Mrs. Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi

 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.

1888. When Jo, as she is known, visits her brother in Paris for the summer, she experiences something new. Her brother is part of the Parisian artistic circle, and introduces Jo to Van Gogh brothers. Theo is a successful art dealer, where on the other hand, Vincent is a penniless artist.

When, she herself, tries her artistic abilities, she starts discovering about herself. Who she is and who she could possibly become. Only to find out that she is being pushed into marriage by her mother. She likes the idea of what Montmartre artistic area offers – to be bohemian and flamboyant, without any rush to marry. Jo doesn’t want an ordinary life, but she is not in a position to make a choice. She needs to make the most of what life offers her.

Later, she inherits all of Vincent’s paintings and letters. As a lover of art, she gets the drive to bring Vincent’s art to the world. And for the world to understand him better through his paintings – his hard work and his sorrows, not his madness.

The story is written thoughtfully. We get to know Jo well through her aspirations, thoughts, and feelings. She is a caring and likeable person. Her story begins with her ambitions, which quickly are put aside, then the story progresses with her marriage and friendship with Vincent. At the end, she emerges as a strong woman with her own voice, who leads the way with her ambitious project. It is a story of a remarkable woman, who, for most part, was unknown to the world until now.

Release date: 30 January 2023

Source: One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK