As I discovered upon finishing, the book, written by Sue Vreeland was the first novel written by the author of the Passion of Artemesia (her second novel), which I had read a while ago. Again, this time she delves into the art world and history only the heroine of our story isn’t an artist but really a painting, a questionable (and yes fictionalized) work by Vermeer of, yes you guessed it, a girl in hyacinth blue. Ms. Vreeland writes maybe a dozen chapters (I didn’t count them), starting in so-called present day United States, tracing the history of the painting through each and every owner, right back to it’s creation in the 17th century. You could almost read it as a collection of short stories with the painting as the only common element. Another quick read that didn’t even last me past the Rockie Mountains but worth the go. Now I need to remember to check to see if she has since published any other novels.
Other Thinks (7)
I liked that book too. She has a new one out that I haven't read yet but I want to - it's called Luncheon of the Boating Party and is based on that famous Renoir painting.
Posted by Annie | March 25, 2008 9:27 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 09:27
The Forest Lover...
http://www.powells.com/biblio/17-9780143034308-3
Highly recommended if you're ever in Victoria, British Columbia, because that's where Emily Carr lived.
Posted by Jill | March 25, 2008 10:36 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 22:36
I just recently read a fascinating article about the life of Artemisia Gentileschi so will be on the lookout for Vreeland's novel on the subject - thanks for the tip!
Posted by Anne | March 26, 2008 12:18 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 12:18
I'm reading the Luncheon of the Boating Party now. Or I should say I started it. It wasn't working for me so I put it aside. I'll probably pick it up again after I finish Pillars of the Earth.
I did like both of her previous books.
Posted by marta | March 26, 2008 10:35 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 22:35
I'm reading the Luncheon of the Boating Party now. Or I should say I started it. It wasn't working for me so I put it aside. I'll probably pick it up again after I finish Pillars of the Earth.
I did like both of her previous books.
Posted by marta | March 26, 2008 10:37 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 22:37
I read "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" several years ago (also on a plane!) and liked it a lot. Once I finished, I re-read a few of the chapters - they were so beautifully written.
Posted by colleen | March 27, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 15:36
You know, Chris mentioned the book, The Boating Party, in yesterday's blog post on the D'Orsay; she wasn't too crazy about it.
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March 27, 2008 3:57 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 15:57