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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely touching story of these two brothers, and of a man and his family trying to navigate the challenges of brilliance and mental illness. This background brings so much to my viewing of Van Gogh's work. I appreciated the balanced approach to the two well-known, but questionable events: his ear, and his death.
skorned's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.5
I was really engaged by how Heiligman manages to bring the lives of Theo and Vincent Van Gogh alive, so much so that I found myself deeply invested and emotional toward the end of the book. I normally struggle to read nonfiction, but I read this in a day.
amu_pdf's review
3.0
I love Vincent Van Gogh. It was very interesting to read about his life through the view of his letters with Theo. It was nice to learn about how Theo took care of Vincent through his mental illness instead of letting him fend for himself. Both of the boys definitely fell in love way too easily (which is honestly relatable). I felt like every other chapter they were in love with new girls. It was a nice read and I would recommend it if you also love Vincent Van Gogh
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
3.0
There's a fascinating story here, but unfortunately it's about a third too long. Heiligman does her research, but that depth of research--particularly the letters between the brothers--can dominate the narrative and the forest gets lost at times due to the focus on the trees. It also doesn't help that Vincent Van Gogh is such an unlikeable person for so much of his life--whiny, entitled, self-centered. Still, the relationship between the brothers makes for a compelling read, just one that would be better served in a book 150 pages shorter.
servemethesky's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.5
I did not expect a 400 page nonfiction book about Vincent van Gogh would be such a quick read! I also didn't realize that this is technically YA. The writing style is a little simplistic and dramatic at times, but I appreciated the super short chapters. I flew through this and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved learning about the relationship between Vincent and his brother Theo, though it seems like it was somewhat romanticized.
I was a little frustrated with some of the author's word choices at times. She should've been saying "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide" and her use of "prostitute" felt jarring instead of "sex worker." Not sure if that's a product of it being published in 2017 or what.
I wouldn't say this is the BEST reported, most journalistic work of nonfiction ever. Definitely take it with a grain of salt when you read it. But it was moving and heartbreaking and inspiring nonetheless.
I was a little frustrated with some of the author's word choices at times. She should've been saying "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide" and her use of "prostitute" felt jarring instead of "sex worker." Not sure if that's a product of it being published in 2017 or what.
I wouldn't say this is the BEST reported, most journalistic work of nonfiction ever. Definitely take it with a grain of salt when you read it. But it was moving and heartbreaking and inspiring nonetheless.
ominouslilraven's review against another edition
4.0
I am a huge van Gogh fan, I love learning about him. My house is FILLED with his art and books about him, so perhaps I'm biased. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because I reserve 5 stars ratings for books that really sweep me off my feet.
This book was a really great insightful read. It truly focuses on the relationship Theo and Vincent developed, which is wonderful considering most works either just dissect their correspondence, noting their brotherly love for each other, or focuses on Vincent's mental health. I appreciated the hardship of their relationship being brought to light. Honestly, I loved being able to learn more about Theo through this read.
This book was a really great insightful read. It truly focuses on the relationship Theo and Vincent developed, which is wonderful considering most works either just dissect their correspondence, noting their brotherly love for each other, or focuses on Vincent's mental health. I appreciated the hardship of their relationship being brought to light. Honestly, I loved being able to learn more about Theo through this read.
shiroxix's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.0
The narration style in this book was extremely simplistic sometimes bordering on the childish, but the content and the story within was delightful and well-researched.
I very much enjoyed this book and the additions of speculation the author added. The illustrations throughout were also an excellent touch. It's a nice physical copy.
I very much enjoyed this book and the additions of speculation the author added. The illustrations throughout were also an excellent touch. It's a nice physical copy.
iliyenzio's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
It was interesting to learn about both Van Goghs. I just wish there was more information provided. It felt a bit light.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
5.0
Magnificent bio of the Van Gogh brothers arranged “as if you are walking through a museum show of their lives – a collection of paintings, drawings, and sketches.” See my full review here.