Whether Vincent van Gogh cut off his entire ear or only the lobe is the central theme of the book, but the investigative approach was what made this book different from other van Gogh biographies, which usually rely on anecdotes, letters, psychological/medical opinions or scientific analysis of paints and brush strokes. The book could have used serious editing, and the author at times interjected herself unnecessarily into van Gogh’s story (her Irish background and potato-eating habits??), but the approach was refreshing and, I would say, a good addition to any van Gogh library. A very fast read.
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