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The Black Tulip

Alexandre Dumas

Start date: May 1, 2017

Finish date: May 15, 2017

Discussion: Classics Corner

Discussion leader: Michelle

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What Members Thought

Aug 21, 2008 Kevin rated it really liked it

Shelves: classics, netherlands

I really enjoyed this one. Dumas loves the themes of one accused who is innocent...the power of learning...the poison of envy. The story revolves around a man who spends much of his time trying to make a fully black tulip in order to win a 100,000 guilder prize. His envious neighbor plots to destroy him and take the tulip as his own. The story really brings Holland to life.

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Jun 14, 2017 Mary Ellen rated it liked it

This is my first Dumas read. I enjoyed it but did not find it compelling. It was interesting to see that, back in the day, someone could become a revered author despite resorting, more than once, to more or less saying "these characters said/felt/did what you, dear reader, would imagine people in this situation would say/feel/do." And the over-the-top emotions of Rosa and Cornelius just drained me!

But, after a truly horrific beginning - detailing the grotesque lynching of the DeWitt brothers by ...more

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Feb 21, 2008 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: hf-17th-century, french-literature, historical-fiction, read-2008

Set at the height of the "tulipomania" that gripped Holland in 17th century, this is the story of Cornelius van Baerle, a humble grower whose sole desire is to grow the perfect specimen of the tulip negra. ...more

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May 12, 2017 Barbara rated it liked it

This was my first Dumas and I loved his wit and the historical aspect. The story flagged a bit for me midway through but I enjoyed the process anyway.

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Oct 06, 2009 Daniel rated it liked it

Shelves: 2009

I'm torn between giving "The Black Tulip" three stars and four. While it's a thoroughly enjoyable yarn, full of political intrigue, thievery, backstabbing, true love and horticulture, it lacks the slow-burning intensity of Dumas's masterpiece, "The Count of Monte Cristo," and isn't as much ripping fun as my personal favorite of his, "The Three Musketeers." "The Black Tulip" is still an enjoyable read, though; it pales only in comparison to the high standards set by Dumas's own best work. ...more

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