This periodic novel describes the life in Holland at the 17th century.
We encounter Griet- a sixteen ear old girl of the mediocre- lower class.
Her father, who dealt with carpet ornamentation, occupation which was common with people in their status, was involved in a work accident, which made him loose his eyesight as well as his maintenance.
With no choice, and to support her family, Griet is being sent to service as a servant in the house of Jan Vermeer, the famous dutch painter.
At first, Griet experiences some difficulties, adjusting to her new condition, the hard work, the degrading attitude and the religious differences between her and the Vermeer family, (Griet is protestant while the members of the family are catholic) but she overcomes the obstacles, accepts her new life and becomes a diligent worker.
Slowly she finds her place in the house. She makes a connection with Maria Thins- the rigid grandmother, with Tanneke- the 28 ear old servant and with some of Jan Fermer daughters.
Vermeer''s wife, however, does not communicate with Griet and the painter character remains concealed and unreached at the first part of the book.
Later on Griet encounters Pieter and Pieter Jr- both are meat salesman at the market. The latter is instantly drawn to Griet, and the two become lovers. Their affair evolves throughout the story.
Soon Griet is given a new task- to clean master Vermeer studio. It is a delicate as well as important assignment for it is necessary to keep every object and every painting in place. This task gives griet a special status, since it allows her to go into the studio as opposed to the other servants and most of the house members.
Vermeer appreciates her delicatnes and diligentnes to the point he gives her additional tasks like making color. All this is done in secret, behind the back of Vermeer''s emotional wife, which excites Griet, reveals her to the world of color and art and gives her a sense of importance. After a while Vermeer decides to paint a portrait of Griet,
also behind closed doors. This portrait brings another twist to the life of our heroine and the artist''s family.
Tracy Chevalier gives us a reliable picture of Holland at the 17th century. The book is exciting, full of life and it manages to embroider
the most interesting stories behind Vermeer''s paintings.
To those who are interested- this site containes further reviews, the first chapter and many of the paintings described in the book.
http://www.tchevalier.com/gwape/index.html
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