Van Goghs Inner Struggle, Liesbeth Heenk
Van Goghs Inner Struggle, Liesbeth Heenk
List: $12.50 | Sale: $8.75
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Van Gogh's Inner Struggle
Life, Work and Mental Illness

Author: Liesbeth Heenk

Narrator: Denise Kahn

Unabridged: 1 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/01/2017

Categories: Nonfiction, Art


Synopsis

Fascinating look into the life of a tortured GeniusUsing Van Gogh's letters as a primary source, the author discusses the artist's life, his approach to his work and his mental illness. The letters vividly show the artist's life was no bed of roses. Whereas Van Gogh perfectly knew what was sellable, he continued to produce what he considered as honest, 'truthful' art, regardless of current taste. He did not expect the art-buying public to understand the rough appearance of his work. Van Gogh acknowledged that being an artist simply involved struggle, but he believed that one would benefit from adversity, both personally and professionally. "No victory without a battle, no battle without suffering." In Van Gogh's case it seems to have been a never ending battle against poverty, isolation and adversity. Given his circumstances - being financially dependent upon his brother Theo, not selling any work, and getting minimal recognition - his achievements are utterly amazing.  The series Secrets of Van Gogh:#1 The 1-Hour Van Gogh Book - Complete Van Gogh Biography for Beginners#2 Van Gogh's Inner Struggle - Life, Work and Mental Illness#3 Van Gogh Today: Short Stories #4 Van Gogh in Love - a (not so!) romantic Van Gogh Biography#5 Van Gogh and Money - The Myth of the Poor Artist

Reviews

Goodreads review by Lewis on October 20, 2020

A short but powerful presentation of Van Gogh's struggles with the melancholy and depression which afflicted him for much of his life, told mostly in his own words taken from his letters ... I have always been fascinated by Van Gogh's work and his tragic life ... one summer when we lived in France,......more

Goodreads review by Pauline on June 09, 2017

The isolation that made up Vangoh's life was sad. His words, taken from letters, was so poetic, I read only a few pages at a time.......more

Goodreads review by Una on June 09, 2017

Van Gogh's life was sad. Still, although he seemed to give up on a regular basis, he had the ability to spring back, until he didn't. His letters were as magnificent as his paintings.......more

Goodreads review by BookChampions on March 05, 2021

Short, but solid introduction into Vincent's many, many letters. She insists upon Vincent's suicide at the end of her book, a death that is inconclusive at best. I'm glad I got this glimpse before I will read the whole collection of letters, unfiltered, later this year.......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on December 07, 2014

I have always been a fan of Vincent Van Gogh since hearing the song, Starry Starry Night, when I was a teenager. I remember going to the library and looking up more info on him. This was in the days before we had Google! This book gives you a look at the struggles he had in his life through letters......more