Reviews

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

ypsilonmciv's review against another edition

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elizajstocks's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

bergsteiger's review against another edition

2.0

This book reminded me of Dickens at his worst--verbosity, political commentary, horribly predictable plot line, and a too neatly tied together ending. However, the one thing this book lacks that Dickens shines at, is any sort of solid characterization or creation of empathy for those characters. I now have a strong desire to re-read "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo", because as an adolescent I read both of these and loved them. This book is not as well known, and in my opinion, with good reason. I love older novels but I couldn't truly recommend this book to anyone unless they were a student of this era. Two stars because I learned some historical facts I didn't know and because I'm feeling generous.

avery_havilliard's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bookingonsunshine's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

deathsweetblossom's review against another edition

5.0

The most fun I’ve ever had with a classic, I think. I laughed out loud, I cringed in horror, I despaired when the heroes were foiled, I swooned at their growing love.
Glad to call this a new favorite.

dalu's review against another edition

4.0

3.9 ☆

dashie's review against another edition

5.0

Dumas' writing is impeccable and timeless. You could be reading it in any era and find it utterly charming and relatable. How did he do it? This will go down as yet another of my favourites, though there was no juicy revenge plot.

verydazedragon's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I have never read a book about a guy in love with the flower. But there is a first time for everything. Not bad.

reydeam's review against another edition

4.0

There is something about Alexandre Dumas' writing that greatly appeals to me, and with the Black Tulip I cannot quite figure out the appeal. This is a very good book, but most certainly not good in the sense of a modern book. By that I mean, this is not a fast paced story, and on the surface it seems rather lame. Still, this is a very good book even with its steady and slow pace filled with stupid characters and good characters and a plot centering around a black tulip which all amazingly flowed together and captured my attention in a way that I cannot quite put into words. It captured me in a way that a modern day story simply cannot.

I just finished this book, I feel the need to let it percolate in my mind so that maybe I can figure out this sense of ease and great feeling of being fabulously entertained. I do believe Alexandre Dumas may become an author who will rank as a favorite of mine, I would like to read a third book before I make that claim. With the two books that I've read of Dumas', I have walked away from each with great pleasure from experiencing his storytelling treasures.