Reviews with content warning for Religious bigotry - Girl with the Pearl Earring

Reviews tagging 'Religious bigotry'

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

8 reviews

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.

Content Warnings

fixesofia's review against another edition

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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

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phantomgecko's review against another edition

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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? No

3.5

A nice historical fiction. Interesting characters.

I guess I'm a little confused as to why Griet being in the painting was such a big deal. Like... Vermeer mainly paints women, so that's fine. Tanneke, also a maid, sat for a previous painting, so that's apparently fine. Another man is literally paying Vermeer to make the painting specifically of Griet, so it's not like it's just Vermeer having a weird obsession.

I totally appreciate the double standards and victim blaming nature of the whole thing. Vermeer is too cowardly to be honest with anyone, and Griet is punished for doing things her employer asked her to directly do. But I still don't get why everything has to be so secretive.

Why is it scandalous for Griet to help mix paint? Why can't she just straight up say from the very beginning that Vermeer asked her to assist him. I legit for real don't get it.

Again, I understand that Catharina has never liked Griet, and she's jealous that her husband pays her special attention. But why is that Griet's problem? Why did she agree to hire her in the first place if she was going to be aggressively rude? It's just not that good of a reason to justify the behavior of everyone in the house.

There's never an acceptable explanation, and my bafflement prevented me from enjoying the book as I could have.

Content Warnings

helen's review against another edition

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3.0

I was fascinated by 17th century painting processes, and I liked comparing the descriptions of Vermeer's in-progress paintings with the finished products, but the rest of the story left me cold.

The author says in her note that she wrote the book the way Vermeer paints - spare, focussed, stripped down to the essentials. I appreciated that it was relatively short, but the lack of any lingering on emotion or atmosphere meant that I wasn't as engaged and invested in Griet's story as I wanted to be.

On the plus side, I liked that Vermeer himself remained mysterious and was seen from Griet's limited point of view. I didn't want to be in the head of a 30-something man who is obsessed with his 17 year old employee.

Content notes:

death of sibling from plague, religious prejudice, sexual harassment and assault, death of child (off page), pregnancy and childbirth, on page sex</spoiler

Content Warnings