Historical
Girl with a Pearl Earring
In 1660s Delft, a sixteen-year-old girl takes a job as a maid in the household of the painter Vermeer. Her quiet eye for colour and light draws her closer to him, to the displeasure of his family.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1999
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 262
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a short, restrained novel about art, class and desire expressed in small gestures.
Skip this if you want real historical detail on Vermeer; the characters and relationships are invented.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Girl with a Pearl Earring
- What is Girl with a Pearl Earring about?
- In 1660s Delft, a sixteen-year-old girl takes a job as a maid in the household of the painter Vermeer. Her quiet eye for colour and light draws her closer to him, to the displeasure of his family.
- Who should read Girl with a Pearl Earring?
- Read it if you want a short, restrained novel about art, class and desire expressed in small gestures. Skip it if you want real historical detail on Vermeer; the characters and relationships are invented.
- How long and how fast is Girl with a Pearl Earring?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 262 pages, first published in 1999.
- Does Girl with a Pearl Earring have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death.
- Can I borrow Girl with a Pearl Earring for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Girl with a Pearl Earring; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Girl with a Pearl Earring?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Remains of the Day, Jane Eyre, Memoirs of a Geisha.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Girl with a Pearl Earring
-
The Remains of the Day
Another delicate story of a servant whose feelings are never openly spoken.
-
Jane Eyre
A classic about a young woman of low status who forms a deep attachment to the man of the house.
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Memoirs of a Geisha Similarly follows a young woman at the mercy of others, in a more ornate and romantic style.
Historical
