EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club discussion

This begins our group discussion of our Modern book selection, Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, nominated by Lea.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? When you first started reading Girl with the Pearl Earring, did you have any assumptions or expectations about Griet’s story? How did those change as you read it? What questions were you left with?

Similarly paced to Sense and Sensibility, this book is a slow burn. Personally, I found the story similar to The Handmaid's Tale especially since Griet is Vermeer's maid.

Initially, I expected the story to be about an affair. Upon reading the story, I abandoned that notion. Griet makes it very clear that she looks at Vermeer with respect. She longs to create beautiful art like him. It surprised me that my first impression was the same as the wife. I was not conscious that I eyed the famous painting with the idea their was salacious intent behind that subtle smile. Reading the story taught me something about myself: mystery is often interpreted as negativity.

What stood out to me is how OCD Vermeer is about his studio. I am not an artist. It did not occur to me how the slightest movement affects light and shadow until Griet interpreted. I was waiting for his diagnosis. I understand now that moving the bottle a fraction means repainting the whole canvas.

Originally, I did not understand why Mrs Vermeer would be mad at Griet or assume she had ulterior motives. I found that narrative confusing until I did further research. Supposedly, color symbolized class in the hierarchical system. Yellow was considered a garish color indicating lower status and often worn by prostitutes. Only the wealthy could afford fine jewelry like pearls indicating they were either given to the young lady by a wealthy lover, stolen, or specifically worn for the painting. The subject's lips are slightly parted (I do not see it) as if waiting for a kiss. With all that symbolism, it makes sense that Mrs Vermeer would be concerned that Griet was after her husband especially given Griet was allowed into Vermeer's private space and his wife was not.

That little bit of background research (found on a literary blog and not verified) helps me realize I need to again get used to pre reading for my historical fiction. It adds another layer to the story. Makes you wonder if Vermeer is pursuing Griet or had previous affairs.

Another thing that stood out to me is how Mrs Vermeer "likes being pregnant" especially considering how slowly her husband paints. It makes you wonder if she is trying to prove something or produce a viable heir.

Aside: That part of the story reminded me of my grandparents. They had 6 boys trying for a girl. My grandmother wished for someone to whom she could relate, have girly fun, and pass down clothes. Knowing their motivation makes me wonder if the Vermeer's had a similar goal.

I found the story had a satisfying conclusion, but it made me wonder if their was more to the story. How wealthy were the Vermeer's? Did having so many children cause financial strain? Did Vermeer have another job? Was he wooing Griet? Griet seemed to become more and more uncomfortable. Did she stay?

This story does stay with you. Recently, a friend welcomed her 6th child (little boy). My first thought: "She sure likes being pregnant."

Plaintive, meticulous, elegantly simple prose that belies a whirlpool of suppressed emotions swirling under the surface, a game with unspoken rules, where more is revealed through silence than words.

Chevalier's writing style reflects the characteristics of the Dutch Golden Age art, the richness and dramatics present in the everyday "mundane" scenes. Though our lowly maid Griet is spoken at more than spoken to, if at all, she nonetheless discovers the family and marital dynamics of the house she is to serve, by observing and absorbing in her perceptive way. That is both her salvation and downfall. So what takes place instead is the faculty of sight, the power of it.

"A maid comes free" is a sentence repeated twice in this novel, with two drastically different meanings each time. This book is ultimately about power, how the process of creation keeps the creator both captive and free. Brilliant novel.