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I, Juan de Pareja Review

I just dipped back into this wonderful book, which I first read when I was around 10 or 11 years old, and have re-read four or five times over the years. As a piece of literature, the writing is exquisite, evocative and intelligent while remaining accessible to younger readers. Historically, the author's careful research enabled her to build a beautiful tale that is imaginative while remaining faithful to the time period and to what little is known about Valazquez and Pareja. She also weaves in references which I didn't always catch the first time around but which made for rewarding re-reading, such as the side trip to Cremona, Italy to search out "a family of renowned makers of violins." Thematically, the book addresses such weighty topics as art, truth, slavery, longing, friendship with thoughtfulness and gentleness. And it all comes together in the voice of narrator Juan de Pareja, who along with the other main characters emerges so vividly from the pages as he recounts the story of his life.

This book also inspired me to learn more about Velazquez and his art, and while my appreciation of paintings remains sadly stunted, thanks to this read I have always sought out V.'s paintings when they are exhibited in museums, and when in Barcelona I made sure to feast my eyes upon Picasso's Las Meninas (which honor V.'s work of the same name). That, to me, is one of the greatest accomplishments of a work of historical fiction: enabling an otherwise ignorant reader like me to develop some understanding of a time and place and encouraging him/her to delve deeper.

I highly recommend this delightful read!

I, Juan de Pareja Feature

ISBN13: 9780312380052
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

I, Juan de Pareja Overview

When the great Velázquez was painting his masterpieces at the Spanish court in the seventeenth century, his colors were expertly mixed and his canvases carefully prepared by his slave, Juan de Pareja. In a vibrant novel which depicts both the beauty and the cruelty of the time and place, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño tells the story of Juan, who was born a slave and died an accomplished and respected artist.
Upon the death of his indulgent mistress in Seville, Juan de Pareja was uprooted from the only home he had known and placed in the charge of a vicious gypsy muleteer to be sent north to his mistress’s nephew and heir, Diego Velázquez, who recognized at once the intelligence and gentle breeding which were to make Juan his indispensable assistant and companion—and his lifelong friend.
Through Juan’s eyes the reader sees Velázquez’s delightful family, his working habits and the character of the man, his relations with the shy yet devoted King Philip IV and with his fellow painters, Rubens and Murillo, the climate and customs of Spanish court life. When Velázquez discovers that he and Juan share a love for the art which is his very life, the painter proves his friendship in the most incredible fashion, for in those days it was forbidden by law for slaves to learn or practice the arts. Through the hardships of voyages to Italy, through the illnesses of Velázquez, Juan de Pareja loyally serves until the death of the painter in 1660.

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Customer Reviews

Slow - Suzyqhomemaker -
I found the book to be a bit boring. I like to purchase historical books for my teens that will supplement their history lessons, in hopes to expand their joy of reading. I think this book will dampen it. I am looking for an alternative.

I absolutely LOVE this book! - Brown-Eyed Girl - Sacramento, CA
I was forced to read it for school when I was in junior high, and I am still so glad about that. The writing was so descriptive that after I finished it I felt as though I had just seen a movie of it.

This is one of the 3 best books I have ever read. Read this book.

Surprisingly Good, A Charming Story - brownie - ca
I, Juan de Pareja,is a historical fiction novel by Elizabeth Borten de Trevino. Juan's story is brilliantly told and wind's it's way from Juan growing up to Juan as an adult. Born into slavery(yes, that means the book does get pretty depressing sometimes) Juan has to find his way to his new Master's house, after his old Mistress dies of the plague. Along the way he is beat up by a gyspy, find friends with monks, and get's a jop as an assistent baker, and thats not even to the fourth chapter. The book describes most of Juan's life with his Master, who is a painter. Juan desperatly wants to paint, but alas, he can't, since he is a slave. Trevino does a great job making it a truly great book, although it does often get boring in places, which is why I only give it 4 out of 5 stars. But it does get a Grade: B+.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 07, 2010 02:25:06

Children's Books

Wednesday, July 7, 2010