I reread this because my bookclub is reading it this month, and I must say it remained as good as I remembered. I love this book, and I'm not quite sure why. Love the characters and the "what if" story being woven into the facts of Vermeer's life.
This book inspired me to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, where I saw 5 of Vermeer's paintings, not "the one", but five others. It was a unique experience, and we really enjoyed the other areas of the museum we were able to visit (It is a huge, huge, huge, place). Gord picked 'Armor" and "Battle Gear" and I picked the European masters........ along the way, I saw many Monets, Manets, Renoir, and a bunch of other famous works, being I am pretty dumb about art it was a new experience for me. And a good one.
As was rereading this book. Still enjoyed ever page. So I guess it gets to stay on my "favourites" lists.
Joanne
8 comments:
I really liked this book too. I'm not really "into" heavy historical novels but I like getting some truth (about places, events, characters) woven into a good story. The trip to the museum in NYC sounds like it was a great experience. I must say that the very little knowledge I have about art has come from books that I have read. (Our book club leader dug up a bunch of "real" info about Vermeer when we had our discussion and I found it very interesting). IF I remember correctly, I also think this book was adapted fairly well to the big screen. Of course, they never really come close but I do remember enjoying the movie too.
Happy reading!
Last posting was me - forgot to sign! Lorraine
I also loved "Girl With a Pearl Earring". I think it was the best of all of that author's work (the ones I read anyway). I still haven't seen the movie, but have heard good reports about it. I am reading "The Mermaid's Chair"--which I think everyone else has already read!
Mom
I'll be anxious to hear your opinion on "The Mermaid's Chair".
Lorraine
Lorraine, just finished "The Mermaid Chair" and was very under-impressed. I didn't find the story or the characters believable, although I did enjoy the vivid description of the island setting. I can understand the "solitude of being" and the sisterhood of the women, but couldn't figure out why an Inuit legend/myth was transposed to a South Carolina locale. I didn't enjoy "The Secret Life of Bees" as much as many others, so I'll probably skip any future writing by this author.
Eileen
Well, you guys are all way ahead of me on the Top 10 list. As I am in the same book club as Joanne and had previously read "Girl with the Pearl Earring" and loved it, I decided to read another Tracy Chevalier this month. I happened upon "The Lady and the Unicorn" in the bargain books at Chapters, so read that one. I enjoyed it too, not quite as much as "Girl", but enough to be interested in seeing the original restored tapestry if I am ever in Paris. Currently reading "Kalahari Typing School for Men" (#4 in the 1st Ladies Detective Agency Series, which is a very enjoyable light read. I am saving "The Memory Keepers Daughter" for the flight to Montreal. See you all real soon.
Peggy
Eileen
Ditto! I did not like this book at all and don't plan to read this author again. Lorraine
Interesting to know.
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