Reviews

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a little more soapy than I usually choose but it was a nice change of pace. I thought the pacing was perfect and it kept me guessing about what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the setting as I know next to nothing about the Netherlands so it was fun learning about a different country.

marilynuine's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Truly bonkers pacing

tamarayork's review against another edition

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4.0

It’s always refreshing to read historical fiction about a time and place you know little about. That was the case with this book set in the Netherlands in 1654. The main character, Catrin, is a young widow who first takes a job as a housekeeper in Amsterdam and then works as a pottery painter in Delft. Vermeer plays a part as well. This was a great book to read before an upcoming trip to Amsterdam. It was an enjoyable read and taught me quite a bit about history. The only improvement might have come with a better translator. I bought a copy of this book because the cover is gorgeous.

bookdragone's review against another edition

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4.0

An enchanting read, about a young widow who leaves her little farming village and heads for the big city. Will she find work and love there, and finally be able to leave her past behind her? Set in The Netherlands in the plague-ridden 17th century, this story touches on the beginnings of the incredible blue and white Delft pottery and, weaving fact with fiction, tells the tale of one woman’s fate.

I was gifted this book by a lovely lady called Susan when we met at the WBRL Genre Jumpers book club evening.

eef_024's review against another edition

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inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jaikez's review against another edition

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2.0

War für mich leider ein schlechter Abklatsch von "Tulpenfieber". Zum Ende spannend aber der Ausgang langweilig.

veronicaa_white's review against another edition

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4.0

Another book about painters in Delft in the time of Vermeer, and another beautifully written (and translated) story that kept me intrigued throughout. I wonder at how accurate it is, but I enjoyed learning more about the Dutch past and how Delft Blue came to be.

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