Harare Review of Books

134 pages. Published August 20, 2024 by Black Panel Press. Graphic novel/Biography.

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This moving graphic novel tells the story of the last months of Van Gogh’s life, mainly his time in Auvers-sur-Oise. It’s gorgeously drawn—I frequently lost myself in the exquisite hatching—but it’s the poignancy of those last days as well, how sensitively Van Gogh’s struggles are handled on the page. And in the midst of those struggles, a happy note, because Van Gogh found a little peace here and there with the family of our interlocutor Adeline Ravoux, on whose account this novel is based.

So, come for the story of the brilliant artist who famously cut off his own ear in the middle of an ‘episode’; stay for this beautiful portrayal of this last period of his life.

Many thanks to Black Panel Press and to Edelweiss for early access to a DRC.