1 to 5 of 5
Review Date: 11/11/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This was surprisingly good. I had my doubts, considering it's set in the year 1665 and I was never a huge fan of history, but the author does an incredible job of mixing truth and fiction. Centered around the maid of painter Johannes Vermeer's wife, Tracey Chevalier has concocted a tale explaining the creation of the painting celebrated for it's purity, radiance, and sensuality. It helps to first study his paintings online because then, as each one is mentioned in the book, you can really visualize the magnitude.
I can't help but wonder what stirred Ms. Chevalier's curiosity to write such a novel. She had to have done an awful lot of research to include so much history about the painter himself and the resources available to him at the time. For instance, there were only about 20 pigments available during the 17th century, and a trip to the local apothecary for bones, and lapis lazuli, which had to be crushed and mixed with linseed oil for the palette, must have been a feat in itself. Amazing after all that work that he got any painting done!
p.s. Since reading this book, I will never look at clouds the same again.
I can't help but wonder what stirred Ms. Chevalier's curiosity to write such a novel. She had to have done an awful lot of research to include so much history about the painter himself and the resources available to him at the time. For instance, there were only about 20 pigments available during the 17th century, and a trip to the local apothecary for bones, and lapis lazuli, which had to be crushed and mixed with linseed oil for the palette, must have been a feat in itself. Amazing after all that work that he got any painting done!
p.s. Since reading this book, I will never look at clouds the same again.
Review Date: 5/25/2006
Helpful Score: 1
Wow! I nearly gave up on this one. Three quarters of the way through I was seriously thinking of giving up. There was a lot of repetition at first, but then the story explodes. What can I say except the ending is alarming. Don't give up on this classic. Thank goodness for the notes at the end of the book because I never would have caught the symbolism Golding is depicting. I read for entertainment and not to try and decipher hidden meanings but the notes help put it into perspective, so be sure to read to the last page.
Review Date: 8/15/2009
So many great ideas all in one package!
Review Date: 5/25/2006
Ok, so if you like the cozy mystery, this is it. It is my first, and I must say, I'm glad I didn't stop reading. Nice surprise twist at the end. I do prefer mystery and thrillers though, this cozy mystery genre reminds me of the Nancy Drew's (in adult form of course) that I read as a child.
Review Date: 5/25/2006
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book...t'was a little like a soap opera, but interesting nonetheless. Liked the way it was written, makes for a very fast and easy read. Reminded me a little of my teen years with my school chum.
1 to 5 of 5
