Lust for Life by Irving Stone Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lust for Life
Book Review: A Classic for everyone to read and enjoy.
Summary: 5 Stars
Irving Stone's greatest novel, "Lust for Life," traces the life of Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh from his auspicious beginnings as an art dealer in London to his death at age 37 in Auvers in 1890.
The book is considered a 'biographical novel' because, although it is rooted in fact, the author has fictionalized certain details, as well as dialog that can only be imagined. Stone, however had quite an advantage when writing "Lust for Life." He had at his disposal the massive three volume set of "The Complete Letters of Vincent Van Gogh." Van Gogh, after all, was not only one of the greatest painters in history, but also one of most prolific and eloquent writer of letters. When reading "Lust for Life," one can easily find Van Gogh's own words liberally sprinkled throuhgout the dialog, giving a depth of insight into his art and philosophy that no author could ever dream up in a work of pure fiction. Stone seamlessly weaves a literary portrait of Van Gogh that can honestly be called a masterpiece.Stone opted to skip over undramatic events in Van Gogh's life, such as his brief stay in Drenthe. Instead, he keeps the story moving steadily and sometimes swiftly, over the pricipal events in the artist's stormy life. Such ommisions have unjustly drawn harsh criticism from Van Gogh scholors, who question the wisdom of tampering with history. It must be remembered, however, that the purpose of "Lust for Life" is not to read as a dry, historically accurate biography, but as an entertaining story, which works wonderfully at emphasizing the drama without resorting to prepetuating myths about the artist.
"Lust for Life" works best as pure escapism for anyone wanting to transport themselves into another time. Van Gogh is brought into vivid focus, living and breathing from page to page. Stone has done an incredible job of distilling Van Gogh's personality and presenting in a highly palatable form. No matter how many times the book is read (I have read it nine times) the ending never fails to deliver an emotional whollop that will leave the reader in tears.
I wish all books could be this good.
Book Review: A Monument to the Artist within
Summary: 4 Stars
This book speaks to the artist within each of us. We all possess that passionate, mad lust to create. Vincent was one of the few that was true to his lust. Sadly his brutal honesty did not fit into our utilitarian world and his story is a tragedy of epic proportions. As the book says:" Vincent knew that to attain the yellow note which dominated the Arlesian canvases he had to be on edge, strung up, throbbingly excited, passionately sensitive, his nerves rasped raw. If he allowed himself to get into that state, he could paint again as brilliantly as before. But the road led to destruction.
'An artist is a man with his work to do," he murmured to himself. ' How stupid for me to remain alive if I can't paint the way I want to paint.'"
Book Review: A book that reaches spiritual heights
Summary: 5 Stars
I became interested in van Gogh after seeing an exhibition of his and other petit boulevard paintings. I wish that I had read this book beforehand. Vincent was a truly beautiful, misunderstood person, working way, way ahead of his time. Many of the questions that Vincent asks of himself are not unlike the journeys that many people are on right now; questions about a higher being, one's place in the world and true calling, and what constitutes one person as sane over another. Reading this book made me feel something much deeper than many books I have read lately. I was sad when the book was finished, because I know that it will be a tough act to follow. I was reminded of Siddhartha and books of that caliber.Book Review: A fascinating study of a great man
Summary: 5 Stars
Irving Stone's biography of Vincent Van Gogh is a thoroughly absorbing story. Taking him from London to the Netherlands to Belgium and the South of France, the book takes you on a trip through Vincent's arduous yet fascinating life. What makes the story so fulfilling is that you're there with Van Gogh all the way, through his hard times as well as his brief successes. One of the most fascinating sections of the book is the period he spends in a coal mine in Belgium, living and working in utter poverty. His meetings with famous artists like Gaugin are also quite interesting. Sadly, his slow descent into madness is also chronicled here. You don't have to be a fan of Van Goh's work to appreciate this intense story (but it helps). Highly recommended for anyone who's interested in the lives of people who have led truly unique lives.
Book Review: A gentle soul was Vincent Van Gogh
Summary: 5 Stars
Stone takes the reader on a fascinating journey recapping Vincent Van Gogh's life of hardships and triumphs in his biographical novel Lust for Life. Beginning in London, the author reveals Vincent's inner core as a young man of twenty-one working as a clerk for European art dealers while falling madly in love with a vivacious nineteen-year-old kindergarten teacher. Vincent's reaction to this unrequited relationship establishes a pattern of behavior and insight into his personality, which makes him more empathetic as a character. Vincent leaves London and embarks on journey in search of his "true calling" and ends up as a minister living in abject poverty in a Belgium miners' village. This situation strengthens his character and weakens his faith, but out of that grows a passion for art and drawing. The obsession begins and so does his real journey. This book is well worth reading.