The Secret Life of Sunflowers

The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar 404 pages

 

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.