Tulip Fever Summary
Deborah Moggach

Tulip Fever Overview

In the novel Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach, Sophia Sandvoort and an artist named Jan van Loos meet when the artist is hired to paint a portrait of Sophia and her elderly husband, Cornelis. Despite Sophia's efforts to avoid falling in love with Jan, the two begin an affair. Shortly thereafter, Sophia is caught up in pretending to be dead so that she can be with her lover. Sophia and Jan gamble their future on a single tulip bulb. Just like their relationship, this single bulb comes to an unfortunate end. Prevalent themes in the novel include the emptiness of vanity and beauty, the use of deception and disguise, the belief in superstition versus religion, master-servant relationships, and the role of art in the world.