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For this MondayFunday I’m sharing a wonderful new book, available in paperback or Kindle, if you’re in the market for some delightful summer reading and you enjoy stories about (and by) amazing women who defeat the odds.
“Saving Vincent,” written by my sister-in-law, Joan Fernandez, published this April by She Writes Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, follows the story of Johanna (Jo) Van Gogh, Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, after her husband, Theo (Van Gogh’s brother), has died. She’s left a widow, young mother, and sole heir to all of Vincent’s paintings, which were (at that time) deemed worthless by the who’s who of the art world. Jo sets out to represent Vincent’s work as a way to secure respect for him (to continue Theo’s work) and also secure a financial future for her infant son. Jo Van Gogh is the reason Vincent’s art didn’t disappear into obscurity. What she was able to accomplish as a woman in the 1800’s in the male dominated art world and against so many odds is truly incredible and inspiring. I’m in the midst of reading it now and am really enjoying it… But don’t just take my word for it. The book has received many glowing reviews, including this one from Kirkus Reviews, known and respected since 1933 for its concise and unbiased reviews:
“An intriguing art- and history-filled tribute to an oft-overlooked dynamic woman.”
—Kirkus Reviews
And this one too from Readers Favorite, recognized for its work in the industry, including awards and accolades from organizations like the Association of Independent Authors. They are also a member of the National Book Critics Circle:
“Fernandez does an excellent job in her portrayal of Jo as a strong, determined woman ahead of her time in the male-dominated art world...Saving Vincent... forces readers to become deeply invested in Jo as a woman, creating an unforgettable portrait of resilience and passion. Very highly recommended.”
—Readers Favorite
It’s one thing to write a book. It’s something else to find a publisher. And then something else entirely to get reviews like this! Hoorah, Joan!
Like Jo, my sister-in-law, Joan, is an incredible woman. She has overcome obstacles in her life too, yet she still manages to be one of those people who just oozes joy, caring, and an innate curiosity about the world. That she successfully authored a beautifully written and entertaining historical fiction novel just absolutely thrills and inspires me. In fact my decision to start a Substack to share my writing was in part inspired by her. I saw Joan dive into the deep end and said, “If she can do it maybe I can too!” Briefly enables me to share my creative work more widely, and I am also submitting to literary magazines and contests here and there. It’s frightening to put oneself out there and subject one’s creations to rejection, criticism, or even worse, silently disregarded. Poor Vincent literally went mad trying to create in a world that didn’t appreciate his vision and talent… But quitting on yourself without at least giving yourself a chance is another kind of madness.
”Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
–Howard Thurman
Like Jo, Joan is continually coming alive. I not only find Joan incredible and inspiring as a writer, but also as a mom, a human, and a professional. This book was a seven year project and it wasn’t always easy, as she shares in her Substack, “Digging in with Joan Fernandez.”
As mothers, both Joan and Jo juggle/juggled motherhood with professional pursuits in a world dominated by men. But most importantly, they both also did more than simply find a way to survive amidst life’s challenges – they found a way to thrive despite them. This is what I want to do too.
We are all trying to survive…. but the art of living a meaningful life is figuring out how to also thrive. So I encourage you to give “Saving Vincent” a read and ask yourself, what makes you come alive?
Have a great Monday and week ahead!
My respect and admiration for YOU—your courage to share and deepen your creativity with each work sent out into the world—flows deeper and deeper. Grateful we're in each other's lives. . . and have each other's backs! You go, sister! And thank you.