Mrs Van Gogh: The breathtaking historical novel inspired by the true story of the woman who made Van Gogh famous

Product Information

Mrs. Van Gogh reimagines the life of Johanna Gezina Bonger, a woman, who cared about Vincent van Gogh’s talent and did everything possible that his work wouldn’t be forgotten.

Everything about Johanna's story is astoundingly beautiful and hers is a story that needed to be told, a voice that deserved to be heard"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A beautifully done historical novel, it was so well written and did everything that I was hoping for"⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A beautifully written historical novel... a b Shorto, Russell (18 April 2021). "The Woman Who Made van Gogh". New York Times Magazine. pp.40–49. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 1 October 2022. I’m at a loss for words. I’ve stepped into a world where madness and art seem to hold hands to dance. I’m not sure I know how to exist here.’For Johanna, the chance to spend time in Paris, amongst the up and coming artists, and especially the female artists was a wonderful opportunity that she grasped with both hands. Outspoken and not afraid to say and do exactly what she thought, she soon became part of the Paris scene. Visiting clubs and bars where she saw sights that she couldn't have imagined and met people who inspired and excited her. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger: Unseen Champion of Vincent van Gogh Princeton University news accessed 14 October 2022

This revelation may put you off reading Mrs Van Gogh - don’t let it. Because despite this what Carline does is give Johanna a voice and her fictional account is entertaining and believable. She makes it so with vivid descriptions of late 19th century Paris and populates her novel with, for the most part, real people and excellent characterizations. The couple married in Amsterdam in April 1889, setting up home in Paris, and in January 1890 they had a son, whom they named Vincent after the artist. It was to be a tragically brief life together, with their happiness initially overshadowed by the disaster of the ear incident. However, young Johanna, with a determination of steel ensured that eventually, everyone in the world would appreciate Vincent''s talent. Johanna is a very admirable character. She is an intellectual. She loves reading novels and has a passion for art. She is a very strong-willed woman and is determined to live her life according to her own terms. I loved her romance with her husband, Theo. It was a very sweet relationship. I also admired her friendship with her brother-in-law, Vincent. She emphasizes with him as he makes his descent into madness. However, she sees his talent and potential for greatness. Thus, her relationship with the Van Goh brothers was the best aspect of this novel. If it takes until my very last breath, one day, every single artist, art lover and art critic in the world will know the name Vincent van Gogh.’ He laughs. ‘You’re as mad as the earless painter.’

Browse members by letter

The sense of time and place is superb. Most of the novel is set in Paris where Johanna lives and goes to protect the art. I was surprised and saddned to learn of why Van Gogh might have cut off his ear, the struggles women had at the time and the mental anguish that he was so obviously suffering from. But twenty-eight year old Johanna Van Gogh-Bonger, Vincent’s sister-in-law and the keeper of his immense collection of paintings, sketches and letters, has, until now, been written out of history. This beautiful, moving novel finally gives this extraordinary woman a voice… Praise for Mrs Van Gogh: While there is no definitive diagnosis of what was wrong with Vincent, he seemed to be manically depressed, had psychotic episodes and probably had syphilis as well, as sex at brothels was widely undertaken in those heady days ..... ultimately this was the under lying cause of Jo's husbands spiral into madness. Even historical fiction necessitates some semblance of truth behind the story. I seriously question the author’s motives in writing this book. Other than trading on the name of a long dead famous artist this book has no merit. Paris is very different and far more licentious than Johanna's Dutch upbringing so it was interesting to see her becoming accustomed to the extra freedoms she could experience in France, yet still being extremely aware of how strictly her life is still curtailed by her gender. Meeting characters such as Camille Claudel, a highly talented sculptor in her own right, yet always defined by her being Rodin's lover, accentuated what Jihanna was beginning to understand for herself.