Van Gogh

The tumultuous life of artist Vincent Van Gogh is made easy to listen to by the pleasant voice of narrator Paul Heitsch. While exhaustively researched and incredibly detailed, the biography flows like a story. Beginning with childhood and progressing through Van Gogh's every obsessive attempt to find his true passion, Heitsch's calm and steady pacing provides empathy for this disturbed genius and his long-suffering family. Heitsch's carefully placed emphasis on the many quotes from Van Gogh's extensive letters to his family, especially brother Theo, serve to enhance the text. He does a commendable job with the frequent Dutch and French words and phrases, and, thankfully, uses the familiar pronunciation of "Van Go." This is a definitive biography and an engaging listen. J.E.S. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine