THE GOLDEN TULIP

Author: Rosalind Laker ISBN: 9780307352576 12/2007 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: THREE RIVERS PRESS
Time Period: 17th Century, Amsterdam & Delft

Francesca’s father is a well-known painter in the bustling port city of Amsterdam; he is also a gambler. Though their household is in economic chaos, thankfully the lessons she learned in his studio have prepared her to study with Johannes Vermeer, the master of Delft. When she arrives to begin her apprenticeship, Francesca is stunned to find rules, written in her father’s hand, insisting that she give up the freedoms she once enjoyed at home- including her friendship with Pieter van Doorne, a tulip merchant. Unaware of a terrible bargain her father has made against her future, Francesca pursues her growing affection for Pieter even as she learns to paint like Vermeer, in layers of light. As her talent blooms, “tulip mania” sweeps the land, and fortunes are being made on a single bulb. What seems like a boon for Pieter instead reveals the extent of the betrayal of Francesca’s father. And as the two learn the true nature of the obstacles in their path, a patron of Francesca’s father determines to do anything in his power to ensure she stays within the limits that have been set for her.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Rosalind Laker is an expert at writing historical fiction. She has a penchant for sweeping tales filled with complex interpersonal relationships, painstaking attention to detail and historical accuracy that immerses her readers into situations, times and places they may never have seen-and felt-otherwise. She is one author who never fails to amaze me with her talent.

THE GOLDEN TULIP may be one of the best books I've read to date. It begins with deceptive simplicity, showing Francesca's ten-year-old awareness of the world around her. Barely a dozen pages later, Francesca asks a seemingly innocent question about her aunt's upcoming marriage. This question, about happiness lasting forever, carries through the rest of the book, insinuating itself into every aspect and relationship in this story.

Family ties, deception, betrayal, enduring love and, always, the passion for painting are the themes that define Francesca's existence. She is committed to Pieter from the beginning, although she protests she has no desire to marry. Her father's betrayal, motivated by his jealousy of his daughters' artistic talents, sends her to Delft. There she is apprenticed to the great Vermeer, a teacher who easily unleashes the talent within Francesca while still maintaining the position of captor.

Espionage, freedoms seized and those freely given and the roles of women in the 1600s bring THE GOLDEN TULIP to a magnificent conclusion. The reader is left almost breathless, realizing that Francesca's struggle, her life and love are less about painting, flowers and men than about the enduring spirit and strength wrought by her steely determination.

Rosalind Laker's THE GOLDEN TULIP will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf. I loved every moment of this incredible story.

Kay James