Girl with a Pearl Earring

The novel, by Tracy Chevalie.

Several years ago I was in a bookstore for a reason I don't recall, and while I was waiting for whoever I was with to finish their errand, I picked up this novel. I only read the first couple of pages, but I was intrigued enough to remember the name.

A couple of months ago, I had some credit at a used book store in Athens, Jackson Street Books. Usually, going to bookstores is an interesting experience. I love reading, especially novels, but I try to be discriminating. When I read, I invest hours of my life into the pages, and so I like to know ahead of time that it's a good investment. I look for a good writing style, the kind you don't notice as good because it's so flawless, like looking through a Windex polished window into another universe. I look for good story telling that uses details to speak volumes. I look for characters who, though their circumstances are extraordinary or far removed from my own, are still relatable.

With shelves and shelves of books, finding something that will satisfy is frustrating. I can't remember many good authors or titles off the top of my head, and so there usually isn't much to distinguish the well crafted novels from the grocery store check-out line novels. Thus, I was quite delighted when my eyes landed on the spine of Girl with a Pearl Earring. I didn't even think twice, I just grabbed the book and completed my purchase.

Even though I was glad about the purchase, I still waited to read it. I'm not sure if I was saving it or if I was afraid I would discover that it was indeed sold in the grocery store check-out line. In any case, when my laptop's battery cable broke and my laptop ran out of charge, I found myself cut off from the plans I had made for the day (Even now I am writing on my father's desktop, which is fine, but not the same). So, I opened the book, and four or five hours later I did not know it was four or five hours later and it was time to go to church.

Church has been the highlight of my week ever since I came home, and after being absorbed in that novel, I was actually reluctant to go. When I realized that, I understood better than ever why I read so much in high school and almost quit cold turkey when I came to college. The novel was an escape from the house I have little other excuse to leave.

Reading that novel was wonderful. I was in another timeline, I felt wrapped up emotionally in another world, impatient to learn what happened next. I finished it after I came home from church, and immediately wanted another novel. I practically felt addicted (that is, if I know what addiction feels like). The library is within walking distance, and I have several good sources of recommendations, my addiction is supplied.

But I am going to proceed with caution, because when I read, I am not job hunting, I am not figuring out a career, which is my top priority right now.

So that's about it. Oh, and if you were expecting a review, um, here goes. If you like historical fiction, art and beauty, the tension between duty and desire, or a well written novel, you will like this book. If you like action, explosions, mystery or danger, you might still like this book, but not as much. I liked it, take that for what you think it's worth.