The Secret Life of Sunflowers

By: Marta Molnar, Dana Marton

Narrated by: Kendra Murray

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"This book draws all the emotions out of you. I went from tears to snorting with laughter. It was both lighthearted and heart breaking, yet it inspires me to live my best life! " (Michelle Cox)

When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother's diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn't her grandmother's. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law.

Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28-year-old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.

The inspiration couldn't come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?

©2022 Marta E. Dana (P)2023 Marta E. Dana

Needs a different narrator

The historical fiction part of the story is interesting. The modern-day love story is a bit predictable, but I don't always mind that. My main complaint is that the narrator cannot pronounce any of the Dutch words or names. And to cover it up, appears to adapt an odd accent-from-nowhere. This made it hard to listen to, especially if you speak Dutch, which I do. I cringed at every mispronunciation. I understand that Dutch is not a widely spoken language, but there are narrators who can pronounce words in other languages who might have been a better choice. And I don't know how narrators are chosen, but the ability to pronounce the words in the book should be a qualification.

A must read for Every woman!

Jo was such a brave woman.
Loved this so much, Going to France soon and will stop at the grave sites of Vincent and Theo.

Sunflowers

This book was excellent. The true story of Van Gough and his family was fascinating. I like the way the author counterbalanced it with the modern story of the girl in New York. Both women were strong and intelligent.

Excellent and well researched story!

This was the first time to read or hear this author’s work, but won’t be the last! Learning about what Vincent Van Gogh’s sister in law did at a time when women couldn’t was amazing. Now I want to learn more about this incredible woman. The performance of the audio book was never boring and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Deeper understanding of Van Gough

After seeing the immersive Van Gough exhibit, this story helped give a deeper understanding of him and his work.

Amazing!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Such an awesome story about an amazingly determined woman that refused to give up! And thanks to her we get to enjoy such beautiful art!!! Thank you for writing this book!!!

Inspiring and interesting

This book hooked me not only with the multiple generation storyline but the meaning in the words. It reminds me to take stock in who I was, am and am going to be.

Good story of perseverance.

this is the first book I’ve listened to by Marta Molnar. Good performance and excellent story line.

Interesting retrospective

A little hokey at times but interesting retrospective and always great to learn history of artists. Loved that a woman brought his work to the world.

Entertaining and Inspiring

I totally enjoyed this book. I learned new and reviewed previously known information about Vincent’s story and enjoyed the intertwining of the modern day strong women and the historical one.
Thanks!