Mrs Van Gogh

Mrs. Van Gogh is the story of Johanna Bonger, who becomes Mrs. Theo Van Gogh. The story is written from Jo's perspective, from the time she arrives in Paris to live with her brother, to just a few short years later when she makes it her mission to promote her brother-in-law's art so that he becomes world-renowned.

The reality is that very little has been written about Johanna, despite the fact that if it wasn’t for her, Vincent Van Gogh may not have been such an essential part of our world. We get a feel for what she may have written in her personal journal, as well as letters back and forth between her and Theo. The author paints a beautiful picture (no pun intended) of how events and relationships may have unfolded, and it is entirely believable. The sense of time and place is superb. My only criticism is that the “women are not equal to men” narrative gets is a bit too overt at times.

If you enjoy historical fiction and you like strong female characters, I highly recommend Mrs. Van Gogh. Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advance e-reader copy of this book!

This was a beautifully written historical novel. I believed I was in the streets of Paris, hearing the horses hooves and the clattering of the carriages as I entered the world of Johanna Van Gogh.
Like the author, a visit to Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam led to a deeper interest of the lives of Vincent and his brother Theo, beyond the image of 'the tortured genius who cut off his own ear'.
Johanna was ahead of her time and the author portrayed her authentically.

This book is exquisite! 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.

Caroline is the only writer I know that could have done that, could have made Johanna live on and be heard.

I adored being whisked away to Paris in the late 1800s. I adored the bits of French language that flowed seamlessly. But most of all, I adored Johanna, Mrs Van Gogh.

This book is utter perfection.

Historical fiction at its best. A well-written story about a strong woman with a fascinating life. Johana Van Gogh, married to VIncent's brother Theo, was instrumental in bringing posthumous acclaim and fame to Vincent's work. I enjoyed learning about her.

Beautifully written book .
Who has ever wondered about Mrs Van Gogh - not Vincent's wife but sister in law. She became custodian of Vincent's work after the death of her husband, Vincent's brother, not long after his death. She was only 28 but carried on with the work of her husband in getting Vincent's work appreciated through out the world.
This is the story of how she succeeded.

By the late 1800s, Paris had become a hive of creativity, 'everyone who lives here is about to write an epic piece of prose or paint their masterpiece...Each individual is living a remarkable life.' Johanna Bonger, is soon caught up within this Bohemian lifestyle, jealous of artists' perceived freedoms and keen to make her indelible mark, despite it still being a man's world, 'Is it too much to wish for women to have equal freedoms?'

It is during this artistic heyday of greats such as Monet, Rodin, and Gauguin, that Johanna meets, and becomes entangled with the van Gogh brothers: Theo and Vincent. Theo is a successful art dealer and Vincent is a penniless, experimental artist. They are as passionate about each other, as they are about art, 'the three of us locked together in a painful trio of love, hurt and jealousy.' Johanna marries Theo but Vincent always seems to be a third wheel in their relationship. However, just two and half years after meeting, both brothers die and Johanna inherits Vincent's extensive collection of paintings and sketches, as well as a trove of letters between the brothers. Despite her grief, Johanna finally determines it's time to rise and make her mark, just as she always wanted to, 'I've realized that being strong is allowing love despite fear. It increases after errors. It rises.' Johanna single-handedly ensures Vincent van Gogh's infamy within the art world.

I really enjoyed 'Mrs Van Gogh'. This book covers much more than simply how Johanna ensured Vincent's notoriety; it contextualises the era as well as revealing Johanna's strong personality and feminist leanings, 'Even here, among the artists in Paris, women aren't permitted to occupy equivalent space to men. We exist as objects - not equals with views.' It is this strong character that enables her to persist in making Vincent's name within the world of art. I have not read any of Caroline Cauchi's other works, but I'm pleased this was my first as it will be memorable. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong women characters - let alone anyone who has an interest in art. A great read.

This story was a delight to read. Little was known about Theo Van Gogh’s widow, sister in law to Vincent Van Gogh. Despite the omission Johanna worked tirelessly to promote Vincent’s work where he has become a world renowned artist.
Despite this being a historically fictional account you have the feeling of some reality within the story. I felt when I was reading the book the author brought us so clearly into the life of Johanna.
Excellently written and I loved reading about Mrs Van Gogh.

When I started reading this I had a misconception as to who was married to who! Once it became clear I found the book to be both interesting and engaging. I did a bit of googling at the end about the paintings and where they are today. Absolutely brilliant.

Thank you Caroline Cauchi for bringing vivid colors and beautiful detail to the life of Vincent’s sister in law Johanna. Long believing in his work and talents, she championed his art much as her late husband Theo. As the keeper of his collection she worked and championed his art endlessly and tirelessly for eleven years. She alone brought recognition and praise to Vincent’s name, paintings, sketches and journals. Johanna’s success is as enormous as the art she fought for. Single-handedly she was the vibrant light that led the way to gallery halls, museum walls and homes of private collectors.
A highly recommended treasure of a read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.