Saving Vincent - by Joan Fernandez (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the tradition of The Paris Bookseller and Her Hidden Genius, the story of a real woman overshadowed in history by the giant talent she saved, Vincent van Gogh.

How did a failed belligerent Dutch painter become one of the greatest artists of our time?

In 1891, timid Jo van Gogh Bonger lives safely in the background of her art dealer husband Theo's passionate work to sell unknown artists, especially his ill-fated dead brother Vincent. When Theo dies unexpectedly, Jo's brief happiness is shattered. Her inheritance--hundreds of unsold paintings by Vincent--is worthless. Pressured to move to her parents' home, Jo defies tradition, opening a boarding house to raise her infant son alone, and choosing to promote Vincent's art herself. But her ingenuity and persistence draw the powerful opposition of a Parisian art dealer who vows to stop her once and for all, and so sink Vincent into obscurity.

Saving Vincent reveals there was more than one genius in the Van Gogh family.

Review Quotes

"A climate of progressive change backdrops a determined widow's efforts in the male-dominated art world in the lovely historical novel, Saving Vincent.."--Foreword Reviews

"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

"Fernandez is a remarkable author; her latest book is an invitation to delve into the captivating story of Jo van Gogh. . . In this delightful read, Fernandez not only uncovers Jo's significance but also enlightens us about the crucial role she played, weaving a rich tapestry of storytelling that underscores the profound importance of art in our lives."--Midwest Book Review

"An intriguing art- and history-filled tribute to an oft-overlooked dynamic woman." --Kirkus Reviews

"The writing here is solid, clear and effective. The book is well-researched . . . it feels like a fresh take on the history of a well-known artist. The way Van Gogh pieces are included is a nice conceit."--The BookLife Prize

"Joan Fernandez has brought to vivid life a truly remarkable person in tooth, claw and sinew that perhaps the world in general knows too little of. The writer has made her own and not inconsiderable contribution to a necessary and fuller understanding of the contribution of a truly steadfast and courageous individual."--The Historical Fiction Company

"[This is] . . . a great story. . .and timely application of advocacy principles for women, especially. Jo's experience demonstrates agency in a man's world and holistic fulfillment. Each chapter exemplifies a bend in the road, a triumph and pitfall, in the process of creating a successful marketing campaign." --Penelope Schmidt, gallery owner


"We all know van Gogh's work--and now Joan Fernandez's debut introduces us to Jo van Gogh, who helped create the artist's legacy. Saving Vincent is a luminous, captivating novel about a woman who was truly ahead of her time." --Camille Pagán, best-selling author of Good for You.

"You've probably never heard of Jo van Gogh, but were it not for her, none of us would have ever known there was a Vincent van Gogh. In this skillfully researched and propulsive story, Joan Fernandez shares the untold history of a true unsung heroine who saved her brother-in-law's artwork and legacy. You will root for Jo van Gogh from beginning to end."--Renee Rosen, USA Today best-selling author of Let's Call Her Barbie

"Fernandez brings Jo's untold story to life with brilliant historical acuity. . . [her] portrayal of Jo as a strong, smart, and indomitable woman is both inspiring and empowering. . . Lovers of Van Gogh's work will find this story intense, vibrant, and deeply moving." --Booklife

"Art history buffs--like me--who never learned how van Gogh's paintings survived will welcome Saving Vincent. Drawing on voluminous research, Fernandez brings to life the unexpected story of Jo van Gogh Bonger. I found it tremendously gratifying to discover the vital role she played at a time when women were virtually excluded from the art world."--Jude Berman, author of The Vow

"Saving Vincent, Fernandez's immersive rendering of Jo van Gogh Bonger's real-life efforts to rescue Vincent van Gogh's art from obscurity, is a story of such substance readers won't want to miss a single word."--NJ Mastro, author of Solitary Walker: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft

About the Author