Which is better—the novel or the movie? Ah, but what if the novel is preceded by a world-famous painting, a Vermeer, no less! 

The Warren County Public Library and the WKU English Department cordially invite you to participate in their first Literature and Film Day on Saturday, May 22,  from 10:00 A.M. until mid-afternoon.  

Tracy Chevalier’s 2001 novel Girl With a Pearl Earring will be the topic of discussion.  The novel recreates the story behind the mysterious subject of Johannes Vermeer’s 17th-century painting of the same name.  Dr. Alison Ganze, WKU professor of literature, will lead the discussion. 

The community event will begin with background information about the author and artist.  After a luncheon break, Peter Weber’s 2004 film adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth will be shown, followed by an afternoon discussion session.

“We are enormously pleased to be joining with the Warren County Public Library in sponsoring this occasion,” said Walker Rutledge of WKU’s English Department. “Girl With a Pearl Earring is particularly intriguing because it has the unusual distinction of appearing in three different media—painting, literature, and film.  Stylistically, Chevalier uses a linguistic palette that reflects Vermeer’s deft brushstrokes.”

A modest registration fee of $5.00 includes coffee, lunch and discussion materials.  To register for this event, contact 781-4882.