My sister-in-law recommended The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar to me ages ago, and I finally picked it up. Wow, now I understand why she was so enthusiastic! The novel weaves together the lives of two young women living in very different eras but facing equally challenging circumstances. With chapters shifting between the 1800s and the present day, their stories are compelling and deeply moving. Along the way, I learned a great deal about Vincent van Gogh and his corner of the world. This one’s a must-read!
Overview of The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
While sorting through her grandmother’s New York brownstone, Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson uncovers a hidden diary. To her shock, it doesn’t belong to her grandmother but to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law. A young, widowed mother in a foreign city, Johanna was left with nothing but Vincent’s then-worthless artwork. Against the odds, she introduced his genius to the world.
As Emsley’s own life begins to unravel, she turns to Johanna’s story for strength, wondering if the past holds the hope she needs now.
A little information about Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose bold use of color, expressive brushwork, and emotional depth helped shape modern art. Though he struggled with poverty and mental illness, van Gogh produced more than 800 paintings and 700 drawings in just ten years. His early life was marked by failed careers in art dealing, teaching, and ministry. After a personal crisis, he turned to art in 1880, believing it could be a way to bring comfort to others.
Van Gogh’s work evolved rapidly. He was influenced by Dutch masters, French realists like Millet and Corot, and later, by Impressionists and Japanese prints. His time in Paris and Arles led to the vivid, emotionally charged style that became his signature. Despite recurring hospitalizations and deep personal struggles (including the infamous incident with his ear) he remained committed to his vision.
He died by suicide in 1890, virtually unknown, having sold only one painting in his lifetime. His brother Theo, who supported him emotionally and financially, died six months later. Over time, van Gogh’s reputation soared. His story as a misunderstood genius has become legendary, and today, he is one of the most celebrated and widely recognized artists in the world.
What I loved about The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
The way it showcases amazing women
In the present-day storyline, I was especially drawn to the women at the heart of Emsley’s life: her grandmother, the tenant artist in their family’s brownstone, and Emsley herself. Each one is portrayed as strong, creative, intelligent, and deeply resilient. Their individual stories of perseverance and purpose were both moving and inspiring. The historical thread featuring Johanna was just as powerful. As a young widow navigating grief, motherhood, and financial hardship, her determination to preserve Vincent van Gogh’s legacy was nothing short of extraordinary.
Another fascinating historical figure
Not only did The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar highlight the strength of the women who were central to the story, it also introduced me to another historical figure: Sybil Ludington. Emsley’s business is named after Sybil. I had never heard of her, so I did some digging….
In 1777, sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington is said to have ridden forty miles through stormy Hudson Valley countryside to rally troops against the British. This earned her the nickname “the female Paul Revere.” But historians now question the story’s accuracy, since no records or firsthand accounts from the time exist. Her ride wasn’t mentioned until a century later, during a patriotic revival that brought renewed attention to Revolutionary-era heroines.
Still, Sybil’s real life showed quiet bravery. Widowed young, she supported her son by running an inn, and he went on to become a state assemblyman. Though her legendary ride may remain unproven, her perseverance and legacy continue to inspire.
The symbolism of sunflowers
Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers series, painted in Arles in 1888–1889, features bold, expressive images of sunflowers in a vase. He created them to brighten a room for his friend Paul Gauguin, using vibrant yellows to show how a single color could convey emotion and depth. The paintings, full of warmth and movement, symbolized friendship and gratitude for van Gogh. Today, they’re among his most iconic works, displayed in major museums around the world.
The Secret Life of Sunflowers brings new dimension to these beloved paintings, revealing the story of the remarkable woman who helped preserve van Gogh’s legacy.
The way it highlights the importance of mental health
The story also doesn’t shy away from the reality of mental illness. It offers a compassionate look at the struggles faced by those living with mental health challenges, and the pain it can cause for them and for those who love them. The book doesn’t try to simplify or solve these struggles, but it does honor the resilience it takes to keep going. It emphasizes the importance of kindness, connection, and understanding.
Questions for reflection or discussion
Are you part of a book club? Here are some discussion starters:
- How did the alternating timelines between Emsley and Johanna enhance the story? Did one timeline resonate with you more than the other?
- Have you ever known a woman whose quiet strength or creative spirit shaped the world around her?
- Who in your own life reminds you of the courage, vision, or resilience shown by the women in this story?
- In what ways did the novel explore themes of legacy and recognition, especially for women?
- What role does art (both visual and written) play in the characters’ lives?
- How did the story change the way you think about Vincent van Gogh or his work?
Feel free to share any of your insights (or additional questions) in the comments below!
About author Marta Molnar
Marta Molnar is a passionate art lover and self-taught artist who studied writing at Seton Hill and Harvard. After living in various parts of the world, she now writes from her own version of Monet’s garden in the northeastern U.S. Writing as Dana Marton, she’s a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels across suspense, romance, and fantasy. Her work has earned honors like the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and recognition from the BookLife Prize.
I strongly recommend The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar!
This book fits in so many different genres, but what drew me in was the fascinating historical information. It motivated me to explore several topics beyond what was in the book. Isn’t that what we look for–books that get us thinking, talking, questioning, exploring?
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Fondly,
Crysti
Thank you for this review of The Secret Life of Sunflowers. Guess I’ll have to add another book to my “books to read” list. Appreciate you keeping my pile growing!
You won’t regret it, Lisa!
Thank you for an amazing five-star review of The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar. I’m intrigued that it shifts between the 1800s and the present day with the addition of mixing different genres. I can’t wait to check it out!
Agreed, Debbie! The dual timelines were compelling for me as well.