Stays close to the evidence, especially as revealed in Van Gogh’s letters – but filled out and corroborated by other sources, where available.
A sad but wonderful story of an immortal painter who, partly because of his family’s and nation’s culture and partly because of his own uncompromising temperament, lived a life of frustration and perceived failure.
The postscript makes a compelling case that Van Gogh did not commit suicide, but, once he was accidentally shot, did not try to prolong his life, either. In particular, he protected the young boy or boys who shot him accidentally.
A final act of selflessness.
Yet his vision and vitality live on in his paintings.
This book gives the big picture as well as convincing details. Well worth the many hours of listening!!