Vincent van Gogh is practically a household name. Would it surprise you to know the world has a woman to thank for delivering his legacy to the masses?

In Saving Vincent, author Joan Fernandez captivates readers by telling the story of Jo Van Gogh Bonger, the woman who rescued Vincent Van Gogh’s art from obscurity, securing him a place in art history.

The book opens in 1891. It’s winter in Paris. Jo’s husband, Theo, an art trader, is in an asylum for those suffering from mental infirmities in their home country of the Netherlands. Theo’s absence has left Jo to raise their son, Vincentje, alone.
Jo is unsure at every turn. When she receives word that Theo has died, she shatters inside. Left on her own and without money, she must find a way to support herself and her son.

Life isn’t easy for widows in 19th century Paris. Surrounding her, however, are paintings by her brother-in-law Vincent Van Gogh, who died several years prior to Theo. Upon Vincent’s death, Theo inherited some 200 of Vincent’s works. Now the paintings are hers. Jo decides to sell them, intending to secure an inheritance for Vincentje.

Thus begins Jo’s years-long journey to market Vincent’s artwork. The road ahead, however, proves difficult. No one wants the paintings. Buyers and critics consider them worthless. Vincent had gone a different path than the artists of the day. No one understands his unique style. Jo, however, does. In them she sees the soulful work of a brilliant artist.

Saving Vincent is a must read for those who like biographical novels about audacious women, as well as for those interested in the art world. Even if you aren’t a fan of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, you will appreciate Fernandez’s stunning depiction of a woman overlooked by history. Her immersive rendering of Jo’s thoughts and trials places you in Paris and the Netherlands and has you cheering for the woman who would not take no for an answer when critics tried to shun and quiet her. Biographical fiction at its best.

I lived in The Netherlands for two years. I rode my bicycle to Nuenen and ate at the famous water mill he painted (now a restaurant). I visited the Van Gogh Museum enough to appreciate Vincent's art and struggles with life. I rode my bicycle in the Kroeller-Mueller Museum and studied Vincent's paintings.

I was delighted to read Saving Vincent by Joan Fernandez to indulge in the story of Jo's quest to sell and promote Van Gogh's art. I felt like I was back in Nuenen and Bussum with the engaging descriptions of Dutch life during the late 1800s. What a treat to reunite with Vincent's art through this story of Jo's persistence to become an art dealer in this time period. She stood her ground in a trade dominated by men. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to know about Vincent's art and Dutch life in the late 1800s or would like an engaging read about how Vincent Van Gogh became the famous artist we all know and love.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Joan Fernandez's »Saving Vincent« is a riveting historical novel that delves into the untold story of Jo van Gogh Bonger, the sister-in-law of the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh.

Set in 1891, the narrative follows Jo as she lives under the shadow of her husband Theo's work as an art dealer, focused primarily on promoting Vincent's art. After Theo's sudden passing, Jo finds herself at a crossroads: she has inherited a collection of Vincent's unsold paintings, deemed worthless, and is pressured to return to her parents' home. In a remarkable display of courage, Jo defies societal expectations and embarks on a quest to preserve her late brother-in-law's legacy.

The plot is rich with emotional depth as Jo evolves from a timid woman into a relentless advocate for Vincent’s art. The atmosphere captures the struggles of a woman challenging the male-dominated art world of 19th-century Paris. Tensions escalate as Jo faces fierce opposition from an influential Parisian art dealer determined to thwart her efforts. This conflict not only fuels the narrative but also underscores themes of resilience and the fight for recognition in a world that often overlooks women's contributions.

Fernandez's writing is both captivating and descriptive, weaving vivid scenes that immerse readers in Jo’s life and emotions. The characters are well-crafted; Jo is portrayed with depth, showcasing both vulnerability and strength as she navigates the challenges of her new reality. The supporting cast, including the antagonistic art dealer and her supportive friends, adds depth to the story, bringing it to life with relatable moments.

»Saving Vincent« excels in storytelling while maintaining historical accuracy, underscoring its significance in illuminating a key yet often overlooked figure in art history. Fernandez's dedication to spotlighting women's roles in history resonates throughout the novel, making it not just a tribute to Vincent van Gogh but also an empowering account of Jo’s battle for recognition.

This compelling narrative reminds us that behind every celebrated genius, there often lies another unsung hero whose story deserves to be told.