Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

 

Vincent and Theo:  The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Heiligman, D. (2017). Vincent and Theo: The van Gogh brothers. Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805093391

🚨Content warning: mental health, mention of suicide, drinking, and smoking🚨

In Vincent and Theo, Deborah Heiligman tells the story of Vincent Van Goghs life through his brother, Theo Van Gogh. Told through real-life letters that Vincent and Theo sent to each other, Vincent and Theo explore both brothers' lives and love for each other as they lived in the 1800s.

Vincent and Theo was an interesting concept, and that was what initially drew me to the book.  Before reading, I did not know that Vincent had a brother, much less many other siblings.  This book was a quick read that educated me about not only Vincent's life but Theo's as well.  Theo's and Vincent's love ran deep for each other, and it was evident through their letter's that they would always be there and support each other.  It was surprising to read how many different jobs Vicent went through before he and Theo became confident with his painting abilities.  I had always assumed that Van Gogh was an amazing painter from the start, but Vincent and Theo opened my eyes and made me realize that Vincent, just like the rest of us, had to go through trials and tribulations before becoming the well-known painter we know of today.

Before reading this book, I only had a very basic knowledge of Vincent Van Gogh and no knowledge of Theo Van Gogh.  It was heartbreaking to read of their medical diagnosis when had they lived during our times, it would have been something that could have been treated, but due to the time they lived in, their lives became substantially much more difficult.  Both brothers dealt with their diagnosis the best way they could and to the very end.  I felt for Theo because despite being the younger brother, he had to continuously financially support himself, his parents, and Vicnet, and that could not have been easy for him to do.  Theo's love for his family ran deep and never faltered, even when all odds were against them.  Vincent longed for Theo's approval, and Theo made sure to let Vincent know he had his support, whether it be through telling him or even sending him more money upon request.   

Deborah Heiligman did a wonderful job with Vincent and Theo.  After reading the book, I had a better understanding of Vincent and Theo and the struggles that both brothers faced.  We owe Theo and his wife Jo a lot because, without them, we may not have had the masterpieces we know today. Vincent's life was not an easy one, and he did not become a masterful artist overnight; he failed a lot, but that is okay because he never gave up.  Vincent's story illustrates that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve what you dream.  It was tragic that Vicent's works did not become as well known until after his death, but his artwork is still admired by millions today.

Kirkus Reviews calls Vincent and Theo "A remarkably insightful, profoundly moving story of fraternal interdependence and unconditional love."  Sue Jackson from Book by Book Blog said, "This is ultimately a story of unwavering dedication and love between brothers that is tender and loving and often heart-breaking. Despite my usual lack of interest in art, I was completely engrossed in this compelling book, both listening to it and perusing the drawings in the print edition."  If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend watching (yes, watching) season 5, episode 10 of Doctor Who titled Vincent and the Doctor, where the Doctor travels back in time to meet Vincent Van Gogh.  The ending of this episode was one of the best endings I have seen, and while I will not spoil it outright, if you do not have the time to watch the full episode, please at least watch the ending of the video here. To learn more about Vincent Van Gogh, you can visit the Vincent Van Gogh Musuems website here.

Awards and recognition:

• Printz Honor Book
• YALSA Nonfiction Award Winner
• SCBWI Golden Kite Winner
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Winner, Nonfiction
• Cybils Senior High Nonfiction Award Winner

Sources

Heiligman, D. (2017). Vincent and theo: The van gogh brothers. Henry Holt and Company.         ISBN 9780805093391

Jackson, S. (2019, August 16). Teen/Ya Review: Vincent and Theo. Book By Book. https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2019/08/teenya-review-vincent-and-theo.html

Van Gogh Museum. (n.d.). https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/nl

Vincent and Theo. Kirkus Reviews. (2017, April 18). https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/deborah-heiligman/vincent-and-theo/ 

Vincent van Gogh visits the gallery: Vincent and the Doctor: Doctor Who. YouTube. (2015, January 15). https://youtu.be/ubTJI_UphPk