Rating: 
Summary: A predictable read...
Review: Tulipomania was described as the fever that attacked all persons involved in the selling and buying of tulip bulbs during a time when a single bulb was sold for "six fine horses, three oxheads of wine, a dozen sheep, two dozen silver goblets and a seascape by Esaias van de Velde". One could call the buying and selling of these bulbs the seventeenth century version of a frenzied stock market where the risks are often more devastating.This is the story of Sophia, the young, pretty wife of Cornelis, an older man who, by marrying Sophia, manages to pull her and her family out of debt. This is from where Sophia's affection for her husband stem: her gratitude. The dynamics behind the affair are simple: her husband is old and portrayed quite early on as pompous; the lover is a young painter, an occupation often considered "romantic" and hence painters seen as "romantic propositions". Sophia chooses youth over the aged and romanticism over pomposity. It is easy (though frustratingly unimaginative) to see why Sophia may choose her lover. But frankly, I can not see the attraction either man has for Sophia. Or rather, the extent. Of course she is beautiful, and for that reason, there is certainly some attraction. Her youth as well is appealing to Cornelis, who likens her youth and beauty to the timeless aspect and captured loveliness of paintings. But really, this is all much too superficial. We are never really told why Jan (the lover) decides that she is different from all the other wives he has seduced, and we never really come to understand why Cornelis is willing to sacrifice all for this creature. In fact, I loathed her! But maybe that's just a female talking. I was mostly disappointed by this novel simply because the main plot was entirely predictable and frankly, unimaginative. Of course, some events in it's conclusion were a surprise, but unfortunately, by that time, I didn't really care. By the end of the novel, the only character I still cared for was Cornelis. He was the only character who really grew in this novel - in terms of his perceptions, beliefs, etc. I really can't say more about this novel, for fear of spoiling it for those brave enough to read it. Warning: I was skimming the words by the end. The only saving aspect of the entire novel, were the pictures embedded within of famous paintings which were obviously the inspiration for this story. The paintings are wonderfully detailed and vibrant and we can see why the character, Cornelis was so proud of his own collection. It's such a shame that the inspired storyline was so flat and boring compared to these visually stunning pieces.
Rating: 
Summary: gripping and accurate
Review: I find Kirkus reviews to be the most reliable, but they certainly have missed here. Far from being "pallid," the book is full of passion and suspense (the NY Times said it "reads like a thriller"); and the plot that is called "outlandish" is based on an idea that has historical precedent. I was totally engrossed in this book, as were my wife and a friend. We all agreed that the clichés "page turner" and "couldn't put it down" were true in this case. The scene with the "onion" is unforgettable and the depiction of tulip speculation is revelatory. Don't allow the Kirkus sourpuss to keep you away from a novel that is both entertaining and educational.
Rating: 
Summary: An engaging morality tale
Review: You have to read Tulip Fever in the right spirit. It's a clever, literate, witty, fast-paced tale of intrigue, love, lust, and greed, and the tragedy that results from trying to outwit the gods or fate. Yet the rhythm is such that one can't be too sad or take it too seriously. Just sit back for the roller coaster ride and let the sights and sounds of 17th century Amersterdam, and the characters in their silly and reckless behavior that will be their undoing wash over you.
Rating: 
Summary: written for the screen, not the book club
Review: I was hoping for a good, historical novel that would give me a sense of both Amsterdam and the tulip market in the 1600s. Instead, I got a made-for-the-screen romance, with Amsterdam and tulips merely props. The book did draw me in, but it was very light-weight. It took my book club about 5 minutes to discuss it, and all any of us could say was whether we liked it.
Rating:
Summary: Love, lust and art....
Review: This is a delightful historical romance with a dark edge and a wonderful meditation on love, lust, deception, art and redemption. The prose reads like blank verse, the characters are strongly drawn, the setting evocative and realistic and the plot strong, convincing and sustaining to the end.
Rating:
Summary: Like Chinese food--yummy, but not very filling.
Review: Tulip Fever is a fun book--but it lacks substance. I got wrapped up in the twisty romance, and found the tulip market side plot intriguing, but instantly forgettable. Don't get me wrong, it's a really enjoyable read (hence my strong rating), but there's not much to think about when it's done. I chose this book for my book club based on its great reviews, and now I'm wondering what we'll have to say about it.
Rating: 
Summary: Way too predictible and underdeveloped
Review: This is a quick read, and although phrases like 'torrid affair' have been thrown around in these reviews, I didn't actually see all that much great passion between the adulterous couple, because so little time is given to developing their characters, especially Jan's. The tragic results of the affair are telegraphed very early in the book. When I finished with it, I realized that I hadn't cared a bit about any of the characters, with the slight possibility of the cuckolded husband. A disappointment, because I had looked forward to reading it, and now that I'm done I have no desire to ever reread it.
Rating:
Summary: Tulips, Dutch art, and romance
Review:
The story is about a young woman married to a much older man, a solid Amsterdam merchant. As was common, he commissions their portrait, and, inevitably, Sophia and Jan, the painter, fall in love and begin an adulterous affair. At the same time, the maid Maria becomes pregnant. Sophia comes up with a plan that will allow her to be with her lover. (I won't give it away - you'll have to read it.) But it takes money. And so they get caught up in Tulipmania.
Moggach does an excellent job of bringing 1630's Amsterdam to life. These are the people in Rembrandt's and Vermeer's paintings, in the flesh.
It's an interestingly constructed book as well. The chapters are short, each being told through the eyes of a different character.
The last few chapters seem, in some ways, to be tacked on, as though the author felt, "I must decide what happens to everyone and tell my readers." No loose ends here.
Rating:
Summary: Will Make a Great Cinematic Character Study
Review: After listening to "Girl With a Pearl Earring" on audio cassette, I admit to wanting more of the Delft scene of the 17th century. Amazon's recommendations pointed me to this little novel written by Deborah Moggach, and although very different from Chevalier's work, that creates an imagined scenario from the emotional impact procured from the view of a noted masterpiece, "Tulip Fever" successfully depicts the Delft of the Grand Masters as it relates the controversy of doomed love and ironic circumstance so admirably executed in the works of O. Henry and Wm. Shakespeare.
Sofia, a young girl forced to marry much older widower, Cornelis, because of the impoverished state of her family, falls deeply in love with painter Jan when he comes to their home to paint the couples' portrait. Always priding herself on her practical sensibilities, Sofia finds herself swept away and suddenly willing to do the unthinkable. Amidst a backdrop of wild tulip bulb speculation, Jan and Sofia gamble on their love as their thoughtless and inflamed actions swirl out of control and influence everyone that touches their lives.
This novel provides a quick read urged forward by short chapters narrated by different character voices---even the painting has its own moments in the reader's spotlight. I highlight the sub-story of Sofia's maid servant and her hapless fisherman lover as almost enjoyable as the main storyline.
This fast and pleasant reading experience that contains some predictable and unexpected moments should make even a better full length motion picture with Jude Law playing Jan and Keira Knightly as Sofia. The scene of the Tulip marketplace should be exciting and as memorable as the twist ending. Not as compelling or introspective a read as Girl With a Pearl Earring, but good just the same.
Rating:
Summary: Very readable, but not a must read, unless romance is a must
Review: I have to admit that this little tome speeds by. But it is so much a romance, a soap opera, and so commercial. Read it two years ago and reread it for book discussion group. While I feel better about it, having discussed it with others and having researched the author Moggach, I don't think this is a pivotal book. I do think the movie version will draw a good audience of those who loved "Girl with a Pearl" and who love the current rage of "art history" writing. Interestingly, on Moggach's website, her reason for writing reveals her fascination with a Dutch painting that she bought at an auction, and that painting's inspiration for this book. I rather like Maria more than Sophia,whom I find dreadfully shallow, but HUMAN, I guess. And the irony that befalls the servant Gerrit, a simple man who saves a beast of burden from a ruthless owner, is delicious! So, Jim Broadbent is cast as the cuckold Cornelis? Interesting choice. And Jude Law is sure to draw in the ladies! Ah! Commercial writing. What would we do without it?
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