Author:Alexandre Dumas,Robin Buss
Set at the height of the "tulipomania" that gripped Holland in 17th century, this is the story of Cornelius van Baerle, a humble grower whose sole desire is to grow the perfect specimen of the tulip negra.
When his godfather is murdered, Cornelius finds himself caught up in the deadly politics of the time, imprisoned and facing a death sentence. His jailor's daughter Rosa, holds both the key to his survival and his chance to produce the ultimate tulip.
Strikingly assured... A writer of unexpected sensibilities and uncompromising originality
—— GuardianCold Water is a thrilling pleasure... I don't think I've read such a good début in years
—— Alan WarnerVivid and stylish and endlessly, surprisingly filled with perfect, unexpected images... a beautifully written book, utterly original and the most exciting thing to have been published this year... Fantastic
—— Big IssueA truly original new voice in fiction. Her bleakly poetic first novel has an atmosphere all of its own: melancholy and profound yet shot through with the urgency of life and love
—— Shena Mackaywas hard to put down. Love, idealism, corruption and insanity in the Danish court of the Enlightenment: the world he draws is so complete, it s a very absorbing read.
—— Rachel Seiffert, Daily TelegraphOne of the most unusual and powerful fictional works of modern times.
—— New York Newsday