The Girl with a Pearl Earring is a historical novel by Tracy Chevalier that imagines the story behind the famous painting by Johannes Vermeer. Set in 17th-century Netherlands, the book follows Griet, a young maid who becomes the subject of Vermeer's painting. Through Griet's eyes, readers are transported to a world of art, love, and societal constraints. The Girl with a Pearl Earring is a beautifully written novel that brings to life the captivating world of Vermeer's art.