Alyson Richman, The Last Van Gogh

The Last Van Gogh

Alyson Richman

Berkley, October 2006, $14.00

ISBN: 042521267X

In 1890 an ailing Vincent Van Gogh arrives at Auvers-sur-Oise, France seeking help from homeopathic Dr. Gachet. The artist finds an odd household awaits him, as the widower physician has two children; twenty year old suppressed daughter Marguerite and a younger brother of no consequence to Vincent. The child also has governess Madame Chevalier, whom Van Gogh assumes is the doctor's mistress. Finally, Chevalier's adult daughter Louise-Josephine joins the mix.

A talented pianist, Marguerite finds a connection to Van Gogh, as she would love to escape her gilded cage and see the world. She thinks the frail Van Gogh might be her ticket. The painter also likes the youthful enthusiasm of the young woman, and he asks her father if he can paint her. Obtaining permission, he begins a series of paintings that depict a girl becoming a woman, but also emphasizes her loneliness. As they begin a tryst, he tells her he cannot marry her, but gives her a painting of her to keep before her father realizes what is happening and locks her way; not long afterward Van Gogh killed himself.

This historical fiction actually centers more on Marguerite than on Van Gogh, with the premise being that she was his muse during his last seventy days of life, in which he provided an extraordinary explosion of masterpieces. The storyline is intriguing. However, the support cast (including Van Gogh) comes across as more fascinating and fuller than the lead protagonist. Still, the vivid colorful look at the final days brings the era to life, along with some insight into the demons eating at the artist. Readers of biographical fiction will enjoy this account of the LAST VAN GOGH from the perspective of his final inspiration.