Leaving Van Gogh

By: Carol Wallace

Narrated by: Luis Moreno

Leaving Van Gogh is Carol Wallace’s first historical novel and it has created quite a buzz among genre luminaries. In this meticulously researched, heartrending story, Wallace re-creates the final fateful days of legendary painter Vincent Van Gogh - who, at the age of 37, shot himself long before his paintings became recognized as some of the world’s greatest works of art.

©2011 Carol Wallace (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Well written and enjoyable

I am a huge fan of Van Gogh and was interested in hearing this book, but I was not sure how much I would enjoy it. I truly enjoyed this book and was very Intrigued by all of the details and lived how the author made you feel like you knew Van Gogh on a personal basis. This is well written and captivated my attention immediately. I feel like I was there watching and admiring his talents in person. The detailed descriptions of his artwork made me look up each one to study the painting as it was described with feelings and emotions. I will read this one again!

A Different Point of View

This fictionalized story of artist Vincent Van Gogh is told by the physician who treated him in the final months of his life. Dr. Gachet was approached by Vincent's brother, Theo, explaining that Vincent had a history of mental illness, and had spent time in an asylum. Gachet is taken with Vincent, inviting him into his home for a time. His children, Paul and Marguerite, become infatuated with the artist. In this telling, the gun with which Vincent purportedly shot himself belonged to Dr. Gachet.

Gachet, it seems, was a widower whose wife died a very painful death from tuberculosis. She begged him to end her suffering, but he refused. The author of "Leaving Van Gogh" extends the theory that Gachet felt guilty for allowing his wife to suffer and die on her own. When Van Gogh tells him he wants to end his life, Gachet leaves his gun for Vincent to find.

This was an eloquently written twist on the life story of the troubled artist. Since it is plainly listed as "fiction," one must wonder just how much of this author's version is based on fact. Not knowing makes the reader/listener then question why the author strayed from the facts to fictionalize--why not just write a biography? Perhaps because no one will ever know the true story. Engrossing tale with outstanding narration.

I know Vincent now!

What a wonderful look at mostly factual aspects of his life. I really know him now and was so sad at the end.