The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law (Light & Life Series)

This is one of those books that everyone needs to read especially if you are a fan of Vincent Van Gogh or the writer, Marta Molnar.

It is beautiful, interesting, funny, charming and a fast reading wonderful book. Marta has written the book like it is two books in one. One for the present day and one for Vincent Van Gogh's sister-in - laws day.

There are so many hidden messages in this book that take hold of you and you become a part of both womens lives. I couldn't stop reading it. When I purt it down I wanted to pick it up agian and see what the next chapter had to say. It became a part of my life just as a very good movie takes you into it.

I became a part of this book and this book became a part of me.

Read it women of the world!

I have always loved Van Gogh.I'm an artist and often look at his colors and brush strokes. Now, I really know about him. This woman brought him to the world. His work is so much more now that I know him. I cried a little at the end, realizing that he really never saw any of his rewards. If only he had been able to hold on a little longer. There would be more of him in the world.

I was skeptical at first with the chapters in the past and then in the present, but there is so much comparison between the two protagonists and the ending pulled it together very nicely (satisfying). The self doubt of both these women turned into confidence and they both achieved their dreams. I loved the character of Emerley’s grandmother and the surprises throughout. Having a present day romance also brought the characters to life. I highly recommend this read. My only question is the cover of the book and the woman on it?

I would say that most Americans from high school on up know who Vincent Van Gogh is: The creator of some of the world’s most beautiful paintings (Starry, Starry Night; Sunflowers to name a few) or the mad painter who cut off his ear and gave it to a prostitute as a sign of affection. There have been hundreds of books, movies, songs and tv shows that give readers/watchers an insight to this complicated man.

But this novel gives readers a new perspective, When Vincent dies in 1890 by suicide (gunshot to the chest), he leaves his paintings to his brother, Theo, and his wife, Johanna. After Theo dies in 1891, the paintings are left to Johanna. And Johanna is the subject of this powerful novel with the theme of inspiring women.

Even before Theo’s death from general paresis of insane in 1891, Johanna was trying to establish Vincent reputation in the art world. True she the money that his paintings would bring, but in the 1890s, women did not have many ways to earn a living, Plus she had her son to provide for.

Now then, this book takes on a dual narrative that is not quite interesting as Johanna’s story, yet Johanna becomes an inspiration to Emsley Wilson, who is the fictional granddaughter of Violet Valkyrie, a woman who was also a well-known artist. Emsley lives and works in LA as a Hollywood auctioneer. Violet had Johanna’s diary, which is the catalyst for the novel when Violet has her look into her blue box at the back of her closet and encourages Emsley to read it.

Bottom line: It is because of Johanna’s unrelenting ambition to make Vincent a household name that it is. Throw in some 2022 shenanigans from Emsley’s ex-boyfriend and best friend to take her business and an unexpected romance that create such a riveting. For me, the first four chapters were rather slow, but once I started Chapter 5, I couldn’t put it down. Therefore, The Secret Life of Sunflowers gets 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

People who love art know well the story of the life of Van Gogh, how unsuccessful his work while living, how his brother Theo helped him unconditionally, and all the mental issues the painter underwent causing his life to be always surrounded by grief and gloom. However, with time he would be recognized as one of the best painters and his work has reached unlimited levels of acceptance. Little is said about Theo's wife, who with time would be the greatest promoter of Vincent Van Gogh's work. This book focuses on her. it is interesting to read a different perspective of the life of the painter and of the attitude of Theo toward his brother, but truly speaking nothing new under the sun.