Novelist reveals the hidden true story of the woman who made
Vincent van Gogh the artistic giant he is today
St. Louis, MO–In the tradition of “The Paris Bookseller” and
“Her Hidden Genius,” Joan Fernandez’s novel “Saving Vincent” (She Writes Press,
April 15, 2025) is inspired by the true story of a woman overshadowed in
history by the giant talent she saved: Vincent van Gogh.
How did a failed belligerent Dutch painter become one of the
greatest artists of our time?
In 1891, timid Jo van Gogh Bonger lives safely in the
background of her art dealer husband Theo’s passion for selling the work of
unknown artists, especially his ill-fated dead brother, Vincent. When Theo dies
unexpectedly, Jo’s brief happiness is shattered. Her inheritance—hundreds of
unsold paintings by Vincent—is worthless. Pressured to move to her parents’
home, Jo defies tradition, instead choosing to open a boarding house, raise her
infant son alone, and promote Vincent’s art herself. Her ingenuity and
persistence draw the powerful opposition of a Parisian art dealer who vows to
prevent her success, and so sink Vincent into obscurity. How will Jo overcome
the forces working against her, and save herself along with Vincent?
About the author…
Joan Fernandez is a novelist who brings to light courageous
women’s brilliant deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive
and general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she
retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. Since leaving the
corporate world, she’s become a member of the Historical Novel Society, the
Author’s Guild, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA). In April
2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within WFWA that grew
from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. Her short story, “A
Parisian Daughter,” was published in the American Writing Award-winning
anthology, “Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women.” Joan’s debut
novel, “Saving Vincent” (She Writes Press), was also recognized by the American
Writing Awards, winning their 2024 art award.
Joan is a sought-after public speaker, recently presenting
“Top 10 Secrets for Forming a Vibrant, Lasting Author Community” at the
Historical Novel Society UK Conference in May 2024. She also presented “How to
Portray the Past Truthfully without Harm” at the Tenth Anniversary Conference
for WFWA in September 2023.
Additional memberships include the Missouri Writers Guild,
Unite Against Book Bans, Right to Read Coalition and PEN America.
Joan calls both St. Louis, Missouri and Sedona, Arizona,
home, where she enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with
grandkids. Learn more about her life and work at: www.joanfernandezauthor.com
Follow Joan Fernandez on social media:
Facebook: @joanferndzauthor | Instagram:
@joanfernandezauthor
An Interview with Joan Fernandez
Why did you want to write about Jo van Gogh, and how
did you discover her story?
I discovered Jo in 2016 when, on a girlfriend trip to
Amsterdam, we visited the Van Gogh Museum. I spied Jo’s black-and-white photo
on a small display about the Van Gogh family. When I read an accompanying note
about her being the one to sell Vincent’s paintings, I remember staring into
her eyes and thinking, “If not for you, none of this would be here.” It felt
wrong that she’d been lost behind Vincent’s giant shadow. I felt she should be
acknowledged.
What was the writing process like for this book? How
long did it take to write?
Truthfully, I wrote two manuscripts! In the first one I
reimagined Jo’s life, filling in the gaps I couldn’t find with research. My
manuscript was completely done and ready to begin pitching to agents when a new
biography was released about Jo by the Van Gogh Museum. I’d just spent two
years learning writing craft, hiring book coaches and editors, and now had to
decide whether to go ahead to publish this first version or to toss it and
start over. I chose to begin again. When my book is published, it will be seven
years.
What is the most surprising thing you learned from
this story?
Van Gogh is beloved worldwide, so we all know that Jo was
ultimately successful. Yet, I am still
awestruck by her conviction that Vincent’s artwork was worthy of greatness when
so many told her she was wrong. Her conviction gave her the resilience to reach
her true potential, which in turn drove the paintings’ value from worthless to
priceless.
Tell us about Georges Raulf. Is he a real historical
figure? How did you write his character and why?
In real life Jo did not have a singular enemy, but rather
lots of pushback from a number of forces. It was fun to create Georges Raulf as
a composite of this headwind and also reflect the time’s political crosswinds
and shaky, gradual acceptance of modern art. He reflects a patriarchal
worldview, offended by Jo’s meddling in a man’s art-dealing world, but I also
fleshed him out so that he’s not simply a caricature but has a human story
behind his awfulness.
What are the ethics of writing about historical
figures? Can you write about the past without doing harm?
Start with research, events and people in your subject’s
life, and read your character’s diaries or journals, if possible. I read the
101-letter correspondence between Jo and her husband Theo, and 902 letters from
and to Vincent. I believe you should write without the intent to harm, but
rather to understand. If writing about heinous and violent historical events,
avoid egregious details and show at least a few character’s faces, reactions
and thoughts that they’re repulsed. Even this small signal of empathy goes a
long way toward ensuring you don’t injure today’s reader.
Why do you call this book a historical fiction
parable?
Parables are stories that illustrate a larger universal
truth. My rendition of Jo’s story comes to life in fictional conversations and
thoughts; yet, I feel that her example of how to overcome the societal norms
that stand in the way of living up to one’s true potential reflects universal
truth. Both Jo and Vincent van Gogh’s lives are enormously inspiring by their
examples of resilience and staying true to their gifts despite opposition from
the status quo.
What do you hope readers will take away from Jo’s
story?
I hope they remember and know Jo’s name! She has been lost
in history for far too long. She deserves the credit for Vincent being a
beloved artist worldwide. I hope readers will feel empowered by her example of
what can be accomplished with determination and perseverance and so pursue
striving to realize their full potential.
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