A review by heathero621
The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law by Marta Molnar

emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This is a historical fiction novel about Van Gogh's SIL Johanna and how she is trying to get Van Gogh's work recognized to a wider audience.  There is another storyline set in current times about an auctioneer, whose grandmother had Johanna's diary in her possession.  I only thought that the book was so-so.  I didn't really get the connection between the two women until the end.  I thought that it would've been stronger if it was just Johanna's story.  Emsley's story didn't seem to fit.  I wanted to know more about Johanna and I would've loved more about Vincent Van Gogh, but there really wasn't that much.