Vincent & Theo

I am in love with this book.

I am in love with this book, with this story. I have seen movies about Vincent Van Gogh, but the details and insight this book provides put me in awe of him; I never knew what a generally good, deeply caring person he was. His devoted brother, Theo, how he diligently supported Vincent, and believed in him, in spite of so many setbacks and worries, moves me so. All my adult life I have had a particular favorite book. At age 51, that has changed. This is my favorite book.

6 people found this helpful

I could hardly hit the pause button.

maybe it is just me but I felt encapsulated by the love between two brothers in this incredible reveal of the intimate life of Vincent Van Gogh. we live in a time of such media overload that it is difficult to feel like we can make an impact on this world but this story has helped me see that this is no new problem. I only wish that I could emulate this type of artistic dedication with such skill as he did. I am glad to know this story and you will be too

11 people found this helpful

story and speaker kept me engaged throughout

One of the more interesting Van Gogh books. it followed the two brothers from childhood to death. it also highlighted the importance of Johanna Van Gogh as wife and sister-in-law. thank you for a good listen!

9 people found this helpful

Paintings through words

The story was simple and lovely. When I had only a few minutes to listen, a full chapter could be enjoyed! Phil Fox did excellent narration with his accent and rhythm. I will be listening to this book more than once.

2 people found this helpful

EXCELLENT PORTRAYAL OF THE VAN GOGH BROTHERS..

I couldn’t wait to purchase this book as well as the audible part. First there’s not a lot in here I didn’t know from my past readings on Vincent Van Gogh..but I really didn’t know Theo at all or how he was as sickly as death! For 3 nights I read & listened and literally when I fell asleep, my inside alarm clock kept waking me to finish..this went on for about 3 nights! I thought I’d go crazy! I’m thrilled with all the paintings, drawings and info on when each one was done! At the end we get to see a selection of his paintings and since I’m an artist I was thrilled! It just makes me want to purchase the hardcover NOW...At times I felt I was comparing it to Kirk Douglas, well how can you not? The movie was good but there’s nothing like his real life!

My next plan is to finish another Van Gogh book and then re read and listen again, becuz it’s one of those books u need to many times..I’m thrilled it’s mine & NOT borrowed 👊👊 Excellent research by the author too with pages of when each drawing was done while he was dead broke and when each painting was done, more or less very depressed..you’ll have to find out the controversy re: his ear...that I never heard.

As far as the author, Phil Fox had a great voice with wonderful pronunciations, but there was just a tiny bit missing for a full 5 on narration.

A BIG 5 ⭐️ ON THIS & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE 👊👊👊 Excellent writing...excellent research, I said that already and if you purchase the book since it’s less expensive you will have a slew of paintings & drawings to see..along with letters he wrote and when each art medium was done in what time period he was going thru..I couldn’t be this excited without the book!! ❤️❤️ Thank you Deborah Heiligman!!! It’s truly sad how such a brilliant and completely devoted to be outside for the sun 🌞 to paint was so depressed...and he still died broke..so sad...

5 people found this helpful

beautiful and thorough

stunning biography. you will know Vincent by the time you finish. such an easy ready. beautifully performed

2 people found this helpful

My favorite audio book so far on Audible

I am new to audible and bought a few titles to listen on my daily commute. I am an artist and love the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. When I saw this title I was intrigued and purchases it. I have listen to this audio book twice now. I would say the story is fascinating and you get a better understanding of the bond that Vincent and Theo had. Also the narrator, I love the narration of this audio book. This dude deserves a raise! I love Phil's narration of the book and he was able to make the book that much more compelling.

1 person found this helpful

Touching and Bittersweet

Filled with so many interesting facts about the lives of the Van Gogh brothers, Vincent’s path as an artist, and with the story of their amazing love for each other. I was in tears at the end of such a touching and bittersweet story.

1 person found this helpful

If you think you "know" Van Gogh...

think again! This narrative, based on the letters of primarily Vincent and Theo Van Gogh, is a dedicated deep dive into the development of an astoundingly brief (10 year]) career in which he painted over 900 paintings! Marred by mental illness, deprivation, poverty, unrequited love, yet always bound to the larger family, Vincent Van Gogh worked hard to move from the dark hues of the Dutch Masters to become a colorist. It was only by moving to Paris where the light was different that Vincent was able to "see" what Theo was trying to communicate.

Theo, his brother, mentor, soul mate, and promoter, was also his taskmaster and benefactor. Van Gogh saw himself as a failure, but had it not been for his failure as a preacher, the world might never have known his art.

This is the story of how we came to have such beauty. And a huge thank you to Jo Van Gogh. Theo's widow for instinctively preserving and promoting the legacy.

100% recommend this!

I loved this audiobook! I have been a fan of Van Gogh since I was a child. This was a very interesting account of his life, personality, and his lifelong struggle with mental health. I also found this particular recording held my attention much better than other non fiction I have read and/or listened to. The narrator used variation of tone and accent to really put you in the setting.