I Juan De Pareja: Amazon.ca: Elizabeth B De Trevino: Books

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"An excellent novel, written in the form of an autobiography, about the painter Vel†zquez and his Negro slave and assistant, Juan de Pareja...[who] was legally prohibited from painting because he was a slave." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Book Description

Novel based on the true story of the slave, Juan de Pareja, who was willed to Velazquez and whose relationship with the great Spanish painter evolved into one of friendship and equality.

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Customer Reviews

31 Reviews

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

3.9 out of 5 stars (31 customer reviews)

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1.0 out of 5 stars This book is a pathetic attempt for a novel, Feb 4 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: I, Juan de Pareja (Paperback)

The theme of this novel I believe is something around equality or injustice. But the author poorly displays the emotions and feelings, but the storyline about a poor painter who commits crimes weakens its affect. The life of a painter has little to do with injustice, and being deprived of splashing ink onto a canvas isn't a powerful topic, nor injustice in large quantities. If the story were something of higher stakes, the message would have been brought better. The works of Dalasquez have been forgotten in the snap of a finger. As stated before, the irrelavent topic of art is constantly replaced. Art is a fad, and I, Juan De Pareja is the tale of a painter being deprived of being part of a fad. If the author wants a tale of injustice involving fads, he could just capture the diary of a teenager.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Supremely Intelligent and Well-Done, July 8 2003

By

Allyn "pianogirl" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I, Juan de Pareja (Paperback)

Based on "thin threads" of truth, "I, Juan de Pareja" explores the relationship between famous 17th-century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez and his black slave, Juan de Pareja. Written in first person as if Juan is really telling his story, it is the chronicle of much of Juan's life and and his colorful experiences as apprentice to a master painter.

There are many excellent aspects of this book, yet I think that the "strength" of the character of Juan is the book's biggest asset. Many books that are simply first person narratives are dry and boring, yet one could never complain of boredom while reading "I, Juan de Pareja." Juan's intelligence shines through in every page and his intuitiveness fills the book with detail. Also, his struggle to paint (because Spanish slaves at the time were forbidden to practice the arts) is fascinating, suspenseful, and ultimately inspiring. This book would not be a 5-star read without a strong character like Juan.

Historical detail also adds great richness to the book. Author de Trevino has captured the mood of 17th century Spain perfectly, and her accounts of Juan's Italian travels fascinate the reader as well. Art facts and descriptions are well-placed, and the reader will find themselves interested in the rich history presented in the book, rather than bored by it.

Furthermore, supporting characters are excellent! The portrayal of Diego Velazquez was well-imagined by the author, and the master painter's comments ring with insight and truth. The nobles, the painter's family, the Spanish king, Dutch painter Ruebens...they all come to life in "I, Juan de Pareja."

Finally, the end of the book is triumphant and fitting. I can't say much more without spoiling the book, but trust me, it's one of the most well-done endings you could find. It is hard to find a single flaw in this book. Vibrant history, excellent characters...why aren't more people reading this book?

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5.0 out of 5 stars Before *Girl with a Pearl Earring*, there was Juan de Pareja, Jun 25 2002

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"brazensun" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I, Juan de Pareja (Paperback)

Putatively aimed at a younger audience, this book is in reality directed at a wider audience.

One of the deep pains of knowing something about art is the realization that paintings you know and love aren't a part of today's "Cultural Literacy." This makes books like *Girl with a Peal Earring* and *I, Juan de Pareja* a particular joy. Once you have read these books, the paintings will haunt (and enrich) your subconscious. I read first read *Juan de Pareja* as a child, during a recent trip to the Prado in Madrid, flashes of this book were still with me as I looked at Velasquez's masterworks.

This book, deservedly, has stayed in print through many, many editions, and I hope there will be more to come.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars We all enjoyed it.
My daughter read this book first a few years ago and enjoyed it so much she read it twice. Then her brother and sister and I each read it. We all enjoyed it. Read more

Published on Mar 9 2002

4.0 out of 5 stars A True Soul
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very detailed and each chapter kept my interest. I would suggest this book to other students. Read more