Sunflowers

Rarely does a novel engage me from page one, but such was the case when I picked up The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar.  The story parallels the lives of two strong, determined women who seem at first glance to be somewhat reserved.

Johanna Bonger was in love, she thought, with a man who would never be true to her. She was also courted by her brother’s friend Theo Van Gogh. She attempted to deny him her affection by saying “You will grow tired of me,” to which Theo responded: “Sunflowers will tire of the sun before I tire of you, Johanna Bonger.” That encounter turned her heart. Eventually, she married Theo, who was completely and totally dedicated to her, and also to his brother, Vincent.

Skipping to current times, Emsley Wilson enters the scene. She adores her flamboyant grandmother who passes away before Emsley is ready. During this time Emsley was facing the challenge of what to do about her struggling auction business. A friend of her grandmother Violet, gave Emsley sunflower earrings, indicating Violet had ordered them for her.  Emsley recalled her grandmother’s words: “Sunflowers are adaptable. You plant them somewhere, and they’ll figure out how to grow. They’ll come up in the rich loam of rivers as easily as in arid, poor dirt. The worse the soil, the bigger they flower. They’re scrappy as hell.”

The chapters alternate between Emsley’s life in current times, and Johanna’s life in the 1800s. Throughout the story, both women are determined to achieve their objectives. Theo quoted Vincent: “If you hear a voice within say you cannot do something, then by all means do that thing, and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent’s words become the underlying theme for both women.

Molnar’s novel is an engaging story from start to finish. Yet something even more important is revealed. At least it was for me. I had no idea that Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law worked intensely to promote him and his work, after his death. Without Johanna, the world may never have known about The Starry Night, The Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, or any one of the more than 2000 pieces of art by one of the most famous and influential figures in post-impressionist Western art.

The Secret Life of Sunflowers is a must read for those who enjoy historical fiction or for those who appreciate tenacity and resolve in a woman’s journey. Or, if you just want to enjoy a lovely story.