Lust for Life

By: Irving Stone

Narrated by: Steve West

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)

Great story telling of Van Gogh

I wanted to know more about Vincent Van Gogh after visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in June 2024. Instead of a book stating dry facts, I searched for an author that could blend his life with a bit of storytelling. I knew this approach would keep my attention. This was exactly what I found and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Irving Stone’s Lust for Life took letters to Theo, Vincent’s brother, and incorporated as much of the true struggles Vincent faced throughout his life into his book. I can now look at Vincent’s paintings and truly understand how and why those paintings were created.

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.

Best book

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

Excellent narration!

A little long and repetitive in terms of the storyline, but the audio was brilliant, especially the dialogue.

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 !!!

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.

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!

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.

Patience

This book is slow to gain speed, yet suddenly the story finishes and leaves the reader feeling haunted and captivated over the real life events that took place in the years of Vincent Van Gogh.
The narrator I felt slightly diluted the passion and character of Vincent. Often I was distracted by the delivery of tone and flatness the beautiful lines of Irving stone were given by the performance.
However it is hard to say what the ideal voice to portray this story would be. It is a tumult of information that was handled with courage and professionalism.
Definitely a story worth getting through though. The climax sneaks up on you and suddenly you're in the middle of the dark labyrinth the artist created within himself.

Awesome story

The most touching book I’ve listened to recently ! Especially recommended before visiting museum in Amsterdam.