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)

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.

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.

incredible

The saddest and most beautiful thing I've ever read.
rest in peace, Vincent and Theo

Wow Van Gogh

Not like we learn in history. We only hear the pretty parts. He led a life of inspiration, trying to put it to the best use for life. Not all may like his art, but this book made me love it all. To understand why he painted the way he did.
Only thing for me- English accent of the narrator. And only because I am American. But I got used to it after awhile.

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.