Vincent & Theo

The Van Gogh Brothers

By: Deborah Heiligman

Narrated by: Phil Fox

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

Printz Honor Book, 2018

The deep and enduring friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh defined both brothers' lives. As a confidant, champion, sympathizer, and friend, Theo financially and emotionally supported his older brother as the artistic but troubled Vincent struggled to find his path in life as both a painter and a man. Throughout that struggle, the brothers shared everything - swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments, dreams and ambitions. Drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a meticulously researched tale of those two intertwined lives and the extraordinary love that fueled them. 

©2017 Deborah Heiligman (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

I am in love with this book.

I am in love with this book, with this story. I have seen movies about Vincent Van Gogh, but the details and insight this book provides put me in awe of him; I never knew what a generally good, deeply caring person he was. His devoted brother, Theo, how he diligently supported Vincent, and believed in him, in spite of so many setbacks and worries, moves me so. All my adult life I have had a particular favorite book. At age 51, that has changed. This is my favorite book.

I could hardly hit the pause button.

maybe it is just me but I felt encapsulated by the love between two brothers in this incredible reveal of the intimate life of Vincent Van Gogh. we live in a time of such media overload that it is difficult to feel like we can make an impact on this world but this story has helped me see that this is no new problem. I only wish that I could emulate this type of artistic dedication with such skill as he did. I am glad to know this story and you will be too

story and speaker kept me engaged throughout

One of the more interesting Van Gogh books. it followed the two brothers from childhood to death. it also highlighted the importance of Johanna Van Gogh as wife and sister-in-law. thank you for a good listen!

Paintings through words

The story was simple and lovely. When I had only a few minutes to listen, a full chapter could be enjoyed! Phil Fox did excellent narration with his accent and rhythm. I will be listening to this book more than once.

beautiful and thorough

stunning biography. you will know Vincent by the time you finish. such an easy ready. beautifully performed

EXCELLENT PORTRAYAL OF THE VAN GOGH BROTHERS..

I couldn’t wait to purchase this book as well as the audible part. First there’s not a lot in here I didn’t know from my past readings on Vincent Van Gogh..but I really didn’t know Theo at all or how he was as sickly as death! For 3 nights I read & listened and literally when I fell asleep, my inside alarm clock kept waking me to finish..this went on for about 3 nights! I thought I’d go crazy! I’m thrilled with all the paintings, drawings and info on when each one was done! At the end we get to see a selection of his paintings and since I’m an artist I was thrilled! It just makes me want to purchase the hardcover NOW...At times I felt I was comparing it to Kirk Douglas, well how can you not? The movie was good but there’s nothing like his real life!

My next plan is to finish another Van Gogh book and then re read and listen again, becuz it’s one of those books u need to many times..I’m thrilled it’s mine & NOT borrowed 👊👊 Excellent research by the author too with pages of when each drawing was done while he was dead broke and when each painting was done, more or less very depressed..you’ll have to find out the controversy re: his ear...that I never heard.

As far as the author, Phil Fox had a great voice with wonderful pronunciations, but there was just a tiny bit missing for a full 5 on narration.

A BIG 5 ⭐️ ON THIS & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE 👊👊👊 Excellent writing...excellent research, I said that already and if you purchase the book since it’s less expensive you will have a slew of paintings & drawings to see..along with letters he wrote and when each art medium was done in what time period he was going thru..I couldn’t be this excited without the book!! ❤️❤️ Thank you Deborah Heiligman!!! It’s truly sad how such a brilliant and completely devoted to be outside for the sun 🌞 to paint was so depressed...and he still died broke..so sad...

My favorite audio book so far on Audible

I am new to audible and bought a few titles to listen on my daily commute. I am an artist and love the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. When I saw this title I was intrigued and purchases it. I have listen to this audio book twice now. I would say the story is fascinating and you get a better understanding of the bond that Vincent and Theo had. Also the narrator, I love the narration of this audio book. This dude deserves a raise! I love Phil's narration of the book and he was able to make the book that much more compelling.

Such a great book about 2 great brothers.

Phil Fox does an excellent job of narrating this Story. I knew very little about Vincent Van Goghs personal life and wanted to get a better understanding of his genius, I'm so glad I decided to pick this audiobook on whim. Simply put, if you're curious about the Van Gogh brothers, listen to this book - you won't regret it.

If you think you "know" Van Gogh...

think again! This narrative, based on the letters of primarily Vincent and Theo Van Gogh, is a dedicated deep dive into the development of an astoundingly brief (10 year]) career in which he painted over 900 paintings! Marred by mental illness, deprivation, poverty, unrequited love, yet always bound to the larger family, Vincent Van Gogh worked hard to move from the dark hues of the Dutch Masters to become a colorist. It was only by moving to Paris where the light was different that Vincent was able to "see" what Theo was trying to communicate.

Theo, his brother, mentor, soul mate, and promoter, was also his taskmaster and benefactor. Van Gogh saw himself as a failure, but had it not been for his failure as a preacher, the world might never have known his art.

This is the story of how we came to have such beauty. And a huge thank you to Jo Van Gogh. Theo's widow for instinctively preserving and promoting the legacy.

Touching and Bittersweet

Filled with so many interesting facts about the lives of the Van Gogh brothers, Vincent’s path as an artist, and with the story of their amazing love for each other. I was in tears at the end of such a touching and bittersweet story.

Theo and Vincent

Enjoyed listening to the story of the Van Gogh brothers, such a tragedy that both their lives ended so relatively young. Theo is to be admired for his unfailing support of his brother, after all would we have had Vincent without Theo?

Excellent Excellent

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellenthow many more times please ok

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

!!!Amazing Book!!! Amazing way how the story and truth of Vincent and his brother is shared with us modern artists🤗

Excellent book. I was totally in awe throughout!

Highly recommended! Excellent book. I was totally in awe throughout! I was so able to embrace the sensitivity of the relationship of Vincent and Theo. In the world of their synergetic brotherly relationship.

Van Gosh

The story of two brothers - by Deborah Heiligman, has been retold in such a romantic way; in vignettes and almost paintings in their own way. The words leap from the pages through the soft, generous tones of Phil Fox - a rhythmic light Welsh voice. I have been fascinated by Vincent Van Gogh but thanks to this book I feel connected to Vincent and Theo. I will listen again and again. Truly inspiring and breathtaking.

simply amazing.

amazing storytelling. everything about this audiobook is simply amazing. almost cried when
it came to an end.

Very enjoyable!

Great story that was well told and well read. Would recommend...a very good read! Thanks

Heartwarming

I found it a heartwarming, emotional journey of the brothers Vincent and Theo. It was absolutely wonderful with brilliant narration.

Excellent

Gave me a much better insight into a brilliant artist and the love between two brothers. Narrator was excellent. Would recommend to everyone even those who do not admired Vincent’s work.

Amazing

So beautifully sensitive, so well structured and an emotional up and down, I would fully recommend this book!