I have now read almost all of Susan Vreeland’s books, and enjoyed them all. Girl in Hyacinth Blue tells the story of a painting, an imaginary painting by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), the indescribably wonderful Dutch painter. Though the painting in the novel is imaginary, it’s described vividly as it seems to several characters who are enchanted by its power:
“The girl in the painting had a blue smock. How glorious to drape oneself in blue—the blue of the sky, of Heaven, of the pretty little lake at Westerbork with the tiny blue brooklime that grew along the banks, the blue of hyacinths and Delftware and all fine things.” (p.76)
I enjoyed reading this book, which is a series of small stories about several owners of the imagined painting going back in time until we meet the artist. The awe in which the work of Vermeer is held in the book is something that I can really grasp, as every Vermeer painting I have ever seen has captivated my thoughts and stayed with me as a vivid memory. I believe that in the course of visiting many museums, I have seen over half the surviving works by Vermeer. I’m adding some images of Vermeer paintings that I was thinking about as I read the novel.
Two Vermeer Paintings of a Girl in Blue
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| Lady Seated at a Virginal |
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| Woman Reading a Letter |
Seeing Vermeer Paintings
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Last year we visited The Haague and saw the Vermeers at the Mauritshaus. one of the best museums in the world because it is small and every painting is a masterpiece.
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| Vermeer’s View of Delft as we saw it. |
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| The tiny figures on the shore. |
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| The museum. |
Blog post © 2025, photos © 2023 mae sander
10 comments:
Ugh. I had this book on my shelves, didn't get to it for a long time, and donated it. I probably should have hung onto it.
Sounds like a good one, thanks!
I am reading another Vreeland novel right now: Lisette's Lists. I really liked the other two of her novels like the one you showcased. thanks for showing the photos of the artist's works.
Interesting book and the paintings are beautiful.
I love Vermeer's work and any time I get to see an original I am awestruck. I like Vreeland very much, though I've not read this one and must add it to the list. Maybe I can find it used. The others I've read seem well researched. Thanks for a terrific post.
Sounds like a good book. Love all the art.
A man in our bookclub had been friends with Vreeland when he lived in California (I think he was a little bit in love with her), and he talked us into reading her books. We loved the rich historical details in the stories as well as his inside information. The man passed away last year.
I've read several of Susan Vreeland's books, it not this one. It sounds good. And I like seeing those Vermeer paintings you shared. hugs-Erika
This sounds like an author I would like. I'm trying to think if I've ever seen a Vermeer paining in person. :)
Thanks for the viewings of these paintings and the museum. Vermeer's work is amazing.
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