DEAR THEO The Autobiography of Vincent van Gogh

In an incredible series of letters to his brother, artist Vincent van Gogh discusses life, art, religion, and philosophy. He also records the daily comings and goings of his life, first as a teacher and missionary and then as a painter. They form an intimate autobiography. Clive Chafer does a solid job narrating the work, giving emotion to the artist’s angst and joys, especially in his discussion of art. Chafer adopts a more even tone for the more mundane passages. The book, as a whole, can be a little tedious at times as we follow the author literally day by day—to the market, to a school, or on a ramble in the countryside. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]