4 Classic Fiction Books with "Pearl" in the Title

Classic literature and the timeless elegance of a cultured pearl necklace complement each other naturally. Powerful symbols and awe-inspiring objects, pearls have fueled creativity and commanded attention for centuries, so it's no surprise that they've been featured in many stories.

Summer is a great time to indulge in reading and to sink your teeth into a captivating novel, especially if you have the chance to sit on the beach or by a pool. In this blog post, we'll be sharing some classic novels featuring "pearl" in the title, so you can add them to your summer reading list and explore some exciting and new fictional worlds.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

First published in 1947, The Pearl was written by award-winning American author John Steinbeck, who is best known for his novels Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath. The Pearl is actually a novella, which means it's slightly shorter than a full-length novel, but the story is just as intricate and developed as a longer work. The story follows a pearl diver named Kino, and it explores hefty abstract concepts like greed. If you're looking for a book that will make you think, this is it.

Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Inspired by the Vermeer painting of the same name, Tracy Chevalier's novel Girl With a Pearl Earring is a work of historical fiction. Published in 1999, this book is an imagined story about the real-life painter Vermeer, the model in his famous painting, and the circumstances surrounding the creation of his iconic work. In a review, The New York Times described the work as a "brainy novel whose passion is ideas". If you love art or history, you'll definitely want to read this book.

The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell

It may be classified as a "young adult" novel, but Scott O'Dell's The Black Pearl is also a fun read for grown-ups. Published in 1967, The Black Pearl tells the story of Ramon, the son of a pearl dealer who finds a black pearl so beautiful that his father believes Ramon has found the fabled Pearl of Heaven. The book was the recipient of the Newbery Medal, which is an award given to the author of "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children".

Pearls Are a Nuisance by Raymond Chandler

Penned by the famed detective fiction writer Raymond Chandler, author of The Big Sleep, Pearls Are a Nuisance is actually a short story that was first published in a magazine called Dime Detective in 1939. The published book that you can purchase today is a collection of Chandler's detective stories. If you love a good "whodunnit", then you'll definitely want to check out Chandler's classic works.

We can't think of a more relaxing summer activity than sitting by the ocean or poolside with a good pearl-themed book. After reading these classics, you may even feel inspired to start your own custom pearl necklace, indulge in a plate of cool oysters, or even write your own story about pearls and how they enhance your life or inspire your imagination.