• Lust for Life

  • By: Irving Stone
  • Narrated by: Steve West
  • Length: 19 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (455 ratings)

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Lust for Life  By  cover art

Lust for Life

By: Irving Stone
Narrated by: Steve West
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Publisher's summary

Lust for Life is Irving Stone's biographical novel about the life of the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. Largely based on the letters Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo, the novel details the artist's difficult life, as well as describing the origins of many of his famous paintings, such as The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, and others.

©1961 Irving Stone (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A story of excruciating power.” (The New York Times)

"Whoever reads Lust for Life will gain all the important facts concerning the life of the painter... a poetic and touching portrayal." (Christian Science Monitor)

“Extraordinary! A moving story retold with sensitiveness and insight.” (Forum)

What listeners say about Lust for Life

Average customer ratings
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Best book

I’ve read the book and it was so good I got this and loved every second.

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Empathetic and very well researched

A remarkable work by a remarkable author, this is definitely one of his most well known protagonists to date yet and a very controversional one. He managed to write the character in a very understanding and deep voice. This is definitely now one of my favorite books ever! Loved listening to this whole browsing Vincent's gallery and discovering bits of the paintings I hadn't before.

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Standing ovation

What made the experience of listening to Lust for Life the most enjoyable?

The reading was perhaps the best I've ever heard

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vincent of course

Have you listened to any of Steve West’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure. But they definitely don't get much better

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

They did make a film. A lousy one.

Any additional comments?

it just doesn't get any better than this. Irving Stone is a genius equal to the task as is Steve West. Bravo !!!

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Still Relevant and Important

This book is around 90 years old and still holds up. it's a celebration and a study and perhaps a warning all wrapped up in one.

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  • Overall
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Vincent Van Gogh's interesting life

The length of this book initially scared me, (19+ hours is the longest story I've listened to so far), but the story was captivating and Steve West's narration was beautiful. Irving Stone's descriptions of Vincent's (and his friend's) work is beautiful. If you are interested in Van Gogh and his life, I highly recommend this book!

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I’m Deeply Moved

Loved listening about Vincent and his deep struggles through life and his passion. I’m more deeply moved by Vincent relationship with his brother Theo. So much pure authentic love and care between those two brothers.

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Trip To Amsterdam

What about Steve West’s performance did you like?

As for the performance, it was good although I did not really like the way West read the female lines.

Any additional comments?

I listened to the book in preparation for my trip to Amsterdam. I had once started to read a Van Gogh biography but quit because it was rather boring. However, this book I really enjoyed. Base on the book, Van Gogh never lived in Amsterdam; however, the Van Gogh museum is there.

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4 people found this helpful

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A Life of Struggle

Would you consider the audio edition of Lust for Life to be better than the print version?

I never read the print version but thoroughly enjoyed the audio edition.

Have you listened to any of Steve West’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Don't recall hearing Steve West before but will certainly consider him when making future selections.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Until Death Do I Paint

Any additional comments?

Steve West was able to deftly convey the complexity of a life fraught with bouts of mental illness and disappointments. I was intrigued by Van Gogh's life, relationships and the hardships he endured in pursuit of his passion for art. Appreciated learning about his Impressionist peers and how they influenced Van Gogh's work.

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Amazing!!!

I was transformed to so many wonderful and bad places along the way of Vincent’s life through this book! I learned so much about art and the artist! Thank you for this wonderful albeit sad journey Irving Stone!!!

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I learned so much about my favorite artist

Stone made him human and real. It brought tears to my eyes many times and I caught myself singing "starry starry night..." Many times!

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