The Widow Van Gogh

“In an imaginative and dynamic biography of one of art history’s under-appreciated figures, Martelli applies her tenacious investigative journalism skills to craft a vibrant portrait of a woman thrown into unimaginable circumstances. At once a tragic love story and inspiring tale of transformation, Martelli’s narrative sings with an engrossing prose style that reads more like historical fiction than biography.” – Booklist, starred review
“Drawing from a wealth of research, the author utilizes rich novelistic detail to draw out the complicated emotional currents between Johanna and the brothers van Gogh, and makes clear that Vincent’s legacy was far from guaranteed. The painter’s fans will appreciate this fresh, energetic look at the woman who helped cement his place in art history.” – Publishers Weekly
“Drawing on recently available letters and a previous biography, journalist Martelli recounts the life of Johanna “Jo” van Gogh-Bonger (1862-1925), sister-in-law of the renowned artist, who became a major force in establishing his posthumous reputation. Martelli makes a compelling case that van Gogh’s fame rests on her efforts. A sympathetic portrait of a determined woman.” – Kirkus Reviews
“I eagerly flew through the pages of The Widow van Gogh, captivated by the life of Johanna ‘Jo’ van Gogh-Bonger—from her youth in Amsterdam and the beaches of the North Sea to the streets of Montmartre as a young wife, and ultimately to her remarkable role as a widow shaping the legacy of one of history’s most beloved artists. Joan Martelli brings volumes of correspondence vividly to life, revealing Jo not simply as a witness to greatness, but as a driving force behind Vincent van Gogh’s enduring recognition. Historically, Dutch women have often risen to the occasion, shaping culture, commerce, and history, and Jo stands firmly within that tradition. A compelling read for anyone drawn to hidden histories, remarkable women, and the enduring power of art.” – Genevieve Wheeler Brown, author of Beyond Blue and White
“Deeply researched yet refreshingly free of stiff academic language, The Widow Van Gogh tells the compelling story of the complex relationships between Jo van Gogh-Bonger, Theo van Gogh, and Vincent van Gogh, and of the decades-long effort through which she preserved Vincent’s letters, work, and memory. Focusing on Jo, Martelli reveals a fascinating and deeply human portrait of a woman who devoted much of her life to advancing Van Gogh’s legacy.” * Jeff Koehler, James Beard Award-winning writer, author of Matisse in Morocco *
“The Widow Van Gogh is a heartbreaking chronicle of three lives bound together in tragedy and triumph. Joan Martelli delivers the unforgettable story of Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law Jo Bonger, who kept faith with his work, preserving his artistic legacy and rendering him immortal.” * Andrea Pitzer, author of The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov *
“The Widow Van Gogh is a fascinating book, vivid with emotion.” * Kate Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Queen Victoria and Regina *
“The life of Vincent Van Gogh feels vividly different in Martelli’s book. Seen through the eyes of his sister-in-law, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger, he’s less an inscrutable genius and instead a more familiar figure, a brilliant but wayward family tie. Martelli renders Van Gogh-Bonger’s tale with novelistic color, bringing her life and all those around her into sharp relief. A refreshing take.” * Morgan Falconer, author of How to Be Avante-Garde *

Joan Martelli is a multiple-award-winning American storyteller, investigative journalist, and author. Her work, ranging from political analysis, environmental exposés, human rights stories, and profiles, has taken her around the world and appeared on various networks, including ABC, CBS, and PBS. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and a Harvard Nieman Fellow. Born in New York, she is the author of The Law of Storms and now lives with her husband in Europe, splitting time between their home in Amsterdam and a rural farmhouse in France.

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