Review: Valiant Struggle Touchingly Written - The Real Man Comes Through
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 12, 2013
I have to admit I dove into this book with uncommon eagerness. The reason is because I share so much astrological similarity with Van Gogh that I wanted to learn the specifics of his inner struggles. The author does a wonderful job (relying on letters Van Gogh wrote) describing three of his inner struggles--his view on being a non-selling artist, his search for the type of art he wished to produce, and his ever-present battle with mental illness. The book is a testament to dedication of the Spirit, really, for Van Gogh describes his art as a "ruinous mistress" even as he continues to suffer on its behalf. In fact, suffering is one of the keynotes of Van Gogh's life, as described in this book. While he doesn't seek to be a martyr, he does understand that struggle sometimes produces something very refined, spiritual, and of pure essence that does not come from lack of struggle. Oh, I identified with Van Gogh as portrayed in this book. I will re-read it many times when my passion for my own work eludes me, or seems insufficient. A really well-written book that brings the essential man through in his own words. Wow.