44 pages • 1 hour read
Tracy ChevalierGirl With a Pearl Earring
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Griet, a young maid in the household of painter Johannes Vermeer, navigates her new responsibilities, including the delicate task of cleaning his studio without altering anything. She becomes fascinated by Vermeer’s artistry and develops a complex relationship with him, ultimately becoming the model for his famous painting. Griet’s journey is marked by her personal growth amid the constraints of 17th-century Dutch society, family tragedies, and evolving relationships that shape her future decisions and self-understanding.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier receives praise for its vivid depiction of 17th-century Delft and its richly atmospheric narrative. The characterization of Griet and her journey resonates with readers. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing slow at times. Overall, it's celebrated for its evocative prose and historical detail.
Who Should Read Girl With a Pearl Earring?
A reader who appreciates richly detailed historical fiction with a focus on art and drama will enjoy Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Comparable to readers of Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red and Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, they will relish the intricate storytelling and exploration of 17th-century Dutch life.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
770L