I read _The Girl With the Pearl Earring_ this morning, and found it a *terrific* read. Mav, your description was spot on. The only thing I *didn't like about it was the ending... and then not because of the content but just for the mere fact that it had the audacity to *end when I was so thoroughly enjoying it. Hyla, I couldn't fail to agree with your housemate(s) more ... I found the protagonist to be exceedingly likeable, particularly considering the situation from which her character emerged. She followed her heart, for better or for worse. She *lived, refusing to hide behind convention. To each his own, I suppose, but I'm guessing she never looked back and wished she hadn't taken risks... and she also didn't have to spend the rest of her days wondering what might've been.

Thanks for the recommendation, Mav