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THE SECRET LIFE OF SUNFLOWERS
Marta Molnar
Marta Molnar
July 19, 2022
388 pages
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Genres: Historical, Women
This book was a random pick for me from NetGalley. It has dual timelines, a familiar style lately. Sometimes it is tiring, but sometimes it works. I think that this is one of the times that it works, and works well.
The main character from the past is Johanna Bonger, the sister-in-law of painter Vincent Van Gogh. She seems like a strange pick for a central character but a very interesting storyline developed around Johanna.
The present day main character is Emsley, a celebrity art auctioneer in Los Angeles. Right away the reader knows that the two paths will cross. Emsley and Johanna seem to be on similar paths.
This book is well written. It’s almost as if the part in the present has a different author. The writing style changes to fit the era. Emsley is quick witted. She has a dry sense of humour, even in stressful situations. The past is more sombre but Johanna proves to be a very strong character.
I love the fact that the real historical character, Johanna Bonger VanDyke, was a determined woman who was solely responsible for presenting the works of Vincent Van Dyke
So many themes are touched upon in this book. I love the strength of both women. I love the fact that both women are trying to prove themselves in a “man’s world”. (Insert sarcasm font) Even though the timelines are one hundred years apart, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”.
The art world is involved in both timelines. While I am able to admire and appreciate a particular piece of artwork, it’s not something I have ever learned much about. It was interesting to visit a “world” that I know very little about. And, I learned in the process. Naturally, I was Googling throughout the time I was reading the book to verify facts. It is obvious that the author did an immense amount of research in preparation for writing this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Readers Copy.
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