Have you read ... Tracy Chevalier?

    Of Tracy Chevalier's novels, I've read only her first, The Virgin Blue, and that was so long ago I remember little about it (and have no notes to fall back on), but I do know I enjoyed it very much and intended to read more of her work. Such is the way of these things I've still not gone back to her, despite the enormous success of Girl With a Pearl Earring, and praise for recent books such as her latest, Remarkable Creatures, about the fossil hunter Mary Anning (video clip on that here). 

    This short video, filmed at the V&A and made with reference to a short story Tracy Chevalier was writing for their magazine - hint: the needlewomen amongst us might like to take a look at it - is relevant to her books generally and to the novel she is currently working on, and there's a little more on that new book here (scroll down to January 2011 and September 2010), though it sounds as though it's quite a long way from publication.

    However, there are six Tracy Chevalier novels available - have you read them, and if so, which of her books is your favourite?

Comments

[Frances]

The problem with Chevalier's work for me was that it all began to sound the same to me by my third novel by her. I know that is unhelpful and vague but I cannot quite put my finger on what it is that bored me after first being so interested in Girl with a Pearl Earring. Becoming like a buzzing monotone.

[carole]

I really enjoyed The Virgin Blue and Girl With a Pearl Earring - I tried to persevere with the other four but they failed to keep me interested.

[Audrey]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Remarkable Creatures, because the subject matter wasn't of any interest to me. That's possibly because I 'read' it as an audiobook and the reader was very good.

[m]

I loved Girl with a Pearl Earring but Burning Bright was very disappointing.

[Julie Fredericksen]

I think I have read all of her books and liked them all, except I couldn't get through "Gentlemen and Players" for some reason.

I highly, highly recommend "Remarkable Creatures." It is a remarkable, and true, story.

[M (notarevolution)]

I went through a phase a couple years ago, in which I read all of Chevalier's then-published novels back to back. When Burning Bright came out (that was the new one then), I rushed to read it and found it disappointing. I haven't read the new one yet and don't have any plans to pick it up soon.

I agree with Frances above. After a few books, it feels like more of the same. I love her subjects, they always sound intriguing, and her writing is okay. But I wouldn't suggest reading them all at once, because the repetitiveness is more obvious.

[Mystica]

I read The Virgin Blue and loved it because it was my first introduction to this type of genre. The shift from the present to the past was so beautifully done it was very enjoyable.

[Anji]

I enjoyed the Girl with the Pearl Earring and I agree with Frances and M (notarevolution). I found that I was disappointed with the second one I read, can't remember the title now and I know that I didn't finish it, it was all a bit ho hum after reading the first book. Which is a shame in many ways as the subject matter had the potiential to be very interesting and the reason I picked the book up in the first place.

[Willa]

I really like "Girl With A Pearl Earring" and one that is called something with unicorn... It don't love Tracy Chevalier but I do think she writes a good historical novel.

[LizF]

I loved The Virgin Blue which I read because I know that part of France quite well and am fascinated by the Cathars.
I have read a few of the others and found them a bit mixed although unlike your other commenters (commentees?) I rather liked Burning Bright and I did enjoy Remarkable Creatures.

[adele geras]

Lady with the Unicorn and Girl with the Pearl Earring...both marvellous.

[Darlene]

Wow, nobody has mentioned Falling Angels! That was my favourite...Victoriana and a graveyard, delightful. And yes, Burning Bright just didn't do it for me either.

[Carol Norton]

I've read Remarkable Creatures and Falling Angels and really enjoyed them both. Just haven't got round to the others yet.

[Erika]

Interesting that I am not the only person to find some of these books flat and unsatisfying. However, I thoroughly enjoyed "Remarkable Creatures" and "Falling Angels". I almost did not continue to read her after my first foray into "Girl with the Pearl Earring". I can't put my finger on what discontents me with this writer.

[Alex]

I think I've read all of hers except the last two. I didn't think much of The Virgin Blue and Falling Angels, and had a really hard time with Burning Bright. But The Lady and the Unicorn compensated all that - loved it.

[Simon (Savidge Reads)]

I meant to respond to this sooner, apologies. I have only read one Tracey Chevalier book and that was Falling Angels which I really enjoyed. I think part of that was the fact it was set in Highgate Cemetery where I was a tour guide and is just seeped in its atmosphere. Read it!

Interestingly I have some more of her books here at home, yet I haven't read them even though I was insistent I would.

[debbie bailey]

I've always enjoyed Chevalier's works. I didn't know about Remarkable Creatures. I'll definitely read it. I enjoyed the video clip you posted. Thanks!