Saw the film ad of this book on tv first

and then, got interested in the book.

 

Despite never having heard of Vermeer and his paintings,

it wa not difficult to get really into this book.

 

The story begins with a peasant girl

who gets hired as a maid in the household of a famous painter.

Initially, she receives no attention from the master (the painter)

but he soon realises that she is dilligent and quick-learning

and has her help him with his painting.

 

The maid begins by crushing and grinding bones to make colours for the paintings

but soon enough, he begins to see the sensuality hidden in her.

Eventually, he has her pose for his painting

and that is the beginning of the unspoken and yet,

mutual feelings between the master and the maid.

 

Conflict arises between the maid and the mistress of the house.

and the mistress vends her feelings by accusing the maid of stealing her pearls.

The maid runs away from the house and marries the butcher's son

who has long been infatuated with her.

 

Years later, she receives the pearl from the master who passed away

but pawns the pearl to finally get away from the past that has been behind her.

As she puts it, "the maid came free"