Email this review to a friend.

For readers interested in art and history, Girl in Hyacinth Blue is a must read. Author Susan Vreeland traces ownership of a Vermeer painting from the present through each owner in reverse chronology to its seventeenth century Dutch artist. The painting has a complex history, told chapter by chapter in stories of each owner and describes the profound effect the painting had on each one. These stories depict ordinary details with clarity of a Vermeer work of art. Each chapter could stand on its own, like a little gift to the reader. Vreeland is an extremely skilled historical fiction writer, but this books challenges us to think about the function and purpose of art.

Reviewed by Susan B., Charlotte City Council

Read the Author Interview with Susan Vreeland

I thought this book was wonderful. It was very interesting how the ownership of the painting through the centuries was handled with intrigue and mystery. The book moved very quickly and was hard to put down - I wanted to find out who owned the painting and why they had to let it go.
-Kathy, Charlotte, NC

Add your comments about this book

Connect to the PLCMC Online Catalog
Support the Library with your purchase.