Review The Black Tulip - Alexandre Dumas

Here we are in the Netherlands in the mid-seventeenth century, when the country was a young republic emerging from its long struggle for independence from Spain and was marked by political tension between the ruling House of Orange and the republican leaders, the brothers De Witt. This was a time of great prosperity, but also of deep conflict and instability. This novel is one of heroism, tinged with tragedy, history, and political intrigue. Our author is the beloved Alexandre Dumas of France, so be prepared for a tale full of action and adventure.

The Black Tulip flower lies at the heart of the novel, a symbol of the nation and of material pursuit, embodying the ambition to cultivate a flower that had never before been discovered. The city of Haarlem offers a prize of 100,000 francs to whoever can succeed in growing a black tulip. At stake are not only the reward itself, but also fame and honour: the victor’s name will be forever linked to the tulip that bears it.

Cornelius van Baerle is a devoted lover of tulips, a wealthy, generous, and gentle man who lives only for his flowers. He dreams of discovering the black tulip so that it may bear his name. He begin experiment to discover a black tulip. But he has an evil neighbour who shares the same passion for tulip-growing, yet is corrupted by envy and greed: Isaac Boxtel. A manipulative man, Boxtel schemes to steal Cornelius’s black tulip and ultimately has him thrown into prison, falsely accusing him because of his connection to the brothers De Witt, who are now branded as traitors.

The plot of betrayal is reminiscent of another Dumas novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Though this story is nearly three hundred pages long, it is still a fascinating book. Rosa, our unexpected heroine, is a beautiful and kind-hearted Frisian girl. She soon falls in love with Van Baerle—and perhaps, too, is tempted a little by the prize money. Timid and obedient, yet practical and clever, she lives in her father’s house; her father is the jailer. It is here that the action begins.

So this is not just a story about the pursuit of material things which is the black tulip itself or the prize money, but a story about love, honesty, and staying strong in difficult times. At first, the historical background of seventeenth-century Holland may feel a bit confusing, especially with the political conflict around the De Witt brothers. However, once you understand it, the setting helps make the story more meaningful and realistic.

Compared to Dumas’s other works like The Count of Monte Cristo, this novel is shorter and lighter, but still touching. It is a good choice for beginer because it is not too long, the language is clear, and the message is positive. In the end, the story shows that true success is not only about winning money or fame, but about keeping your integrity and finding happiness with the people you love.

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬(4/5)
Title : The Black Tulip
Author : Alexandre Dumas
Publisher : Penguin English Classics (Black Spine)
Year :  2003 (First Published in 1850)
Format / Pages : Softcover / 258 pages
ISBN : 9780140448924