vermeer. The wife takes an immediate dislike to Griet.
After the first week the matriarch comments on her work.
Ah, you’re a cunning one, girl. You know whose pot to spoon from. Never mind, we can do with a bit of cleverness around here.
That is an understatement. The household is beset by pettiness, jealousy and deceit. Vermeer seems removed from these issues, as he retreats to his lonely studio to paint. Griet’s character is reserved, observant, compliant, and conscientious. She is an ideal employee.
Griet is a willing student of Vermeer’s painting techniques. He explains the complexities of color. She has a natural eye for color, so Vermeer entrusts her with more responsibility for preparing the color paints. He does this secretly to avoid arousing the jealousy of his wife. As they work side-by-side, Griet develops unrequited romantic feelings for Vermeer. He will never enter a romantic relationship, because his sole passion is the art of painting.
The plot thickens when a customer of Vermeer commissions a painting and specifies that the subject of the painting is the lowly maid Griet. Suffice it to say that Vermeer exploits Griet’s devotion, so that he can finish the painting.
The storyline plods to a predictable, even certain climax; nonetheless, the reader cannot help but feel the intensity of Griet’s emotions. The author adds a satisfying conclusion after the plot climax. This novel is recommended for readers who want a deeply emotional tale notwithstanding the cruelties, which the powerful visit upon the powerless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual content
clare1125's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
renlou's review against another edition
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Very much a slice of life story for a made living in 1600s Holland. She struggles with unwanted male attention, and a crush on her adult master which is relatively tame, but still damning. I think the saddest part for me was that she was clearly intelligent and talented, and yet there was no way for her to express her abilities and she understood her life was to be a butcher’s wife. She never even contemplated that she could be an artist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexism