A Potpourri of Opinions

Vincent's Women Donna Russo Pub. Date: March 26, 2024 by Next Chapter Genre: Historical Fiction Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summary: Donna Russo's 'Vincent's Women' is the untold story of Vincent's loves, how they shaped his life, his art, and his death. It writes against the ‘myths,’ exploring the possibility that none of them are true. It is the only novel to bring into question his sexuality, how he lost his ear, who he lost it for, and how he might have died, all through the eyes of a woman. We learn of Her; we learn all of it through Her. The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. We are then taken on a journey through Vincent's life, each section bringing a pivotal moment of Vincent's life alive while showing us the part she played in bringing it about. Between each woman, our guide, Johanna, gives us the transitional periods, right up to his death, which is now in q...

Stolen Lives Joyce Yarrow Pub date: March 15, 2024 by All Bilingual Press Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy Rating: 4 👢👢👢👢  Summary: Alienor, a tenacious journalist with a rare psychic gift, delves into a forgotten chapter of history: the mysterious shipment of gold to the Soviet Union during the Spanish Civil War and the perilous journey of children torn from their homeland. As Alienor unravels a tapestry woven with secrets, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for justice, her investigation draws her into a vortex of danger. Her unique ability to "visit" the minds of her female ancestors provides not only insight but also the unbreakable will of women who fought against the tides of their times. This connection across generations fortifies her as she faces political adversaries and nefarious forces lurking in the shadows. "Stolen Lives" intertwines the gritty determination of a young woman challenging the legacy of historical injustices with a suspense-filled na...