Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier is an American-British historical novelist. She is best known for her novel 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', which was adapted into a successful film. Her works often explore historical settings and figures, bringing them to life with rich detail and narrative.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Girl With The Pearl Earring

    Set in 17th century Delft, the novel revolves around a young woman who becomes a maid in the household of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer. As she becomes immersed in the artist's world, she grows close to Vermeer, eventually becoming the subject of one of his most renowned paintings. The story explores themes of art, beauty, and the complex dynamics of power, class, and desire, as it follows the protagonist's journey from innocence to awakening amidst the rich tapestry of Dutch Golden Age society.

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  2. 2. Girl With A Pearl Earring

    Set in 17th-century Delft, the novel explores the life of Griet, a young girl who becomes a maid in the household of the renowned painter Johannes Vermeer. As she navigates the complexities of her new environment, Griet becomes increasingly fascinated by Vermeer's art and is eventually drawn into his world, becoming the subject of one of his most famous paintings. The story delves into themes of class, art, and desire, capturing the tension between Griet's humble background and the opulent world of her employer, while also highlighting the subtle power dynamics and emotional undercurrents within the household.

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  3. 3. The Last Runaway

    Set in the 1850s, this historical novel follows Honor Bright, a young Quaker woman who emigrates from England to Ohio, seeking a fresh start after a personal tragedy. As she navigates the challenges of frontier life, Honor becomes entangled in the clandestine world of the Underground Railroad, where she must reconcile her beliefs with the harsh realities of slavery and the moral complexities of aiding runaway slaves. Through her journey, she discovers resilience, friendship, and the courage to stand up for what she believes is right, even when it means defying societal norms.

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  4. 4. At The End Of The Orchard

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  5. 5. The Virgin Blue

    The novel intertwines the lives of two women separated by centuries, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the impact of history on the present. In 16th-century France, a young woman navigates the challenges of religious persecution and personal turmoil, while in contemporary times, an American woman relocates to France, uncovering her ancestral roots and the mysteries of her family's past. As their stories converge, the novel delves into the complexities of love, faith, and the enduring influence of the past on the present.

  6. 6. Falling Angels

    Set in the early 20th century, the story explores the lives of two families, the Waterhouses and the Colemans, whose paths cross in a London cemetery. Through the eyes of two young girls, Maude Coleman and Lavinia Waterhouse, the narrative delves into themes of social change, class differences, and the evolving roles of women during the Edwardian era. As the girls' friendship develops amidst the backdrop of suffragette movements and societal expectations, the novel paints a vivid picture of a time of transformation and the personal struggles that accompany it.

  7. 7. The Lady And The Unicorn

    Set in the late 15th century, this historical novel weaves a tale around the creation of a series of tapestries, exploring the intricate lives of those involved in their making. The story unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including a talented yet ambitious artist, a wealthy nobleman, and the women who become the muses and subjects of the artwork. As the tapestries come to life, so do the desires, secrets, and ambitions of the individuals, revealing a tapestry of human emotion and societal norms of the time. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of art, love, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of medieval Europe.

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  8. 8. Plameni Sjaj

    Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century American frontier, this historical novel weaves a tale of resilience, love, and the pursuit of freedom. It follows the intertwined lives of a diverse group of settlers, each grappling with their own challenges and dreams as they navigate the harsh realities of pioneer life. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the narrative explores themes of community, survival, and the unyielding human spirit in the face of adversity.

  9. 9. Remarkable Creatures

    Set in the early 19th century, this historical novel follows the intertwined lives of two women, Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, who defy societal norms through their shared passion for fossil hunting along the rugged English coast. As they uncover groundbreaking discoveries that challenge the scientific community's understanding of the natural world, they also navigate the constraints of their gender and class. Their friendship, marked by mutual respect and admiration, becomes a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of adversity.

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  10. 10. The Glassmaker

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of 17th-century Venice, this historical novel weaves a tale of artistry, ambition, and forbidden love. The story follows a young glassmaker's apprentice who becomes entangled in the intricate world of glassblowing, where secrets are as fragile as the delicate creations they craft. As he navigates the challenges of his craft and the complexities of his heart, he discovers the power of beauty and the price of passion in a city where tradition and innovation collide. The narrative explores themes of identity, creativity, and the timeless struggle between duty and desire.

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  11. 11. At The Edge Of The Orchard

    Set in the mid-19th century, this historical novel follows the tumultuous life of the Goodenough family as they struggle to carve out a living in the harsh wilderness of Ohio's Black Swamp. The story delves into the family's dynamics, marked by the tension between James, who is determined to cultivate apple trees, and his wife Sadie, who prefers the intoxicating allure of applejack. As their children grow amidst this discord, the narrative shifts to their son Robert's journey across America, where he seeks solace and purpose in the vast landscapes of California. Through vivid storytelling, the novel explores themes of survival, family conflict, and the relentless pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.

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