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I found this book on the Free Library of Philadelphia e-book list and decided to give this book a try. It is definitely one of the best books I've read recently. It's set in 1632 Amsterdam and is a novel based on the Rembrandt painting titled "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp." The painting is supposed to be one of Rembrandt's best works of art and the story behind it is interesting as well as insightful. It weaves the story of how all the characters came together to be a part of the painting. It's definitely a great read; the author kept me spellbound with her insights into the soul as well.

I read that book too and I couldn't agree more with what you said. It's a great novel, it mixes perfectly the art/storical part with the fiction one. It's one of those "can't put it down" books...or at least, it is for me!

I couldn't put it down either; I also could not get over the "mad mob" mentality when Arias was hung in regard to trying to stop the autopsy/anatomy lesson. First they seemed to enjoy the hanging, then they wanted to stop his body from being cut open or autopsied. I learned much also in regard to Rembrandt and want to read more about his life; this is one reason I love reading. You always learn something new and life is never boring!