by: Marta Molnar
Goodreads description:
A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law.
When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother’s diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn’t her grandmother’s. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law.
Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. They were all she had, and they weren’t worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent’s legacy to the world.
The inspiration couldn’t come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?
Helen says: (did not finish- DNF)
I really put off reading this book. Lately, I have found certain historical fiction insufferable. I guess it is the liberties that some authors take on what people say and do and the melodrama of it all…how do they know what happened? Anyway…please rely on Holly’s review. Sorry about that. I just wasn’t feeling it.
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓1/4
More historical fiction…this one was okay. The most interesting part was Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, Johanna’s, quest to bring recognition and fame (and much needed money) to Van Gogh’s works. What sad lives the Van Gogh brothers led. There is a sort of parallel narrative about a connected woman in present time. I get it, but I could have done without that part. I would have enjoyed more focus on Johanna, the van Goghs, the Netherlands, and Paris.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 