When tulip-grower Cornelius van Baerle is framed for treason and sentenced to death, he is powerless against the brutal factional politics that put him in prison. But Rosa, the jailer’s daughter, is beautiful and strong-willed, and when they fall in love she determines not only to save him but also to grow the near mythical flower: the black tulip.S et in the savage turmoil of Holland’s late 17th century, this intimate novel celebrates the power of integrity over obsession, and tolerance over violence; and it creates in the black tulip a symbol of humanity’s potential.
Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks
"Terrific"
Thanks Audible. I have been able to enjoy this book due to the great reading of Peter Joyce. I had tried several times to listen to this book by a different narrator but without success.
"Don't overlook "The Black Tulip""
Yes, it is a great story.
I don't think I will ever lose the image of Cornelius and John DeWitt being murdered in the streets.
I don't have a favorite.
A man nearly destroyed by the love of Tulips.
"Prison, Love, and Tulips"
Love and flowers may go hand-in-hand, but generally they don't come alongside a prison cell. Dumas takes a break from the political intrigue found in most of his stories, and writes a (relatively) short novel without the use of weaponry (for the most part). It's a drastically different feel from The Three Musketeers or The Count of Monte Cristo, but it's still distinctly Dumas, as he manages to work love and intrigue into a story woven around a tulip.
The Black Tulip takes place in Holland of 1672 (not the France of most of Dumas' works), and opens describing both why the tulip is important and why the protagonist gets thrown into jail. From there it's an enjoyable journey that easily holds the audience's interest. Unlike most works by Dumas, this one comes in as a much shorter story, leaving Dumas with less time to ramble on with thoughts and descriptions, keeping the plot clean and simple.
Peter Joyce does a great job of narration with this story, giving distinct voices to the different characters, and helping the story to flow.
A great story for any Dumas fan, or for anyone wanting to see if they like his work without investing the time needed for the Three Musketeers or Count of Monte Cristo classics.
"Slow start, great finish"
Yes, it was a good audiobook.
Cornelius. Poor guy loves tulips so much it's great.
His accents.
A horticultural and political thriller.
"Couldn't get into this book...tried twice."
No.
Yes.
Disappointment.
I tried to listen to this book twice and could not get past the first 30 minutes. I enjoyed the narrator's voice, but the story was simply not engaging.