Sunday, August 16, 2009

Hyacinth Blue Monday



Yea! It's time for another Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally.



Hot summer days are perfect for picking up a good book to escape to another time and place, if only in one's imagination. So for today's Blue Monday, I'd like to recommend a book, GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE by Susan Vreeland.



Vreeland’s novels of historical fiction are some of my favorites, and I find I return to her work again and again. Though I read GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE years ago, it continues to captivate my thoughts.

In the winter of 1995, I traveled to DC to experience first hand the unprecedented exhibit of Vermeer’s work on view at the National Gallery of Art. The exhibit, considered by some to be the show of the century, featured 21 of the 35 paintings credited to Johannes Vermeer.

Though the painting in this story is only from the author's imagination, GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE is a poignant story of this imagined painting of the Dutch master, Johanannes Vermeer. The novel begins in a contemporary setting where the painting resides with its present owner who acquired it from his father. Questioning the circumstances of how his father came to own the painting during World War II, the son secretly keeps the painting in a locked study. He suspects that he might own an original Vermeer.

From that point, Vreeland skillfully weaves a captivating tale of the life of this painting as the novel chronologically progresses backward to the scene when Vermeer supposedly painted it. Each new chapter, set in a previous time, introduces the reader to yet another character’s story and personal circumstances with this painting. The reader gleams details of the painting through the characters as their story and relationship to this painting is revealed. The thread of connection of course is the love and passion that each character has for this particular painting.

So perhaps on this Blue Monday you just might want to acquire a copy of GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE and settle in for an enjoyable read. Those with an appreciation of art, are sure to find this a fascinating work of art related fiction.

Happy Hyacinth Blue Monday!

I hope you'll leave a comment below and let me know about a good book you are reading. Then click here to see a list of others with Blue Monday posts.

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43 comments:

  1. Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~August 16, 2009 at 11:06 PM

    Happy Blue Monday. Now that sounds like something I could read and enjoy!
    Enjoy your day!

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  2. Barbara H.August 16, 2009 at 11:17 PM

    That clock is gorgeous, and the book sounds intriguing.

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  3. ColoradoladyAugust 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM

    I love your little teapot clock. That is so sweet. Have a great Blue Monday.

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  4. Boo-Bah AKA IrisAugust 16, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    The clock is really beautiful. The book sounds like a great story.

    Iris

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  5. MaggieAugust 16, 2009 at 11:52 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I read the book about 2 years ago and enjoyed it also. Love the little clock.
    Happy Monday.

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  6. imjacobsmomAugust 17, 2009 at 1:21 AM

    Thanks for the heads up on the book, I could always use a good summer read! It sounds very interesting. Pretty clock, too. Happy Blue Monday! ~ Robyn

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  7. CJAugust 17, 2009 at 2:19 AM

    I love the tea-kettle clock. Very unique.

    See my Blue Monday photo for this week HERE.

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  8. Barbara JeanAugust 17, 2009 at 3:03 AM

    I love that book cover!!!

    blessings,
    Barbara jean

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  9. SmilingSallyAugust 17, 2009 at 6:00 AM

    That elaborate teapot is stunning, and I enjoyed your book recommendation. Happy Blue Monday.

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  10. ItaJeffAugust 17, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    The blue tea kettle clock is gorgeous. Would love to read book too.
    Happy Blue Monday
    ♥Ita

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  11. CindyAugust 17, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    I LOVE the teapot clock!! I love teapots and clocks. I've never read that book, will have to check it out. Cindy

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  12. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageAugust 17, 2009 at 9:48 AM

    Your clock is adorable! I love to curl up with a good book; yours sounds intriguing! Happy Blue Monday!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  13. Mary BergfeldAugust 17, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    The clock is, of course, gorgeous, but I really loved your book review. If ever I write a book I'd want you to review it for me. I've just gone on line and reserved the book at the library. Have a wonderful day.

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  14. Becky K.August 17, 2009 at 11:11 AM

    This sounds like a great book!
    I'll look for it at our local library.

    Have a happy day!

    Becky K.
    Hospitality Lane

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  15. LynnAugust 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Thanks for sharing! This looks like a book I would really enjoy.

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  16. AnonymousAugust 17, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    You gave me the wish to read this book and as it is about a painting I am double anxious to do it.
    Thank you to share. Have a nice week (it is too late to wish you a happy Pink saturday !)

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  17. TerryAugust 17, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    Howdy Sarah
    Happy Blue Monday to you.
    I read this book a long time ago.
    Thank you so very much for bringing it back to my attenton .
    I love it that you posted about this so now many others will have the opportunity to be blessed .
    Have a fabulous rest of the week.
    Thank you again for the lovely photos today.
    I had a delightful visit .
    You are a charming hostess .
    Hugs
    Happy Trails

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  18. Christi @ A Southern LifeAugust 17, 2009 at 12:36 PM

    I'm always looking for another author to get hooked on. I think this book sounds fascinating. Thanks for the recommendation!

    Christi

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  19. Maria BergAugust 17, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    I made a note of it and will go to the libery and take it with me home, MB

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  20. KnittyAugust 17, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    I must look for this book. My sister-in-law read it years ago and loved it too. I had forgotten that I was going to look for it back then.

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  21. AnonymousAugust 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM

    Happy Blue Monday Sarah!
    Oh that book does sound so interesting!Will need to search for it, too.
    What beautiful shades of blue in the clock and bookcover.
    Hugs,
    Lynn♥

    ~Let Freedom Ring~

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  22. aspiritofsimplicityAugust 17, 2009 at 6:47 PM

    that sounds like a very interesting book. I'm going to be on the look out for it.

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  23. LynnAugust 17, 2009 at 6:47 PM

    The local suburban library has a copy and it is available. Cool!!! I have it on hold...pick up tomorrow!!!

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  24. GeeAugust 17, 2009 at 6:52 PM

    Hi Sarah.

    Thanks for stopping by. You have a gorgeous teapot clock. I have never seen that before. Thanks for sharing.

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  25. CandyAugust 17, 2009 at 6:57 PM

    Love the detailed clock that draws ones attention to the table...a book. I truly enjoy historical fiction and have admired Vermeer's work without reading about his life. Thanks for the mini history lesson for the artist at heart ;-) I wonder if this book is on a shelf behind the yellow door???

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  26. LVAugust 17, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    That is such a pretty clock. Perfect for your Blue Monday. Since I got on this blogging business, I do not read as much. I normally have my head in a book too much. I try to get around to reading this one. Thanks for your comment.

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  27. annies homeAugust 17, 2009 at 8:02 PM

    my grandmother would have loved that as she loved tea pots and blue was her favorite color

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  28. BabaAugust 17, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    Hi Sarah, thanks for your visit to my place today.I love this blue teapot clock and your information on the book..blue has always been my favorite color!!

    Thanks for being such a sweet first grade teacher all of your last years , before retirement!!

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  29. JudiAugust 17, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Hi Sarah
    It was so nice to have you come by this Blue Monday and visit and leave a comment. I hope you'll be back again.

    I love hearing reviews of books people have read. I like the sound of the book you are sharing on BLUE Monday. I will keep that one on my mind it sounds very interesting.

    Right now I've been trying to read a book by Nora Roberts from...oh dear...the winter. So I haven't looked at it summer so its not so interesting...and I can't recall the name and its in my car. That is why I think I'm up for finding another good read...but I will finish this one.

    have a lovely evening
    Judi

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  30. JulieAugust 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Hi Sara
    I love the teapot clock!! Book sounds great... Have a great BM

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  31. JudiAugust 17, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Sarah
    I wanted to say also that I love your Blue clock. Its darling.
    Judi

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  32. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)August 17, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    Very interesting and intriguing book! The clock is just the cutest! Cindy

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  33. Fifi FlowersAugust 18, 2009 at 12:37 PM

    J'adore the clock teapot!!!

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  34. AnonymousAugust 18, 2009 at 1:47 PM

    Sarah,
    I have enjoyed so much reading your blog. It is beautiful!

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  35. Barb August 18, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    Sarah, go to my blog and click on the Link Within icon at the bottom right hand corner of my three little boxes. Just click on the words...."Link Within."

    Now, you will fill in the boxes with your email address and your blog address and the Link Within buttons will appear on your blog.

    If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

    Hugs, Barb :-)

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  36. Barb August 18, 2009 at 5:27 PM

    Sarah, opppss, let me continue. After you fill in the boxes....you will get the code for the widget. Copy the code....then go to your control panel and click on the html box. Insert the code into this box and you will have your Link Within.

    Barb :-)

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  37. JeanneAugust 18, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    Sarah, I love the sweet teapot clock and I know I would love the book. Your review was so good. Your blog is lovely.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  38. blushing roseAugust 19, 2009 at 7:35 AM

    Hmmmmm. may have to try this book! Love your clock teapot ... hadn't seen one like this. TTFN ~Marydon

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  39. ShirlAugust 19, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Hello Sarah, I'm still making my Blue Monday visits. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. This looks like a really good book. Your clock teapot is adorable! Also loved your Pink Saturday post!
    Bless you, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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  40. Drawn to The SeaAugust 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Have you seen "Girl With a Pearl Earring" (based on a book by another author)? I bet you'd love it. A hauntingly beautiful movie. Colin Firth as Vermeer, Scarlet Johansen is his subject/muse. "Woman with a Water Jug" is also "painted" in the movie... a wonderful flick for a chilly or rainy afternoon.

    Happy (late) Blue Monday :-)

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  41. {Bellamere Cottage}August 23, 2009 at 11:06 AM

    Oh Chari....that blue clock is the cutest thing EVER....So fabulous....

    Hugs,
    Spencer

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  42. DonnaAugust 24, 2009 at 2:07 AM

    I didn't read the book, but I loved the tv movie that came out a few years ago. I think Hallmark did it.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.