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ceeemvee's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Before e-reading, we had books. I remember being on vacation, and it seemed like everywhere I turned someone was reading Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Of course, as a lover of Vermeer’s paintings, I had to read it. The young woman is a servant in Vermeer’s home, his assistant who learns to grind pigments with bones and white lead to create the pure colors Vermeer used in his paintings of light and texture. Was she later his model for the painting? Was there more to their relationship? It was an entertaining read, but not memorable, so I gave it three stars.
Girl in Hyacinth Blue, however, is a five-star read! Once again, a Vermeer painting is central to the story. However, this time the story is based on a fictional Vermeer, Girl in Hyacinth Blue or Morningshine (Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Jonathan Janson).
Each chapter of the book is a facet to the provenance of the painting in reverse order, beginning in Pennsylvania and ending in Holland. The story begins with Cornelius Engelbrecht, a math professor who admires the painting secretly. While the painting is unsigned, he feels certain it is a Vermeer. Cornelius is only able to enjoy its beauty in private as his father, a Nazi, plundered it from a Jewish family that was pulled from their home during World War II.
The next chapter is written from Hannah’s point of view. Hannah is in her teens, living with her family in Amsterdam during World War II. A typical teenager, Hannah daydreams and spins tales of the girl in the painting that hangs in their dining room. Does the girl in hyacinth blue have the same hopes and dreams as Hannah? Is she waiting for someone? Who is she waiting for? What became of her life?
Each of the following chapters is a step back in time. The writing is excellent, with the author giving each chapter a unique voice and perspective. Have you ever been to an antique store and picked up an object and wondered who owned it before? If so, you will love this book!
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Girl in Hyacinth Blue, however, is a five-star read! Once again, a Vermeer painting is central to the story. However, this time the story is based on a fictional Vermeer, Girl in Hyacinth Blue or Morningshine (Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Jonathan Janson).
Each chapter of the book is a facet to the provenance of the painting in reverse order, beginning in Pennsylvania and ending in Holland. The story begins with Cornelius Engelbrecht, a math professor who admires the painting secretly. While the painting is unsigned, he feels certain it is a Vermeer. Cornelius is only able to enjoy its beauty in private as his father, a Nazi, plundered it from a Jewish family that was pulled from their home during World War II.
The next chapter is written from Hannah’s point of view. Hannah is in her teens, living with her family in Amsterdam during World War II. A typical teenager, Hannah daydreams and spins tales of the girl in the painting that hangs in their dining room. Does the girl in hyacinth blue have the same hopes and dreams as Hannah? Is she waiting for someone? Who is she waiting for? What became of her life?
Each of the following chapters is a step back in time. The writing is excellent, with the author giving each chapter a unique voice and perspective. Have you ever been to an antique store and picked up an object and wondered who owned it before? If so, you will love this book!
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism and War
Minor: Car accident and Slavery
owlishone's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Poignant writing touching on a range of issues economically (that is, within a relatively short number of pages). This is a short story collection tied together thematically and disguised as a novel—something I increasingly love. Involuntary childlessness is addressed here more than once. A short book, but laden with sensitive treatment of complex subjects.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage, Murder, Slavery, Antisemitism, and Physical abuse
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