The Secret Life of Sunflowers

By: Marta Molnar, Dana Marton

Narrated by: Kendra Murray

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"This book draws all the emotions out of you. I went from tears to snorting with laughter. It was both lighthearted and heart breaking, yet it inspires me to live my best life! " (Michelle Cox)

When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother's diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn't her grandmother's. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law.

Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28-year-old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.

The inspiration couldn't come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?

©2022 Marta E. Dana (P)2023 Marta E. Dana

Just the inspiration I needed to take on the world!

I loved the way, the author celebrated the inner power and strength of both of the main characters. These women dug deep within themselves to find their power, and it was a great reminder that we all have the same ability to do so. I highly recommend reading this book.

Surprised

Wasn’t sure when i started this book if I would like it, but the author did a wonderful job connecting past and future. Would have never know Van Gogh and how he got famous.

Just finished

I enjoyed the book but It ends abruptly. I’d like more!!! Thank you Marta Molnar

So amazing, I read it twice back-to-back.

Loved the style of writing, going back and forth between the two women 100 years apart. Worth reading twice to pick up the little details you missed the first time. Masterful job by the woman who narrated it.

Pleasantly Surprised

It took me a while to realize the development of the basic storyline. But as developed, I was surprised to identify with the character of Vincent van Goghs sister-in-law, Johanna. In fact, I empathize with her to such an extent, that I was left with a feeling of melancholy after the book was over. This is in someways, a simply written book to enjoy on a vacation or just relaxing at home, despite it’s highly charged emotional storyline.

Good story.

Van Gogh is one of my favorites and have painted a few of his masterpieces. Enjoyed the story and history of their lives & relationships..

I was living the story

Marta and Dana thank you for your research and wonderful piece of storytelling. I didn’t want it to end. It was hard to give up the characters, the love story and the history.

Great book

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book but I’m all about VVG and reading this little known (to me) side of the story was so interesting and entertaining. Thank goodness for Johanna Bonger. Thank you to the author for the intense research she did.

I felt like I was experiencing the story with the characters

I loved the history, the love stories, the friendships, the creativity, and being submerged in the art. So well written. I wanted to befriend each character past and present. I’m inspired.

Fresh and Creative, I want more.

One of those books that is so different and pleasurable. Seems like a long time since I’ve enjoyed a book this much. I kept going back and rereading it just to savor it and make it last. Loved how the author jumped from modern day to the time that Van Gogh inhabited. You wanted to meet all of these wonderful people and be a part of their lives.
Maureen