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Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh
Donna Russo's 'Vincent's Women' is the untold story of Vincent's loves, how they shaped his life, his art, and his death. It writes against the ‘myths,’ exploring the possibility that none of them are true. It is the only novel to bring into question his sexuality, how he lost his ear, who he lost it for, and how he might have died, all through the eyes of a woman. We learn of Her; we learn all of it through Her.
The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. We are then taken on a journey through Vincent's life, each section bringing a pivotal moment of Vincent's life alive while showing us the part she played in bringing it about. Between each woman, our guide, Johanna, gives us the transitional periods, right up to his death, which is now in question.
Hundreds of the nearly thousand letters between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, now considered one of the greatest documents of the human experience, were used to help construct this novel, its narrative, and dialogue, especially the dialogue of Vincent himself.
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most well-known artists of all time. The world knows of his madness, traumas, and suicide. But what if all that we know isn’t true? What if this knowledge is based on rumors and nothing more? What if his true story is vastly different when based on factual material and forensic information? What if the truth of Vincent’s life—his madness and his genius—is defined by his never-ending search for love?
"One of the most wonderful books about an artist I have ever read."
Stephanie Cowell, Author of Claude and Camille, American Book Award Recipient
"A powerful and satisfying read."
Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of The Woman with the Cure and Mrs. Poe
"Exhaustively researched and wonderfully written. Very highly recommended."
Reader's Favorite 5-star review
The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. We are then taken on a journey through Vincent's life, each section bringing a pivotal moment of Vincent's life alive while showing us the part she played in bringing it about. Between each woman, our guide, Johanna, gives us the transitional periods, right up to his death, which is now in question.
Hundreds of the nearly thousand letters between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, now considered one of the greatest documents of the human experience, were used to help construct this novel, its narrative, and dialogue, especially the dialogue of Vincent himself.
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most well-known artists of all time. The world knows of his madness, traumas, and suicide. But what if all that we know isn’t true? What if this knowledge is based on rumors and nothing more? What if his true story is vastly different when based on factual material and forensic information? What if the truth of Vincent’s life—his madness and his genius—is defined by his never-ending search for love?
"One of the most wonderful books about an artist I have ever read."
Stephanie Cowell, Author of Claude and Camille, American Book Award Recipient
"A powerful and satisfying read."
Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of The Woman with the Cure and Mrs. Poe
"Exhaustively researched and wonderfully written. Very highly recommended."
Reader's Favorite 5-star review
471 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
46 people are currently reading
3191 people want to read
About the author
Donna Russo Morin
18 books486 followersDonna Russo is a bestselling author of historical, biographical, and women's fiction, as well as fantasy. She has made a significant impact in the literary world with her detailed writing and compelling characters. Her notable works include multi-award-winning Vincent’s Women and her internationally bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Age series, Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams. Her historical fantasy, The King’s Agent, earned a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 5, 2024
As I finished reading Vincent’s Women by talented author, Donna Russo, I feel as if I’ve just completed an excellent Art History Master Class!
This new fiction, curated so effectively by Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law Johanna Bonger, continued to fill the reader with amazing events that occurred during the challenging lifetime of one of the most well-known artists world-wide.
Kudos & bouquets, Brava!
This new fiction, curated so effectively by Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law Johanna Bonger, continued to fill the reader with amazing events that occurred during the challenging lifetime of one of the most well-known artists world-wide.
Kudos & bouquets, Brava!
March 10, 2024
Although this was a fictionalized account of Van Gogh's all too brief life, the author used extensive research and documentation to bring a fresh take on the artist's tortured existence. I first read about the theory that Van Gogh had actually been murdered by a spoiled young prick whose wealthy family covered it up, in the book "ArtCurious" by Jennifer Dasal. In my mind, it rings more true than suicide (read up on the evidence, it's fascinating).
This story held my attention with its cinematic presentation. It created a vivid movie in my head, and I'll be thinking about it for a while. The descriptions of poverty, the struggle to simply live one more day, and the suffocating way women were treated and expected to behave were so heartbreaking. I enjoyed how the author made Van Gogh come alive for me. I can visualize him at his easel in a French field, surrounded by the nature he loved. It's horrifying that his own mother destroyed an entire crate of his paintings, as his sister in law discovered when she was working to curate his work. I wonder what masterpieces have been lost forever due to her callous action? What a loss for the world.
Quite the entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
This story held my attention with its cinematic presentation. It created a vivid movie in my head, and I'll be thinking about it for a while. The descriptions of poverty, the struggle to simply live one more day, and the suffocating way women were treated and expected to behave were so heartbreaking. I enjoyed how the author made Van Gogh come alive for me. I can visualize him at his easel in a French field, surrounded by the nature he loved. It's horrifying that his own mother destroyed an entire crate of his paintings, as his sister in law discovered when she was working to curate his work. I wonder what masterpieces have been lost forever due to her callous action? What a loss for the world.
Quite the entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
August 23, 2023
No one becomes who they are alone, even if they feel alone. This was an interesting look into the lives and feelings of the women who helped to make Vincent van Gogh the artist he was. Throughout history, women’s contributions to art, society, and the men around them have been undervalued and misrepresented. Similarly, the complicated life of Vincent can Gogh can often be misrepresented in both fiction and nonfiction. This book tries to correct these misunderstandings by providing the women in van Gogh’s life a voice therefore making the famous painter more human. I think it achieves its mission. Each woman becomes so real, so familiar and the readers connection to van Gogh grows along with each woman. The research the author clearly put into creating this book keeps the book from feeling overtly fictional.
I enjoyed jumping into the lives of these women and learning more about such a renowned artist.
I enjoyed jumping into the lives of these women and learning more about such a renowned artist.
March 30, 2024
So beautifully written book can't touch your soul. Many years ago I read another book about Vincent van Gogh but this one represented him from totally different perspective. Like many greatest artists he was very sensitive person, and the author successfully showed how that worked in his everyday life and work. Not easy childhood and constant state of being misunderstood for the very intelligent and gifted person, kept him looking for better position, better place never able to find it.
September 21, 2023
One primary reason I love Vincent’s art is because it has always felt like he painted despite his illness, and despite the torturous mental breakdowns we have heard so much about. An artist who would cut off his own ear, and finally fatally shoot himself, always seemed to be at odds with his art. Perhaps had these been during his time with the miners, it would have had made more sense, but that they came dring the years when he rendered landscapes so vibrantly, and so vividly, always felt like a disjuncture between the artist and his art. The movement he brought to his art - from the well-known stars and wheatfields to the lesser known garden and fields - enables a viewer to gaze upon these scenes, as if they were alive within the frames in which they are held. So, a chance to find out a little bit more about the artist is very welcome!
It is said that Vincent was forever in search of love, but Vincent’s Women lay bears a sad soul desperately in search of kindness. It seems as if almost all the catalysts that ended in manic or depressive states began with Vincent’s acts kindness. His deliberate silence about the accident to his ear, and about how he was shot, also seems to stem from this - a considerateness towards others even at great cost to himself.
And the story behind his signature - a simple Vincent - is so compelling, though illustrated in a mere few lines, that I will also refer to the artist henceforth only by that name, dropping his surname. Read this book, and you’ll understand why! :)
Vincent’s Women offers us a fresh perspective on the life and loves of Vincent. Told through his sister-in-law’s voice, interwoven with Vincent’s and Theo’s actual letters to each other, the narrative offers the many alternative stories behind Vincent’s tortured life sympathetically, and sometimes very lyrically. Books like these are what I read for - to enter the lives of another, to live in his shoes, to see the world through his eyes. As the author’s notes indicates, the fact that much of the narrative is based on Vincent’s actual letters offers us a novel that is almost biography.
This is historical fiction at its best, although I hesitate to use the word ‘fiction’ for this novel given it’s foundations in actual correspondence, and forensic and police records. The narrative is compelling, the characters so real, and interspersed with the art they influenced, that a reader can identify the art by who inspired it by the end of the narrative. It’s such a tour de force of Vincent and his art that even a reader unfamiliar with his art would take leave of its pages feeling like s/he now ‘knew’ Vincent very well.
I read the ebook version of this book but can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy of it when it’s released - it’s definitely a keeper!
Ths is easily the best book I’ve read this year.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @DonnaRusso for sharing an ARC with me!
It is said that Vincent was forever in search of love, but Vincent’s Women lay bears a sad soul desperately in search of kindness. It seems as if almost all the catalysts that ended in manic or depressive states began with Vincent’s acts kindness. His deliberate silence about the accident to his ear, and about how he was shot, also seems to stem from this - a considerateness towards others even at great cost to himself.
And the story behind his signature - a simple Vincent - is so compelling, though illustrated in a mere few lines, that I will also refer to the artist henceforth only by that name, dropping his surname. Read this book, and you’ll understand why! :)
Vincent’s Women offers us a fresh perspective on the life and loves of Vincent. Told through his sister-in-law’s voice, interwoven with Vincent’s and Theo’s actual letters to each other, the narrative offers the many alternative stories behind Vincent’s tortured life sympathetically, and sometimes very lyrically. Books like these are what I read for - to enter the lives of another, to live in his shoes, to see the world through his eyes. As the author’s notes indicates, the fact that much of the narrative is based on Vincent’s actual letters offers us a novel that is almost biography.
This is historical fiction at its best, although I hesitate to use the word ‘fiction’ for this novel given it’s foundations in actual correspondence, and forensic and police records. The narrative is compelling, the characters so real, and interspersed with the art they influenced, that a reader can identify the art by who inspired it by the end of the narrative. It’s such a tour de force of Vincent and his art that even a reader unfamiliar with his art would take leave of its pages feeling like s/he now ‘knew’ Vincent very well.
I read the ebook version of this book but can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy of it when it’s released - it’s definitely a keeper!
Ths is easily the best book I’ve read this year.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @DonnaRusso for sharing an ARC with me!
December 15, 2023
***A big thank you to Next Chapter, Magnum Opus and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.***
"Vincent's Women" by Donna Russo delves deep into the enigmatic life of Vincent van Gogh, challenging widely accepted narratives and offering a fresh perspective through the eyes of Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law. By reimagining the artist's relationships and experiences, the novel explores Vincent's emotional world and the pivotal roles played by the women in his life. The extensive use of Vincent's letters to his brother Theo adds authenticity, providing readers with a glimpse into his innermost thoughts.
Johanna van Gogh Bonger guides the narrative, unraveling untold stories of Vincent's loves and their impact on his art. The book delves into themes of love, passion, and human connection, presenting a nuanced portrayal of Vincent beyond the often-repeated tales of mental health struggles. Interwoven with excerpts from the correspondence between Vincent and Theo, the novel constructs an authentic portrayal, challenging established notions about Vincent's mental state, self-inflicted ear injury, and death.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are prompted to question assumptions about Vincent's life and fate. "Vincent's Women" invites exploration of a new side of Vincent van Gogh's story, shedding light on his humanity and the profound influences of the women who crossed his path.
From tumultuous relationships with his mother to passionate entanglements with various women, including fellow artists and models, the book vividly illustrates the intersections of love, passion, and creativity in van Gogh's life. Meticulous research and rich storytelling explore the impact these women had on his art and emotional well-being.
The book challenges prevalent narratives, encouraging readers to reconsider their understanding of the artist. It raises intriguing possibilities about Vincent's search for love and its influence on his genius and perceived madness. Offering a fresh lens on van Gogh's life and art, the novel provides a compelling alternative to conventional interpretations. The author successfully humanizes van Gogh through the voices of the women who shaped him.
By correcting misunderstandings and giving the women in van Gogh’s life a voice, the novel achieves its mission. Each woman becomes vivid and familiar, deepening the reader's connection to van Gogh. The extensive research prevents the book from feeling overtly fictional, providing an interesting and immersive exploration of the renowned artist's life through the lens of those who influenced him.
"Vincent's Women" by Donna Russo delves deep into the enigmatic life of Vincent van Gogh, challenging widely accepted narratives and offering a fresh perspective through the eyes of Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law. By reimagining the artist's relationships and experiences, the novel explores Vincent's emotional world and the pivotal roles played by the women in his life. The extensive use of Vincent's letters to his brother Theo adds authenticity, providing readers with a glimpse into his innermost thoughts.
Johanna van Gogh Bonger guides the narrative, unraveling untold stories of Vincent's loves and their impact on his art. The book delves into themes of love, passion, and human connection, presenting a nuanced portrayal of Vincent beyond the often-repeated tales of mental health struggles. Interwoven with excerpts from the correspondence between Vincent and Theo, the novel constructs an authentic portrayal, challenging established notions about Vincent's mental state, self-inflicted ear injury, and death.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are prompted to question assumptions about Vincent's life and fate. "Vincent's Women" invites exploration of a new side of Vincent van Gogh's story, shedding light on his humanity and the profound influences of the women who crossed his path.
From tumultuous relationships with his mother to passionate entanglements with various women, including fellow artists and models, the book vividly illustrates the intersections of love, passion, and creativity in van Gogh's life. Meticulous research and rich storytelling explore the impact these women had on his art and emotional well-being.
The book challenges prevalent narratives, encouraging readers to reconsider their understanding of the artist. It raises intriguing possibilities about Vincent's search for love and its influence on his genius and perceived madness. Offering a fresh lens on van Gogh's life and art, the novel provides a compelling alternative to conventional interpretations. The author successfully humanizes van Gogh through the voices of the women who shaped him.
By correcting misunderstandings and giving the women in van Gogh’s life a voice, the novel achieves its mission. Each woman becomes vivid and familiar, deepening the reader's connection to van Gogh. The extensive research prevents the book from feeling overtly fictional, providing an interesting and immersive exploration of the renowned artist's life through the lens of those who influenced him.
January 2, 2024
This book was one of the most colorful and insightful historical fiction I have read.
I have studied Van Gogh while in University, read as much as I could find on his life as told by many historians so when I saw this book on NetGalley I thought it would be an interesting read. I was right.
Donna Russo Morin intricately winds the historical facts we know about Van Gogh, then broadens that story out with a wonderful story as told by his sister-in-law, of her observations and the role she played in a more personal part of Van Gogh’s life and times. Russo based much of this story on the letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. She was able to use his voice to craft her addition to his history. A welcome history indeed.
Questioning history, always looking at who wrote it, always knowing that whoever wrote that history is sharing it through their lens has always brought up the question - What do we really know about Van Gogh and his life except the history that has already been told by so many others?
Morin’s look and contribution to the addition and expansion to Van Gogh’s life is a welcome and interesting read. Van Gogh is still one of the most amazing painters in history, this book is more and an interesting walk along his path.
All opinions and observations are mine alone. Thank you to Next Chapter for sharing this ARC.
I have studied Van Gogh while in University, read as much as I could find on his life as told by many historians so when I saw this book on NetGalley I thought it would be an interesting read. I was right.
Donna Russo Morin intricately winds the historical facts we know about Van Gogh, then broadens that story out with a wonderful story as told by his sister-in-law, of her observations and the role she played in a more personal part of Van Gogh’s life and times. Russo based much of this story on the letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. She was able to use his voice to craft her addition to his history. A welcome history indeed.
Questioning history, always looking at who wrote it, always knowing that whoever wrote that history is sharing it through their lens has always brought up the question - What do we really know about Van Gogh and his life except the history that has already been told by so many others?
Morin’s look and contribution to the addition and expansion to Van Gogh’s life is a welcome and interesting read. Van Gogh is still one of the most amazing painters in history, this book is more and an interesting walk along his path.
All opinions and observations are mine alone. Thank you to Next Chapter for sharing this ARC.
May 8, 2024
Excellent! One of the best novels I have read in a long time! Recommend strongly, especially if you are a Van Gogh fan. 😀
March 1, 2024
I was drawn to this book by the premise the author put together his travels and tribulations primarily from the 1,000 letters he and his beloved brother wrote over their short lives. That is what drew me to the book and what kept me going was the life he led, the many sketches and paintings he produced and especially the fractured yet interesting relationships with women’s along his life journey.
Well written, intriguing, and cleverly researched book. Highly recommend!
It moves along with dialogue gleaned from the letters.
The book held up to the end. I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Well written, intriguing, and cleverly researched book. Highly recommend!
It moves along with dialogue gleaned from the letters.
The book held up to the end. I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
March 22, 2024
Thanks netgalley for a review copy.
As a dutchie I needed to request a review copy for this book, be cause Vincent is our national art hero.
If you love art, love history and love a book that does not feel like a "school history book" then I highly suggest you go and read this book!
I will for sure order a physical copy because this belong on my art book shelf!
As a dutchie I needed to request a review copy for this book, be cause Vincent is our national art hero.
If you love art, love history and love a book that does not feel like a "school history book" then I highly suggest you go and read this book!
I will for sure order a physical copy because this belong on my art book shelf!
October 20, 2023
Poor Vincent...to live with such anguish and torment interspersed with such high creativity....a see-saw life of deep lows and productive highs. All in an age where mental health was neither understood nor medicated in a successful way.
"Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh" by Donna Russo tells Vincent's life through the loves of his life. When all family, but his brother Theo, turned away from Vincent and his crazy ways, he came across various people who supported him for periods....romantically, emotionally and care wise.
Each person's story reads as a powerful one in its own right, but combined, the carried batten of Vincent, opened my eyes to possible descrencies in the currently thought history of his life. Was he self destructive in a physical sense.....or not?
The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. Jo was the keeper of Vincent's immense collection of paintings, sketches and letters.
Such an emotional story of Vincent's madness as lived by the loves throughout his life. Strongly evidenced by Donna's research of letters, forensics and documents, I am left wondering if only.......
I will look at each of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings with new eyes.
Thanks to NetGalley, Donna Russo and Next Chapter Magnum Opus for my copy.
"Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh" by Donna Russo tells Vincent's life through the loves of his life. When all family, but his brother Theo, turned away from Vincent and his crazy ways, he came across various people who supported him for periods....romantically, emotionally and care wise.
Each person's story reads as a powerful one in its own right, but combined, the carried batten of Vincent, opened my eyes to possible descrencies in the currently thought history of his life. Was he self destructive in a physical sense.....or not?
The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. Jo was the keeper of Vincent's immense collection of paintings, sketches and letters.
Such an emotional story of Vincent's madness as lived by the loves throughout his life. Strongly evidenced by Donna's research of letters, forensics and documents, I am left wondering if only.......
I will look at each of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings with new eyes.
Thanks to NetGalley, Donna Russo and Next Chapter Magnum Opus for my copy.
January 6, 2024
For years I have stared at Vincent van Gogh's paintings that are on my placemats and never knew his story. Vicnent's Women is an eye opener into a soul that is so open and pure that the world as it is scars him in ways that most of us will never understand.
I learned more about this painter while reading this book and truly enjoyed learning about him, his family and his life. Troubled though he was, he was also prolific in his art. Never assuming that he was a great painter made him even more prolific as he tried to master his techniques over and over again.
He loved deeply, but never felt that love returned from anyone other than his brother Theo. And Theo loved him deeply as well. Taking care of a genius is difficult but Theo does it as best as he can. The bond is unbreakable.
I enjoyed this book very much and learned an a lot about a painter that I did not know very well at all. Now I will go and enjoy his paintings with a new sense of the man behind the brush.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and leave this review for you.
I learned more about this painter while reading this book and truly enjoyed learning about him, his family and his life. Troubled though he was, he was also prolific in his art. Never assuming that he was a great painter made him even more prolific as he tried to master his techniques over and over again.
He loved deeply, but never felt that love returned from anyone other than his brother Theo. And Theo loved him deeply as well. Taking care of a genius is difficult but Theo does it as best as he can. The bond is unbreakable.
I enjoyed this book very much and learned an a lot about a painter that I did not know very well at all. Now I will go and enjoy his paintings with a new sense of the man behind the brush.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and leave this review for you.
May 15, 2024
Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh by Donna Russo takes you on a deep dive into the artist's mind. It's like stepping into Van Gogh's shoes, seeing the world through his eyes, and feeling what he felt.
Russo does a great job bringing to life the women who influenced Van Gogh. You get a peek into their lives and emotions, and how they shaped him as an artist.
The book is beautiful and heart-wrenching, with Russo's writing drawing you in from the start. It's clear she did her homework, making the story feel authentic and rich in detail.
Now, I'll be honest, it's a bit on the long side and can be a bit dense in parts. But trust me, it's worth sticking with. The ending, especially, is crafted in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
In a nutshell, if you're into historical fiction or just love a good art story, give Vincent's Women a go. It's a fascinating read that gives you a fresh perspective on Van Gogh's life.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Russo does a great job bringing to life the women who influenced Van Gogh. You get a peek into their lives and emotions, and how they shaped him as an artist.
The book is beautiful and heart-wrenching, with Russo's writing drawing you in from the start. It's clear she did her homework, making the story feel authentic and rich in detail.
Now, I'll be honest, it's a bit on the long side and can be a bit dense in parts. But trust me, it's worth sticking with. The ending, especially, is crafted in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
In a nutshell, if you're into historical fiction or just love a good art story, give Vincent's Women a go. It's a fascinating read that gives you a fresh perspective on Van Gogh's life.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
5 stats
This was beautiful and heartbreaking, and I know it's a fictionalized telling of Vicent Vangogh's life, but the masterful way this was written wraps you and makes you believe every single world.
I as many others, am a huge VV fan, and I feel comfort in his work so reading this (even if it's fiction) gave me more of that feeling plus made me love it more. Also made me appreciate Jo a lot more.
Overall, this book was fantastic, and it'll definitely have a place - on my shelves and - in my new favorites list.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking, and I know it's a fictionalized telling of Vicent Vangogh's life, but the masterful way this was written wraps you and makes you believe every single world.
I as many others, am a huge VV fan, and I feel comfort in his work so reading this (even if it's fiction) gave me more of that feeling plus made me love it more. Also made me appreciate Jo a lot more.
Overall, this book was fantastic, and it'll definitely have a place - on my shelves and - in my new favorites list.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
I have great doubts if there is anyone who can stop looking at the magical paintings like The Starry Night without feeling something stirred inside the heart. Although not widely appreciated during his lifetime, Vincent Van Gogh is now famous for the great vitality of his works which are characterised by expressive and emotive use of brilliant colour to create something mysterious.
This is my first Donna Russo and I picked this up just because it bears the name of an enigma, Vincent Van Gogh! And, I am happy that I started reading this amazing book.
The author has done extensive research based on various forensic records and correspondence between the artist and his friends/family, especially with his brother Theo. The fictionalized version where the story is told by Van Gogh's sister-in-law- Johanna, is very compelling and interesting. The most interesting part for me was the moment when the artist chose himself to be known as only Vincent!
The book deals mostly with the women in the unlucky soul's life and how they shaped his thoughts, life and art. His early relationship with his mother wasn't a very smooth one and in later life he always held his heart in his sleeves and got entangled in various passionate relationships.
Not getting enough attention or recognition in his life has in fact pushed the painter towards more ingenuity. He ended up creating over 2000 paintings in around a decade, what a talent!
I am absolutely obsessed with this artist and can't recommend this book enough. A solid five stars from me.
Thank you @netgalley @authordonnarusso for this ARC.
This book is available from next week, to be precise from 26th March on the both online and offline bookstores.
This is my first Donna Russo and I picked this up just because it bears the name of an enigma, Vincent Van Gogh! And, I am happy that I started reading this amazing book.
The author has done extensive research based on various forensic records and correspondence between the artist and his friends/family, especially with his brother Theo. The fictionalized version where the story is told by Van Gogh's sister-in-law- Johanna, is very compelling and interesting. The most interesting part for me was the moment when the artist chose himself to be known as only Vincent!
The book deals mostly with the women in the unlucky soul's life and how they shaped his thoughts, life and art. His early relationship with his mother wasn't a very smooth one and in later life he always held his heart in his sleeves and got entangled in various passionate relationships.
Not getting enough attention or recognition in his life has in fact pushed the painter towards more ingenuity. He ended up creating over 2000 paintings in around a decade, what a talent!
I am absolutely obsessed with this artist and can't recommend this book enough. A solid five stars from me.
Thank you @netgalley @authordonnarusso for this ARC.
This book is available from next week, to be precise from 26th March on the both online and offline bookstores.
April 19, 2024
I loved this account of van Gogh's life through the eyes of his sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh Bonger. The complexities of the artist's life and the myths surrounding him are all explored by Russo; including the women he was involved with and how they shaped his craft and his life. 5 Stars.
Thank you to Magnum Opus and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book.
Thank you to Magnum Opus and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book.
November 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful book about a fascinating yet tortured artist.
I love it! It's compelling, and I learned a great deal about Van Gogh's life.
This is a wonderful book about a fascinating yet tortured artist.
I love it! It's compelling, and I learned a great deal about Van Gogh's life.
March 21, 2024
This work of fiction tells the story of Vincent Van Gogh and the women in this life, one of them being Johanna van Gogh Bonger, his sister-in-law who guides the story.
I love this artist’s work and have been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and so I was very intrigued when I learned about this novel. There have been numerous stories and rumors as to why he cut off his ear, committed suicide and his mental health difficulties. I found this book gave me a new perspective on his life and while the book is fiction, the book contains authentic letters between Vincent and his brother. If you have any interest in Van Gogh’s works and his life, I recommend picking this book up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Next Chapter for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I love this artist’s work and have been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and so I was very intrigued when I learned about this novel. There have been numerous stories and rumors as to why he cut off his ear, committed suicide and his mental health difficulties. I found this book gave me a new perspective on his life and while the book is fiction, the book contains authentic letters between Vincent and his brother. If you have any interest in Van Gogh’s works and his life, I recommend picking this book up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Next Chapter for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
Donna Russo brings to life and gives a voice to the women who shared the short and troubled life of Vincent Van Gogh. Based on the letters sent between Vincent and his brother Theo along with letters they received from other artists and people that were translated and collated by his sister in law Johanna van Gogh- Bonger they give some alternative theories to the artist's life and death.
Well researched and beautifully written.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh.
Well researched and beautifully written.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh.
January 6, 2025
this book brought a unique perspective of van Gogh's life. I loved that it didn't put an emphasis on his works, if you didn't know them you wouldn't realize which famous work was mentioned. I also liked that it brought to life the truth about so many rumors about his ear, his death. I thought it was very well written, it made me want to read the letters between the brothers.
February 21, 2024
The story of the very troubled Vincent van Gogh and the women who sympathized with him and tried to help him. Among the women were his brother's wife and the nun who helped nurse him at the asylum.
June 18, 2024
A very good telling of the life story of Vincent Van Gogh. Starting from his childhood going through to his death. It focus on the story through the women in his life. With his sister-sin-law telling the story to his nephew as a framing device.
May 26, 2024
This was a great historical fiction read! I enjoy learning about Vincent Van Gogh. Plenty of his history and art enthrals me. This heartbreaking tale was a different take and theory on his life. It kept me engaged and was artfully written.
August 28, 2024
I've read a lot about Vincent, but this book is fascinating and given me the best insight into this brilliant, mysterious artists life and mind.
January 29, 2024
Vincent's Women" delves into the overlooked relationships that shaped Vincent van Gogh's life. With meticulous research and beautiful storytelling, Russo unveils the untold stories of the women who influenced one of history's most famous artists.
Combining historical facts with creative storytelling, the author brings van Gogh's female companions to life. From his supportive sister-in-law Jo Bonger to the mysterious Rachel, each character is vividly portrayed, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape that inspired the artist. The book humanizes van Gogh, going beyond the image of the tortured artist. It explores how love and companionship impacted his artistry, allowing readers to connect with him on a more personal level.
This book provided me with everything that I look to for a historical fiction book about an artist that I so deeply loved growing up. I think it's interesting to provide context to women in history that allowed these famous men to be who they are.
Combining historical facts with creative storytelling, the author brings van Gogh's female companions to life. From his supportive sister-in-law Jo Bonger to the mysterious Rachel, each character is vividly portrayed, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape that inspired the artist. The book humanizes van Gogh, going beyond the image of the tortured artist. It explores how love and companionship impacted his artistry, allowing readers to connect with him on a more personal level.
This book provided me with everything that I look to for a historical fiction book about an artist that I so deeply loved growing up. I think it's interesting to provide context to women in history that allowed these famous men to be who they are.
June 28, 2025
Chapters became a bit drawn out toward end of the book. Some unnecessary writing. However, learned a bit more than I already knew of Van Gogh.
September 19, 2023
There are so many myths and misconceptions about the life of Vincent van Gogh, arguably one of the world’s most influential figures in the history of Western art.
A prolific post-Impressionist artist, he created over 2,000 artworks in just over a decade, including landscapes, still lifes, portraits and self-portraits. His bold colours and dramatic brushstrokes using thick slabs of paint have hugely influenced modern art. And yet, there are so many falsehoods and misunderstandings about his short and tragic life.
But how do we separate the myths from the realities? In ‘Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh’, Donna Russo seeks to provide an alternative narrative. She describes the women who came into his life and influenced his art, his family and friendships, his physical and mental health, and ultimately, his death.
A meticulously researched work of historical fiction, Russo’s story is based on the hundreds of letters preserved between Vincent van Gogh and his brother, Theo and the diaries and correspondence of Theo’s wife, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.
Thoughtfully narrated by Johanna to her son, Willem, she chronicles Vincent’s erratic life. This includes, in the early days, his time in London from 1873 to 1874, where he lodged in Brixton with Ursula Loyer and her daughter, Eugenie, with whom he fell in love. Sadly, this love was unrequited, as Eugenie was already betrothed to another, a former lodger. While Vincent desperately tried to get her to break her engagement, he was unsuccessful.
This first rejection forges the path of Vincent’s ultimate destruction as he meets other women along the way who will each have a major part to play in his short life. These include his first cousin Cornelia ‘Kee’ Stricker, pregnant prostitute Classina ‘Sien’ Hoornik, and troubled family neighbour to his parents in Nuenen in the Netherlands, Margaretha ‘Margot.’
When van Gogh’s mental health takes yet another turn for the worse, Sister Epiphany, the Mother Superior of the cloister at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Asylum in Provence, provides compassionate help during his stay there. Arguably, hers is one of the most important, who seems to have an innate understanding of the help he needs. Despite van Gogh’s severe struggles with his inner demons, he is at his most productive in and around the grounds of the asylum, producing around 150 paintings, including the wonderful Almond Blossom (one of my favourites). His final connection is with Marguerite Gachet, daughter of Dr. Paul Gachet in Auvers-sur-Oise, where he found some brief respite from his mental torment until he tragically committed suicide in July 1890 after a gunshot wound to his stomach.
When all is said and done, it is Vincent’s sister-in-law Johanna who plays the most significant role in his life, ensuring that van Gogh’s incredible talent is recognised by the entire world. After her husband Theo’s death, just a few months after Vincent’s suicide, Johanna was determined to establish van Gogh’s importance as an artist and to make known Theo's significant role in supporting his life’s work.
Despite her lack of experience in art and being dismissed by the art establishment, Johanna worked tirelessly to convince powerful art critics and the public that van Gogh was an artistic genius. Against all the odds, she succeeded, and finally, only in recent years, has she been recognised as the driving force behind opening a worldwide audience’s eyes to van Gogh’s brilliance.
Vincent’s Women provides a fascinating insight into Vincent van Gogh’s troubled and tortured life, offering a unique perspective that challenges some of the inaccuracies and misperceptions about the state of van Gogh’s fragile mental health, his infamous self-inflicted ear injury and the circumstances leading up to his death.
It is an enjoyable read, although it is not a unique subject matter, as several books have been published focusing on Johanna’s contribution to van Gogh’s legacy. However, in my opinion, this one is far superior to Marta Molnar’s The Secret Life of Sunflowers, which attempts unsuccessfully to combine van Gogh’s life with a fictitious contemporary character in a future timeline.
A solid 3.5-star read from me for this thoughtful interpretation of Vincent van Gogh’s life, loves and legacy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Donna Russo for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a totally honest and unbiased review!
Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh by Donna Russo will be published on 26 March 2024 by Next Chapter.
A prolific post-Impressionist artist, he created over 2,000 artworks in just over a decade, including landscapes, still lifes, portraits and self-portraits. His bold colours and dramatic brushstrokes using thick slabs of paint have hugely influenced modern art. And yet, there are so many falsehoods and misunderstandings about his short and tragic life.
But how do we separate the myths from the realities? In ‘Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh’, Donna Russo seeks to provide an alternative narrative. She describes the women who came into his life and influenced his art, his family and friendships, his physical and mental health, and ultimately, his death.
A meticulously researched work of historical fiction, Russo’s story is based on the hundreds of letters preserved between Vincent van Gogh and his brother, Theo and the diaries and correspondence of Theo’s wife, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.
Thoughtfully narrated by Johanna to her son, Willem, she chronicles Vincent’s erratic life. This includes, in the early days, his time in London from 1873 to 1874, where he lodged in Brixton with Ursula Loyer and her daughter, Eugenie, with whom he fell in love. Sadly, this love was unrequited, as Eugenie was already betrothed to another, a former lodger. While Vincent desperately tried to get her to break her engagement, he was unsuccessful.
This first rejection forges the path of Vincent’s ultimate destruction as he meets other women along the way who will each have a major part to play in his short life. These include his first cousin Cornelia ‘Kee’ Stricker, pregnant prostitute Classina ‘Sien’ Hoornik, and troubled family neighbour to his parents in Nuenen in the Netherlands, Margaretha ‘Margot.’
When van Gogh’s mental health takes yet another turn for the worse, Sister Epiphany, the Mother Superior of the cloister at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Asylum in Provence, provides compassionate help during his stay there. Arguably, hers is one of the most important, who seems to have an innate understanding of the help he needs. Despite van Gogh’s severe struggles with his inner demons, he is at his most productive in and around the grounds of the asylum, producing around 150 paintings, including the wonderful Almond Blossom (one of my favourites). His final connection is with Marguerite Gachet, daughter of Dr. Paul Gachet in Auvers-sur-Oise, where he found some brief respite from his mental torment until he tragically committed suicide in July 1890 after a gunshot wound to his stomach.
When all is said and done, it is Vincent’s sister-in-law Johanna who plays the most significant role in his life, ensuring that van Gogh’s incredible talent is recognised by the entire world. After her husband Theo’s death, just a few months after Vincent’s suicide, Johanna was determined to establish van Gogh’s importance as an artist and to make known Theo's significant role in supporting his life’s work.
Despite her lack of experience in art and being dismissed by the art establishment, Johanna worked tirelessly to convince powerful art critics and the public that van Gogh was an artistic genius. Against all the odds, she succeeded, and finally, only in recent years, has she been recognised as the driving force behind opening a worldwide audience’s eyes to van Gogh’s brilliance.
Vincent’s Women provides a fascinating insight into Vincent van Gogh’s troubled and tortured life, offering a unique perspective that challenges some of the inaccuracies and misperceptions about the state of van Gogh’s fragile mental health, his infamous self-inflicted ear injury and the circumstances leading up to his death.
It is an enjoyable read, although it is not a unique subject matter, as several books have been published focusing on Johanna’s contribution to van Gogh’s legacy. However, in my opinion, this one is far superior to Marta Molnar’s The Secret Life of Sunflowers, which attempts unsuccessfully to combine van Gogh’s life with a fictitious contemporary character in a future timeline.
A solid 3.5-star read from me for this thoughtful interpretation of Vincent van Gogh’s life, loves and legacy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Donna Russo for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a totally honest and unbiased review!
Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh by Donna Russo will be published on 26 March 2024 by Next Chapter.
June 21, 2024
Tragic and heartbreaking just as history has documented Vincent's life.
The writing style is interesting and keeps the reader engaged.
A heavy read.
The writing style is interesting and keeps the reader engaged.
A heavy read.
January 20, 2024
Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent Van Gogh - Donna Russo
3 .5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Having loved the works of Vincent Van Gogh since studying him in school this book caught my eye straight away in NetGalley.
This was an interesting read with fiction bringing even more drama to the already spectacular and haunted life of Vincent Van Gogh.
I like how his works and paintings were woven into the literature, it gave them even more of a story to that we already know. The agony and trauma that Van Gogh went through was really emphasised and you could feel the pain as you went on this journey with a man who was so clearly struggling mentally but had to fight against some of the biggest hurdles. You kept willing that one of these women would eventually pull him from his darkness and you kept yearning for him to get the help he so desperately needed. The inclusion of Gaughin was also clever, but can’t go into more without spoiling.
For me I just didn’t gel with the writing style. I found it read as if you were just reading the research notes at times rather than a story where the narrative should flow more freely and not be as stilted. That being said, the writing style might be a joy for others and shouldn’t take away from the fact this was an entertaining piece of work from Donna Russo and would be a good gateway for someone to read if they want an overview to Vincent’s life and struggles.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing the chance to read this work early.
3 .5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Having loved the works of Vincent Van Gogh since studying him in school this book caught my eye straight away in NetGalley.
This was an interesting read with fiction bringing even more drama to the already spectacular and haunted life of Vincent Van Gogh.
I like how his works and paintings were woven into the literature, it gave them even more of a story to that we already know. The agony and trauma that Van Gogh went through was really emphasised and you could feel the pain as you went on this journey with a man who was so clearly struggling mentally but had to fight against some of the biggest hurdles. You kept willing that one of these women would eventually pull him from his darkness and you kept yearning for him to get the help he so desperately needed. The inclusion of Gaughin was also clever, but can’t go into more without spoiling.
For me I just didn’t gel with the writing style. I found it read as if you were just reading the research notes at times rather than a story where the narrative should flow more freely and not be as stilted. That being said, the writing style might be a joy for others and shouldn’t take away from the fact this was an entertaining piece of work from Donna Russo and would be a good gateway for someone to read if they want an overview to Vincent’s life and struggles.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing the chance to read this work early.
January 14, 2024
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley, Next Chapter, and Magnum Opus for gifting me this book in exchange for review.
Donna Russo’s book, as indicated by its title is a historical narrative of Vincent Van Gogh’s life through extensive study of the letters, journals, news and magazine articles of the artist and his family, friends, and peers. Russo’s talent in her writing is not only marked by her extensive research, but her ability to transform letters into a fine illustration of life, told primarily through the relationships he maintained with women in his life. Beginning with the fractured and dysfunctional relationship with his mother, to his similar love life in his adulthood. The overarching narrative technique of this book employs Jo, his sister-in-law’s collection of letters, journals, and artworks, relaying her knowledge of Vincent’s life to her son, Van Gogh’s nephew Willem. The strong mother-son relationship that the narrative depends upon is cast against the loneliness of Vincent’s life emphasising its tragedy to the reader.
Russo’s narrative of Vincent’s life is historical fiction at its finest, using its primary sources and cross-examining them, using our narrator (Jo) as a way to provide evidence to cast doubt, highlight inconsistencies, or imply alternatives, without damaging her emotive and engaging prose. Additionally, her choice of voicing and exploring his relationships with women, which were often volatile and short-lived creates not only an affinity with Vincent, but the volatile and difficult lives of women like Sien, Margot, but also the angelic Sister Epiphany and Jo’s complex balance between caring for her brother-in-law along and her own son. Russo’s work is phenomenal in the illustration of his life, and understandably makes a mark on the heart of the reader.
Donna Russo’s book, as indicated by its title is a historical narrative of Vincent Van Gogh’s life through extensive study of the letters, journals, news and magazine articles of the artist and his family, friends, and peers. Russo’s talent in her writing is not only marked by her extensive research, but her ability to transform letters into a fine illustration of life, told primarily through the relationships he maintained with women in his life. Beginning with the fractured and dysfunctional relationship with his mother, to his similar love life in his adulthood. The overarching narrative technique of this book employs Jo, his sister-in-law’s collection of letters, journals, and artworks, relaying her knowledge of Vincent’s life to her son, Van Gogh’s nephew Willem. The strong mother-son relationship that the narrative depends upon is cast against the loneliness of Vincent’s life emphasising its tragedy to the reader.
Russo’s narrative of Vincent’s life is historical fiction at its finest, using its primary sources and cross-examining them, using our narrator (Jo) as a way to provide evidence to cast doubt, highlight inconsistencies, or imply alternatives, without damaging her emotive and engaging prose. Additionally, her choice of voicing and exploring his relationships with women, which were often volatile and short-lived creates not only an affinity with Vincent, but the volatile and difficult lives of women like Sien, Margot, but also the angelic Sister Epiphany and Jo’s complex balance between caring for her brother-in-law along and her own son. Russo’s work is phenomenal in the illustration of his life, and understandably makes a mark on the heart of the reader.
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