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bubski_mcboo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In 17th-century Holland, Protestant Griet works as a maid in the strange, Catholic household of a famous painter to support her newly impoverished family. Under the thumb of the lecherous van Reuijen, the struggling household relies on Griet to submit to his wishes, but not to her own temptation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault
The SA is implied rather than explicit. I didn't realise it was meant to be stronger than what was written until I watched the film. In the book, more attention is paid to what the characters say than what they do, which made it palatable for me.ktfytz's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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
4.25
A perfectly formed novel which I gobbled up. The terse and evasive prose matches the voice of Griet who avoids the eye of the reader throughout. The soft touch of historical fiction is driven by a narrative which skids upon the complexities of power and control in 17th century domestic spaces! I think it is a really beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
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
thalia16's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Rape, Blood, Sexual harassment, Death, Alcohol, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
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
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
phantomgecko's review against another edition
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.
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
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content