While I definitely enjoyed the book and thought that the premise was terrific, I found that Griet's prudishness - which really only served to lengthen a book which could have been quite shorter - got on my nerves. All other facets, however, were lovely: the description of Vermeer's works, his work method, the comings and goings of the household including jealousies and intrigues, Griet's family and its troubles - all were interesting, fluid, and sounded true to the times.
It's a beautiful testimony to the world-known painting and a well-imagined tale rooted in art history. ( )

Overall I enjoyed the book but I was a bit annoyed with Griet's thought patterns toward the end.

I found Griet to be almost too smart for her background and then too love-struck and silly when it came to "her master". It was an easy, light read, not too complicated. ( )

I really only read this to figure out why Scarlett Johannsen kept gasping in the movie. It's... a lot better than the movie, that's the best I can say. ( )

Excellent, slim novel!
Review to follow ( )

Loved it! Nice story. ( )