Girl with a Pearl Earring - A review
February 28, 2008Posted by mmarvs in : Books
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by Ana Bermúdez Gavito
Girl with a Pearl Earring is a 1990 beautiful historical novel written by Tracy Chevalier. It takes place in Delft, Holland and was inspired in its essence by Vermeer’s painting ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, which is the photo on the cover of the book. It recreates with elegant style the circumstances under which the painting was created. It was adapted into a 2003 film with the same name.
Girl with a Pearl Earring tells the story of Griet, a poor 16 years old Dutch girl who becomes a maid, in the house of the painter Johannes Vermeer. The action takes place in the 17th century in Holland. At the beginning she is uncomfortable in the house, but finally she managed to settle in her new life. However, her brilliant progress, charity and manners help her in her daily life at Vermeer’s house and in her household duties but also attract the painter’s attention. Though different in upbringing, education and social standing, they have a similar way of looking at things, especially paintings. Vermeer slowly draws her into the world of his paintings and his strong feelings hidden because of his wife. Their paintings absolutely reflect the luminous images of solitary women in domestic duties.
A debate about education
February 26, 2008Posted by mmarvs in : Debates
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Are you one of those who think that something has to change in education in our society?
But what?
And who is to blame for the increasingly low level of students both in secondary schools and university?
Watch the video and post a comment with your opinion and reactions.
(Thanks to Carmen López for the link to the video)
The Clan of the Cave Bear - A book review
February 26, 2008Posted by mmarvs in : Books
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A review by Ana Gloria Sánchez Pitiot
Some years ago, I told a friend that I didn’t like books with a lot of descriptions. She said she knew a book that would change my mind. Then she lent me this book (needless to say in Spanish).
When I started reeding it, I got involved in the story very quickly. It was very descriptive but it was also gripping. I think it took me only two weeks to finish it, and I just loved that book, so when my friend Raquel told me she had the original version I thought it was time to re-read it.
The book tells the story of a Cro-magnon child, Ayla, who is brought up by a clan of Neanderthal people. While the little girl and the people of her kind were very similar to us, the Neanderthals looked much more primitive. They were shorter and stronger, with long arms, beaky nose, a prognathous jaw, no chin and a large head. They also had strong cultural differences that were hard to accept for Ayla as she grew up, although she had no memories about her former life.