Conversations with Van Gogh

By: Vincent Van Gogh, Simon Parke

Narrated by: Andy Havill

Vincent van Gogh is best known for two things – his sunflowers and his ear-cutting. But there are many other ways of knowing this remarkable son of a Dutch pastor, who left his chill homeland for the sunshine of Arles in the South of France; and left us over a thousand frank letters of struggle and joy, to help us glimpse his inner world.

Vincent came late to painting after spending time in London trying to be a Christian missionary. And though he is now amongst the most famous artists on earth, in his day, no one saw him coming – apart from one French art critic called Aurier. It is possible he never sold one of his paintings in his life time.

When he discovered the sun in Arles, he also discovered energy. Yellow for him was the colour of hope, and in his last two years he painted almost a canvass a day. But hope ran out on July 27th, 1890 when he shot himself, aged 37. He was at this time six months out of a mental institution, where perhaps he experienced his greatest calm. Vincent compared himself to a stunted plant; damaged by the emotional frost of his childhood.

‘Speaking with Vincent – which he insists on being called – was a privilege,’ says Simon Parke. ‘He’s endlessly fascinating, contradictory, moving, funny, insightful and tragic. There’s a fury in him; but also a great kindness. He found harmony in human relationships elusive; his love life was a painful shambles. But with colour, he was a harmonic genius, and he has much to say about this. And here’s the thing: for a man who killed himself – he died in the arms of his brother on July 29th - spending time with him was never anything but life-affirming.’

©2010 White Crow Productions Ltd (P)2010 White Crow Productions Ltd

Critic reviews

2I feel like Vincent is right here beside me." (Richard Addis)

Beautiful and Interesting

I already know a lot about van Gogh, and this conversation was very realistic. This conversational away of talking about his life was interesting and very well done.
All the words van Gogh used in this conversation where his own, and beautifully descriptive!
I found it a delight to listen to. I think the narrator did an excellent job of alternating between his own voice and that of Vincent.
I would definitely recommend this book to all art lovers!

Perfect prelude to "Van Gogh Up Close" exhibit

If you could sum up Conversations with Van Gogh in three words, what would they be?

Informative, entertaining, clever

Who was your favorite character and why?

Van Gogh - for obvious reasons!

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

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

I am addicted to Van Gogh's work, not least because of the unusual life of the artist. I have been to Arles and Amsterdam to better understand his oeuvre. By listening to this book, I drew closer to the man who has eluded me all these years. I discovered our common love of Japanese prints and the paintings of Jean Millet which I first admired in Boston's MFA. It was a treat. The author brings the painter to life. I did not realize that Van Gogh could paint with words as well as with oils. This little book was a delight. I listened to it on the plane as I traveled to Ottawa to see the "Van Gogh Up Close" exhibit. I look forward to listening again now that I have seen so many more of his masterpieces "up close".

A tormented genius… in love with nature, and his quest for art.

This is amazing to listen to. Loved hearing his words and views on the world. A tragic end to a beautiful artist and an even more beautiful man.

What a delightful portrait of Van Gogh’s inner struggles

It was such treat to listen to this audiobook! The voices and the thought they communicated were very convincing and in accord of what is known of the artist temperament. The only thing I wish it would had been questioned a bit more is if Vincent really committed suicide or if his death was carried by someone who knew him well and owed many of his paintings, after all, Van Gogh was beginning to sell more of his art and nothing ramps up the game and monetary worth of an emerging artist like his premature death.

A fascinating way to tell his story.

Would you try another book from Vincent Van Gogh and Simon Parke and/or Andy Havill?

Yes, I like the way the author sticks to the facts while telling a story with in the conversation. I found it to be a refreshing new take on biography styles.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Conversations with Van Gogh?

The letters about him in the asylum.

Which character – as performed by Andy Havill – was your favorite?

Van gogh

Was Conversations with Van Gogh worth the listening time?

yes

An Imaginary Premise...

which brings forth the very real words, feelings and attitudes of one of the art world's most fascinating and often misunderstood men. To be read in conjunction with Dear Theo and an in-depth biography of the great painter.

If you care

Would you listen to Conversations with Van Gogh again? Why?

If you care about the subject matter, it's an interesting conversation. Very clever concept - could be a one-man play.

Excelente 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 Excel

muy bueno 👌 me parece que hubiera hablado con el personaje muy real, al punto de oír 2 veces.

Not that great

This is very tedious and the narrator is rather monotone. It was difficult to keep listening.