Summary: The deep and enduring
friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh shaped both brothers'
lives. Confidant, champion, sympathizer, friend, Theo supported Vincent
as he struggled to find his path in life. They shared everything,
swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments,
dreams and ambitions. Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658
letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman
weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the love of the Van Gogh
brothers. (Summary and picture from goodreads.com)
My Review: Everyone knows who Vincent Van Gogh is, but I'll admit my
interest in the man was piqued several years ago by the episode of
Doctor Who where he featured as a main character. It was a touching
episode that let you into the life of this troubled man and how he saw
the world, the art all around.
I'm not one to voluntarily pick up a non-fiction or biography book, I'll
normally shy away from them unless they have lots of pictures or are in
comic form. However, I heard about this book at a conference I attend
every year where they spotlight new books for young readers that have
come out, picking the best to share with us, so I put it on my Goodreads
to try out later.
Recently, I saw a trailer for a hand painted, animated film called
'Loving Vincent,' and my interest in the man was sparked yet again, and I
remembered this book.
First off, I found this book reads like a painting. That may sound
strange, but the way the author crafts her words and scenes feels like
you've stepped into one of Vincent's pieces. It's vibrant and loose and
real. The author has broken the book into different galleries, so that
it's almost as if you're walking through an art gallery of the Van Gogh
brothers' lives. It also read so well. Even though it clocks in at
over 400 pages, it didn't feel long.
It was so fascinating to deeply learn about Vincent, and even more so,
learn about his beloved brother, Theo. I never knew he had a brother
before I heard about this book, and as you read it, you start to realize
that without Theo, there really would have been no Vincent Van Gogh as
we know him today. Most people know the basics about Vincent, that he
cut his ear, that he painted pictures, that he killed himself. What I
love is how in depth this story goes, how much research the author did,
and from primary resources too, the letters Theo and Vincent wrote
to each other over the years, letting us see into their very souls and
what beautiful, troubled souls they were.
The author doesn't shy away from the pain and heartaches, the struggles
and the triumphs. It really makes you feel for both Vincent and Theo,
and in Vincent's case (and even Theo's to an extent), it's interesting
to see how mental illness was viewed in that time period. Scholars
suspect now that Vincent suffered from many illnesses, such as bipolar
disorder, manic depression, anxiety, and even seizures. But in this
time, nobody knew what was wrong or how to help or treat it, so most
people were simply committed to mental asylums. Some of Vincent's last
words were "The sadness will last forever." It's interesting to read
Vincent's words to his brother, to see into his troubled mind and how he
eventually uses art to try and survive his pain.
It really also gives you a lot of sympathy for Theo, for how much he
supported his brother, not only financially, but emotionally too. I
like how the author kept referring to a promise the brothers made at a
windmill one day, to always be there for each other, that their bond was
stronger above all else. Even though they went through their dark
times where they didn't communicate and were severely frustrated, they
always returned to each other, more than brothers, souls tied together
in their heartache and love.
My Rating: Four Stars
For the sensitive reader: As a book for young readers, it manages to
discuss delicate situations well, but it doesn't shy away from the time
period and the bohemian lifestyle. The brothers often visit brothels and
prostitutes, and contract diseases spread there. There is also some
very minor swearing.
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