Girl in Hyacinth Blue
The New York Times bestselling luminous tale about art and human experience that is as breathtaking as any Vermeer painting
“A little gem of a novel . . . [and a] beautifully written exploration of the power of art.” —Parade
A professor invites a colleague from the art department to his home to see a painting that he has kept secret for decades. The professor swears it is a Vermeer—why has he hidden this important work for so long? The reasons unfold in a series of stories that trace ownership of the painting back to World War II and Amsterdam, and still further back to the moment of the work’s inspiration. As the painting moves through each owner’s hands, what was long hidden quietly surfaces, illuminating poignant moments in human lives. Vreeland’s characters remind us, through their love of the mysterious painting, how beauty transforms and why we reach for it, what lasts, and what in our lives is singular and unforgettable.
“A little gem of a novel . . . [and a] beautifully written exploration of the power of art.” —Parade
A professor invites a colleague from the art department to his home to see a painting that he has kept secret for decades. The professor swears it is a Vermeer—why has he hidden this important work for so long? The reasons unfold in a series of stories that trace ownership of the painting back to World War II and Amsterdam, and still further back to the moment of the work’s inspiration. As the painting moves through each owner’s hands, what was long hidden quietly surfaces, illuminating poignant moments in human lives. Vreeland’s characters remind us, through their love of the mysterious painting, how beauty transforms and why we reach for it, what lasts, and what in our lives is singular and unforgettable.
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Community Reviews
I loved the idea of following a painting through history, but I did not like the fact that it was an invented painting. Vreeland does provide many detailed descriptions throughout the book, but I would have related better to the painting had it been real. The book cover has a painting on the front, but it is not a match for the painting in her stories: an odd choice in my opinion. Each chapter is a separate piece of history, with new character and a new setting. I enjoyed some much more than others. In fact, some I trudged through and almost gave up on. I am glad I finished the book, however, and I liked the way the author brings us back to the actual creation of the painting, and to Vermeer and his life and relationships. Having read The Girl With The Pearl Earring, I was able to plug in more quickly to this setting. Historically, it was very educational in parts. I did not know any Dutch history and it was interesting to read about the floodings that occurred and the impact they had on the Dutch communities.
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