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The Secret Life of Sunflowers
Marta Molnar. Marta Molnar, $5.99 e-book (390p) ASIN B0B5G1KKCZ
Molnar (Broslin Creek, as Dana Marton) offers a delightful story about an American woman’s possible connection to the family of Vincent Van Gogh. Emsley Watson is struggling to keep her niche L.A. auction house afloat and hasn’t been able to raise the money needed to buy out her cheating boyfriend partner. After her grandmother Violet has a stroke, Emsley visits her in New York City, and then inherits the contents of Violet’s brownstone upon her death. There, Emsley uncovers a diary from 1887 Amsterdam by someone named Clara. The book chronicles the life of Johanna (née Bonger) Van Gogh, who married the painter Vincent’s brother Theo, and whose story emerges in a parallel narrative. After moving to Paris with Theo, Johanna encounters the erratic Vincent. Theo explained to her how “Sunflowers mean gratitude to Vincent. He never loses faith,” and after Vincent’s death, Johanna determines to protect the Van Gogh legacy. Shifting between Emsley and Johanna, Molnar unfurls a gripping set of mysteries: Who is Clara? Could Emsley be related to the Van Goghs? And who painted the picture of an ugly baby Emsley found in Violet’s house? Molar effectively portrays Emsley and Johanna as strong, dauntless women determined to rebuild their lives after setbacks. This is a delight. (Self-published)

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly on 02/10/2023

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