'Saving Vincent' is what we like to call as historical fiction (I believe this is also categorized as such)--truth written as if it's made up stories, but throughout reading you can feel the realness of it, how it feels like someone sits beside you at the park, decides to trust you and starts telling everything. Before you know it, the sun sets and you feel like you have known this person longer than yourself, know the story better than the teller.

That's how this book feels like. 'Saving Vincent' begins with Jo Van Gogh who was stunned after the death of her husband, Theo Van Gogh. Theo passed away not long after Vincent's death, separated by only six months. Feeling extremely adrift, left only with insurmountable grief, alone with her son who was still a baby, and hundreds of Vincent's paintings--the "legacy" Theo trusted to her and their son--she had no idea what to do. Barely any knowledge on art, except a deep adoration on Vincent's talent and Theo's trust and passion towards his brother's works.

Throughout this book, I witnessed how Jo started from almost zero. Almost no connections and knowledge on the art world, taking risks she didn't know how to measure, disobeying her father's command to move back home, ignoring her brother's belittlement, facing countless--and i mean it, COUNTLESS--of misogynic men who not only laughed at her but threaten her. Bunch of jackasses, I had to close my eyes so many times to calm myself.

Back then, art trade and art market (sorry, I'm not sure if that's the same lol so I just wrote both) exhibitions, everything related on art trade and decisions about which artist deserves recognition, which artist has to be on display, heavily relies--if not completely--on these men. Jo Van Gogh, a woman, a widow, with no art background, no career in art, could not even do discussions , negotiations, even giving a freaking pamphlet without a man around. First thing they asked would be, "Is your father with you? Your brother? Who do I have to talk to?" Bitch, talk to HER. The f are you even saying. She is right in front of you, my man, she was the one who CAME to you. These MEN. Pissed me off. Obviously it is understandable that my head is fuming.

(Although I am very aware as well that it was year 1800s, like I get it, but still. A girl is allowed to be annoyed.)

But no one alive knew Vincent's works as well as Jo. She knew Vincent as the self, Vincent as the uncle of her son, Vincent the brother, Vincent the socialist, Vincent who valued hardwork over everything, Vincent the son. Every version of him, manifested in his paintings, all the ways he saw the world, His attempts to love life. His dedication. His passion and his softness, all colors and shades and shadows.

So of course she had to push through, doubt and all, despite despite despite. Using everything she can think of, including Vincent's letters. Haunted by the fear of the Van Gogh's "family curse" (a lot of Van Gogh's family members died tragically) that seemed like it was not only in Mother Van Gogh's head, losing friends, she had to choose between may difficult options, bearing the mistakes all by herself, A lot of her efforts failed, but a lot of them also came to fruition. People were buying Vincent's painting, museums and galleries held exhibitions. "The legacy" continued, lived on until the establishment of Van Gogh's museum built by Jo and Theo's son, until we can literally see Van Gogh's works in freaking billboards now.

While this is a true story in fictionalized form, the truth at its core still feels pretty vivid. Before this I only knew a handful of stories about Vincent and Theo, even Vincent's letters that I read are the ones he had sent to Theo. I barely knew anything about Jo Van Gogh. This book told me a lot of things, and that's always a reliable measure on what categorized as a good book. After this, everytime I look at Vincent's paintings, there will be all three of their shadows: Vincent, Theo, Jo. Everyone in one line.

One thing that I feel a bit lacking though. The writing is very easy to digest, to the point it's too easy at times it feels almost cartoon-ish, too Hallmark movie-ish. I could not helo but cringed at some parts so it bothered my reading flow a little. But then again, I think this is a very technical matter and much of it is about personal taste and what writing style I personally enjoy. The substance is still something that I thought worth reading, especially if you are looking for more readings about Van Gogh that does not necessarily about how he was a tortured artist, his tragic death and his illness. Like Jo said, he was much, much more than that.

Personal rating: 3.5 rounded to 4.

It was interesting to read about this strong woman and to get a sense of how her life must have been, but it honestly didn't reach to me the way I was expecting it will. I did appreciate a novel about the life of this woman and about the role she played in Vincent's populariry. I am actually quite familiar with the store of Vincent van Gogh (I have also read all his letters to his brother) and I had a little difficulty to connect to Jo's story. Still, I appreciate reading this book and I thank She Writes Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was excellent! I requested this book as I attended the Beyond van Gogh exhibition and wanted to learn more about his art and life. I am rereading the programme which contains many excerpts of his letters but needless to say Jo van Gogh is not mentioned at all! Saving Vincent rightly credits Jo for the rediscovery and popularity of Vincent van Gogh. It is a fairly heavy read at times but meticulously researched and I found it absolutely fascinating.

Jo Van Gogh, sister-in-law of Vincent Van Gogh was the savior of his work. Was she the only one who saw his potential? When Van Gogh died, he was poor, flat broke. Yet his sister-in=law took it upon herself to preserve and promote his work. The fact that she did "hawk" his paintings to the art world in spite of being a woman was remarkable. Afterall what did woman know of art in 19th century Paris...in fact woman were not thought of as much, only to become wives and mothers they were not equal to those of the opposite sex. What would we know of Van Gogh's work if not for her. The book was interesting as we glimpse what life was like in the 19th century with vivid descriptions along with a compelling story. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Joan Fernandez's’ meticulous research is evident from the first page to the last. This historical fiction reads with authority of the subject, but empathy and certainty of the main character, Jo van Gogh-Bonger. I loved reading how Jo came into her own from a timid wife to a marketer of her brother-in-law’s artwork. She was determined to have an inheritance for her son, Vincentje. Jo bravely fought against the overwhelming tide of bias and misogynistic behavior coming at her from the established art dealers. She continued searching for new ways to promote Vincent van Gogh’s work as her late husband, Theo, had done before her. Jo reinvented herself into a brave, determined woman who carved her own path through the art world to shine a light on Vincent van Gogh’s work for everyone and in the process, set herself down the path she wanted to go. I throughly loved this enlightening book of this hidden woman behind the scenes who deserves her recognition! Don’t miss out on this heartfelt novel of a strong, smart woman who changed her life and the entire art world. A Starry Night Well-Deserved 5 Stars!

Vincent van Gogh is practically a household name. Would it surprise you to know the world has a woman to thank for delivering his legacy to the masses?

In Saving Vincent, author Joan Fernandez captivates readers by telling the story of Jo Van Gogh Bonger, the woman who rescued Vincent Van Gogh’s art from obscurity, securing him a place in art history.

The book opens in 1891. It’s winter in Paris. Jo’s husband, Theo, an art trader, is in an asylum for those suffering from mental infirmities in their home country of the Netherlands. Theo’s absence has left Jo to raise their son, Vincentje, alone.
Jo is unsure at every turn. When she receives word that Theo has died, she shatters inside. Left on her own and without money, she must find a way to support herself and her son.

Life isn’t easy for widows in 19th century Paris. Surrounding her, however, are paintings by her brother-in-law Vincent Van Gogh, who died several years prior to Theo. Upon Vincent’s death, Theo inherited some 200 of Vincent’s works. Now the paintings are hers. Jo decides to sell them, intending to secure an inheritance for Vincentje.

Thus begins Jo’s years-long journey to market Vincent’s artwork. The road ahead, however, proves difficult. No one wants the paintings. Buyers and critics consider them worthless. Vincent had gone a different path than the artists of the day. No one understands his unique style. Jo, however, does. In them she sees the soulful work of a brilliant artist.

Saving Vincent is a must read for those who like biographical novels about audacious women, as well as for those interested in the art world. Even if you aren’t a fan of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, you will appreciate Fernandez’s stunning depiction of a woman overlooked by history. Her immersive rendering of Jo’s thoughts and trials places you in Paris and the Netherlands and has you cheering for the woman who would not take no for an answer when critics tried to shun and quiet her. Biographical fiction at its best.

I lived in The Netherlands for two years. I rode my bicycle to Nuenen and ate at the famous water mill he painted (now a restaurant). I visited the Van Gogh Museum enough to appreciate Vincent's art and struggles with life. I rode my bicycle in the Kroeller-Mueller Museum and studied Vincent's paintings.

I was delighted to read Saving Vincent by Joan Fernandez to indulge in the story of Jo's quest to sell and promote Van Gogh's art. I felt like I was back in Nuenen and Bussum with the engaging descriptions of Dutch life during the late 1800s. What a treat to reunite with Vincent's art through this story of Jo's persistence to become an art dealer in this time period. She stood her ground in a trade dominated by men. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to know about Vincent's art and Dutch life in the late 1800s or would like an engaging read about how Vincent Van Gogh became the famous artist we all know and love.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Joan Fernandez's »Saving Vincent« is a riveting historical novel that delves into the untold story of Jo van Gogh Bonger, the sister-in-law of the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh.

Set in 1891, the narrative follows Jo as she lives under the shadow of her husband Theo's work as an art dealer, focused primarily on promoting Vincent's art. After Theo's sudden passing, Jo finds herself at a crossroads: she has inherited a collection of Vincent's unsold paintings, deemed worthless, and is pressured to return to her parents' home. In a remarkable display of courage, Jo defies societal expectations and embarks on a quest to preserve her late brother-in-law's legacy.

The plot is rich with emotional depth as Jo evolves from a timid woman into a relentless advocate for Vincent’s art. The atmosphere captures the struggles of a woman challenging the male-dominated art world of 19th-century Paris. Tensions escalate as Jo faces fierce opposition from an influential Parisian art dealer determined to thwart her efforts. This conflict not only fuels the narrative but also underscores themes of resilience and the fight for recognition in a world that often overlooks women's contributions.

Fernandez's writing is both captivating and descriptive, weaving vivid scenes that immerse readers in Jo’s life and emotions. The characters are well-crafted; Jo is portrayed with depth, showcasing both vulnerability and strength as she navigates the challenges of her new reality. The supporting cast, including the antagonistic art dealer and her supportive friends, adds depth to the story, bringing it to life with relatable moments.

»Saving Vincent« excels in storytelling while maintaining historical accuracy, underscoring its significance in illuminating a key yet often overlooked figure in art history. Fernandez's dedication to spotlighting women's roles in history resonates throughout the novel, making it not just a tribute to Vincent van Gogh but also an empowering account of Jo’s battle for recognition.

This compelling narrative reminds us that behind every celebrated genius, there often lies another unsung hero whose story deserves to be told.