The Last Starry Night: Vincent Van Gogh

by Jamison Odone

After his release from the Saint-Paul asylum in 1890, Vincent Van Gogh wandered the French countryside before stumbling on the Auberge Ravoux, a quaint little inn in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Although still plagued by mental illness, he found some peace there among his adoptive family, painting over 75 works of art in just three months.

A 132-page color graphic novel by Jamison Odone, based on the first-hand account of Adeline Ravoux, the innerkeeper’s daughter, with whom Vincent shared a special bond.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Art, Biography, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics, History

134 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

I am an author of children's books and graphic novels. What a funny thing to say--I still feel like a kid just scraping around this planet trying to figure everything out. Perhaps that feeling is what keeps me curious enough to write, to draw, to hopefully entertain.

For me, creation is a daily struggle. It has never come easy but I will never stop trying. So long as there is oil in my lamp and ink in my pen--you'll find me in a poorly lit room, hacking away the hours, deep into the night.


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Reviews

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moving graphic novel tells the story of the last months of van Gogh’s life, mainly his time in Auvers-sur-Oise. It’s gorgeously drawn—I frequently lost myself in the exquisite hatching—but it’s the poignancy of those last days as well, how sensitively van Gogh’s struggles are handled on the page. And in the midst of those struggles, a happy note, because van Gogh found a little peace here and there with the family of our interlocutor Adeline Ravoux, on whose account this novel is based.

So, come for the story of the brilliant artist who famously cut off his own ear in the middle of an ‘episode’; stay for this beautiful portrayal of this last period of his life.

Many thanks to Black Panel Press and to Edelweiss for early access to a DRC.

[Jesse | jessereviewsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As cliche as it is, Vincent Van Gogh is probably my favorite artist (and Starry Night is definitely my favorite painting of all time). So when I saw that there was a graphic novel about Van Gogh I was excited to read it. This graphic novel focuses on the final days of Van Gogh as he rents a room from a family and forms bonds with them while he paints and paints and paints. Based on his life and letters that he wrote his family, this isn't so much a biography, but more of a slice-of-life piece that shows some humor mixed with some emotional depth. The art was very nice and I liked seeing hints of other works sprinkled throughout (some of his paintings and allusions to Dante's Inferno). My only complaint is that some of text (dialogue that wasn't in a text bubble) was a little hard to read against the backdrop. Otherwise, this was a nice little graphic novel that I think anyone who likes Van Gogh would enjoy.

[Rachael Fryman]

This graphic novel biography reflects the last years of Van Gogh's life from his admission to an asylum to his death. The art style and use of Van Gogh's own words really humanizes this larger than life historical figure and it was truly heart-breaking to get a glimpse of the battles he fought throughout his life that may have ultimately lead to his untimely death.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, funny, heart-wrenching, relatable, sweet, informative

[Josh]

"Ultimately, The Man in the Painter’s Room is a eulogy of Van Gogh’s life and legacy. A simple man who battled his own demons for much of his life, his artistic legacy continues to hold sway. Odone makes sure to recognize the impact that Van Gogh had on his contemporaries and those that followed. The book plays out more as a slice-of-life than true biography, but in balancing subtle humor with the beauty and tragedy of its subject, Odone’s tribute to a famous artist is well worth the read."

Full review at: https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/202...

[Nicole Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful but somewhat sad graphic novel about Vincent Van Gogh and the end of his life.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful graphic novel depiction of the last few moments of Van Gogh's life. HIGHLY recommend.

[Jaclyn Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that van Gogh is my favorite, and this was a beautiful tribute to his life.

[Kwhitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is something to be said about the artist who can convey his feelings and emotions through his work. Those who can express their inner-most sorrow and fear as a sort of release from the torments of their reality. They can splash the canvas with as much darkness as is needed to heal their wounds. There is something more to be said about the artist who feels those same pains, but who chooses to splash the canvas with light."

Such a tender portrayal of Vincent Van Gough and his final days. While I knew the story, I came to appreciate it on a more human level through this warm and touching depiction. Very accessible. The artwork moved the story forward, similar to the movement in Van Gough's artwork. I loved the little poignant touches, like a single flower or a single sheep. I loved witnessing his found family toward the end of this life...it was comforting to see his life at the Auberge Ravoux and his interactions with the family and other tenants. I'm always impressed by the ability of a graphic novel to convey so much through so few words and through the movement of the panels. It's really a great artform and this book touched my heart.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Starry Night, by Jamison Odone, is a biography in graphic novel form and depicts the last days of Vincent Van Gogh spent at Auberge Ravoux in the French countryside after his release from the Asylum in 1890 until his suicide several months later. Through vibrant pictures and sparse dialogue, he manages to convey Van Gogh’s continued struggles with mental illness during a very creative period in which he completed over 75 paintings. Odone is both author and artist and, with this book, he has created a poignant, moving, and quietly beautiful homage to the brilliant but troubled painter. This graphic novel is aimed at a middle grade audience but it can be appreciated by anyone regardless of age who is interested in Van Gogh’s life and art.

I received a copy of this graphic novel from Edelweiss+ and the publishers in exchange for an honest review

[M.A. Dubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous visuals and art in this telling of Van Gogh's last days leading up to his death. I enjoyed how the book's art reflected the style Van Gogh created. I also appreciated the respectful tone discussing his struggle with mental health, his strained relationships, and his death by suicide. The book throughout has a solemn and reverent mood and is never exploitative. I only wish the book could have been longer and learned even more about Vincent. I especially appreciated the excerpts from his letters; it really gave him a voice and his hopeful state of mind.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between his release from the Saint-Paul asylum and his death, Vincent Van Gogh rented a room in Auberge Ravoux, a charming family-run inn in Auvers-sur-Oise. Although he was still quite mentally ill, he created some beautiful works and bonded with the family that ran Auberge Ravoux. Through lovely primary source documents and impeccable, incredible, and moving artwork, Jamison Odone conveys these final days in Van Gogh's life brilliantly.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and sensitively written with excellent and relevant artwork. This great graphic novel tells the story of Vincent van Gogh's last days through art and simple words.
The sources for this story are known to me, as they probably are to anyone who loves van Gogh, but the way there were used to craft this book was exceptional (they are refenced too, which I really respect).

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and gentle portrayal of a famously mentally ill artist. The author really focuses on the love, community, and connection of Van Gogh in a refreshing (and touching) perspective of this great painter. The art is lovely and the humor sprinkled in just adds to the humanity of his biography.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Starry Night: Vincent Van Gogh, Jamison Odone
Tender, touching, heartfelt and humorous account of the beautiful soul who was like a small boat in a tumultuous storm. "You know how much I loved him and can imagine how much I wept.." ****

[J MaK · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.4) The art in this chronicles a connection between Van Gogh’s creativity and mental illness, which is beautiful yet gut wrenching (even when told through the eyes of a child). I’m amazed by how he was able to transform his emotional turmoil into artwork that has transcended time.

[Stephen Tizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book about Van Gogh’s time after leaving Saint-Paul asylum. A time in the French countryside where he painted 75 works in the three months before his death. I would love to see this book lengthened or a prequel done. I didn’t want it to end. 💙

[Asteppaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to Van Gogh's life.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and incredible illustrations! Loved getting this portrait into a season of VanGogh's life and enjoying the visuals.

[Eduarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamison Odone's art is absolutely amazing. Every detail captures our eyes to the point of feeling the need to look closer and turning pages back and forward.

[KMT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. An intimate and thoughtful recollection of a few years in Van Gogh's life. The art style is relatively unusual but a good match for the story.

[Matthew Noe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adapting van Gogh's paintings into comics is no easy task, but Odone does a beautiful job of it

[Zach H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Van Gogh, and this book showed what he experienced, instead of telling it. Great book.

[Amber Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic novel biography

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic novel based on first-hand account of Adeline Ravoux. Highlights Vincent's mental health.

[Matthew Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork, simple yet moving story.

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of the artwork.

[Shalee Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and had me full on crying by the end. 💛

[Samantha Iadanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sad.