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Title: Dear Theo
Subtitle: The Autobiography of Vincent van Gogh
Author: Jean Stone, Irving Stone
Narrator: Clive Chafer
Format: Unabridged
Length: 21 hrs and 17 mins
Language: English
Release date: 05-21-12
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 82 votes
Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians
Publisher's Summary:
Each night, when the hours of painting and drawing were over, Vincent van Gogh put pen to paper and poured out his heart through letters to his beloved brother, Theo, his confidant and companion. No thought was too small, no element of his craft too insignificant, no happening too trivial. It was all scrupulously recorded and shared.
In these letters, Van Gogh reveals himself as artist and man. Even more than if he had purposely intended to tell his life story, Van Goghs letters lay bare his deepest feelings, as well as his everyday concerns and his views of the world of art. Irving Stone has edited the letters of Vincent in such a way as to retain every line of beauty, significance, and importance. It is my humble opinion that Vincent was as great a writer and philosopher, Stone says, as he was a painter.
Critic Reviews:
An extraordinary book and a great one. (
New York Times)
A great book, the greatness of a man in his own words. (
The Nation)
Members Reviews:
Vincent Van Gogh could have been a great writer.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in art and artists. It completely contradicts the popular Hollywood version of Van Gogh.
What did you like best about this story?
His amazing skills as a writer. When he describes a scene it's a vivid as his art.
What does Clive Chafer bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?
As these are letters written by Van Gogh the performance isn't really important.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Not applicable.
Worst narrator ever!
This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?
Interesting from an art history perspective, and to witness the thinking of Van Gogh.
What didnt you like about Clive Chafers performance?
Almost a complete monotone all the way through. I am pretty sure that Vincent Van Gogh was a very passionate man, but the entire book was read in a near monotone. It was so excruciating to listen to that I put it down for months at a time.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Dear Theo?
No scenes - these are his letters to his brother, so no editing. I would select a more passionate narrator.
Any additional comments?
Read the book on your own. This narrator is awful!
If you know Vincent's life story already this is a perfect audio book for you.
I wanted to try this because I was a fan of Lust For Life the movie and the audio book. Since Irving Stone was the author of Lust For Life I felt his editing of Vincent's letters could be trusted. I always wanted to read his letters so when I found this audio book I was excited.
This audio book is over 21 hours long. It is straight from his letters and is the words of Vincent. It gives you very detailed times during his life. If you know his story already and want his feelings and take on his life this is a perfect book. I believe you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Great book...horrid performance.
I could not listen to this one. I did not care for the Narrator. His voice rarely changed tones.
Great book, good reader.
However, I would have loved to know the time span in between Vincent's letters as I am guessing the original letters might have been dated as was typical for correspondence.
