Was excited about the subject matter, but it’s much more like a Harlequin romance than solid historical fiction. Finished it for my family book club, but might not have, otherwise. Of course, some readers will and have adored it.

I loved the two parallel stories. I loved the chicken interspersed. I loved the descriptions that just floated through the paragraphs and did not make one stop and study the words. I loved the challenges met by both the women. And I loved that Jo lived during the Impressionist period.

So inspiring

Loved the juxtaposed stories of the two (could have been 3) ladies. Strong women indeed. Knew a bit about Vincent although didn’t realize his brother suffered from the same affliction.

Blend of interwoven time lines of women’s determination through the art world past and present. Terrific history!!

Nicely written, a bit of a mystery and holds your interest. Enjoy historical fiction and enjoyed reading it

I just didn’t find it captivating. The usual girl heroes which are becoming overdone in writing. Theo and Vincent are in the background the entire time. The writing is peppered with historical facts so you could call it historical fiction. The reading and writing style was simple. You would have to know something about van Gogh art to appreciate it. It seemed to drone on flowery and then, just end. It hits all the salient points a women’s lib book which include , gays, living together, casual sex in present times with the 1880’s modesty, codes of decorum and conduct,etc. I think the authors self promotion of the book is what has driven it. It is not likely I would recommend it as a pleasure read. I do think it was important to know how Johanna Bonger played a role in preserving Van Goghs art, otherwise, it may well have been lost to history.

I loved this story about strong women, art, and love. Not what I expected but truly delighted and grateful to have read it.

Really inspiring story. I was rooting for both of the women and learned a lot along the way.

Interesting read, but leave much to be desired. I was more interested in Jo’s story than anyone else in the book. The ending felt rushed and the time jumps left more questions than answers. Prompted me to go do some more research myself.