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zoejjj's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
While I did tear up at multiple points, reading Vincent died in Theo’s arms. Theo died alone had me crying in the living room surrounded by my family. I didn’t even realize how attached to Vincent and Theo I had gotten until right then.
Although Vincent’s life was overall very tragic, this book never reads as tragedy porn. Vincent’s (and Theo’s!) life is described as having moments of joy, being worth living even if it was hard. It was hopeful. His life was hopeful!! He pointed hundred of paintings about being happy!!
Finding out that Almond Blossoms was for Vincent’s godson also made me really emotional for some reasons.
Although Vincent’s life was overall very tragic, this book never reads as tragedy porn. Vincent’s (and Theo’s!) life is described as having moments of joy, being worth living even if it was hard. It was hopeful. His life was hopeful!! He pointed hundred of paintings about being happy!!
Finding out that Almond Blossoms was for Vincent’s godson also made me really emotional for some reasons.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Confinement
roseleaf24's review
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
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 against another edition
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
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
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
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.