Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law, inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28-year-old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris, where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.

The book alternates between modern-day New York and 19th-century Paris, following two women who navigate grief, business failures, and male-dominated societies.

About Ready Readers

The Ready Readers book group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Our meetings are “hybrid” – in person at the Scandinavian Living Center with a Zoom option for remote attendees. We read a variety of both fiction and non-fiction, chosen by the members from among books “nominated” by the members. Usually, the person who nominated the book will lead the discussion. We have always had both men and women members. New members are welcome!

The group was formed in 2013. Current leaders are Sallie Craig Huber and Charmian Proskauer.