West does a fine, measured job, especially attributing a sweet earnestness to Vincent, and I probably would never have gotten around to the written version before my travels to Amsterdam (where his museum lives) and Provence (where he did much of his painting). However, I think this may be one of those books best read rather than listened to.
The story was developed using Vincent's own words from his letters to brother Theo, which certainly lends credibility to the thoughts that Stone puts in Vincent's head, as well as to conversations between Vincent and the other Impressionists of the age. This book creates a wonderful backdrop for appreciating the work of Vincent Van Gogh, providing an understanding of his development as an artist, as well as giving insight into the popular perceptions of him as a quintessential starving artist and cutter of his own ear. The story covers in detail his early life to his death. The toxin in Absinthe causes one to see yellow and halo around lights. Some of his medical complaints may also be caused by his over consumption of Absinthe as it contains a toxin and to lead poisoning which was common among painters of that era. Van Gogh probably had a bipolar disorder and did has greatest painting when in the manic phase. Stone describes the colors of the area and what Vincent is painting so it helps me see the world though Van Gogh's eyes or the eyes of a painter. I am glad I read this book again as I had remember very little of it.
I remember after reading this book in 1962 I went to the museum to look at Van Gogh paintings. " Lust for Life" is the story of Vincent Van Gogh, the facts are correct but stone's brings him to life and in doing so has to take creative license therefore it is a novel. A number of Stone's books were made into movies. I do hope that Audible will provide all of his outstanding books. I had read a number of his books back in the 50's and 60's and wanted to read them all but did not have the time. Irving Stone wrote this book in 1934 and became the master of the biographical novel.
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