67 pages • 2 hours read
Susan VreelandGirl In Hyacinth Blue
Fiction | Novel | AdultA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland explores the journey of an imagined Vermeer painting through the centuries, depicting the lives of its various owners from the present to the mid-17th century. This reverse-chronological narrative delves into how the painting influences each owner and reveals the timeless power of art. The novel addresses sensitive themes including the Holocaust, infanticide, and marital strife.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Susan Vreeland's Girl in Hyacinth Blue intertwines eight poignant stories reflecting the journey of a Vermeer painting through time. Critics commend its lyrical prose and rich historical detail, though some feel the narrative structure disrupts flow. Each character's intimate connection with the painting adds depth, but the disjointed timeline can be challenging.
Who Should Read Girl In Hyacinth Blue?
Readers who would enjoy Girl In Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland typically have an appreciation for art history, historical fiction, and interconnected narratives. Fans of Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring or Geraldine Brooks’ The Girl in the Green Sweater will likely find this novel captivating for its rich detail and exploration of a painting’s legacy through time.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
950LBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Historical Fiction
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Arts / Culture
Poverty
History: World
Values/Ideas: Art
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Life/Time: The Past