Review of Love and Murder

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
Chukwuebuka Enyiazu
Posts: 23
Joined: 09 Mar 2023, 14:59
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 17
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chukwuebuka-enyiazu.html
Latest Review: Unsettled Disruption by Juana Catalina Rodriguez

Review of Love and Murder

Post by Chukwuebuka Enyiazu »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Love and Murder" by Irv Arenberg.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Dr. Irv Arenberg's Love and Murder stands as a remarkable and captivating literary work that uncovers the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death of the renowned artist, Vincent Van Gogh. This book meticulously probes the mysteries enveloping Van Gogh's demise, challenging the established suicide narrative with the possibility of it being a murder, considering the unforeseen elements encircling the event.

It prompts inquiries into the who, what, why, and how of the artist's potential murder, delving into the 70 days preceding Van Gogh's tragic end, encompassing his time before admission into an asylum, his journey towards self-recovery, the tranquillity within the asylum, and the aftermath of his release leading up to his demise. By unravelling the artist's personal, emotional, and physical aspects, the book seeks to redefine the commonly held belief that Van Gogh's death was suicide. Dr. Arenberg extensively draws upon established resources and investigations from the team behind "Killing Vincent," exploring the artist's mysterious demise and positing that the fatal wound leading to his death couldn't have been self-inflicted.

A significant aspect of the book that deeply resonated with me was the artist's voluntary admission into the asylum. This period exemplified the potential for profound human transformation. It underscored the idea that art, as a medium, could catalyze self-discovery and healing. Being an art enthusiast myself, this aspect significantly piqued my interest in the book. Furthermore, I appreciated the structured and methodical approach used in the book's organization, systematically breaking down the intricate and mysterious life of Vincent Van Gogh, who emerged as an unconventional yet captivating figure. Additionally, I found the inclusion of visuals within the book particularly appealing, offering readers a glimpse into the captivating artistry of the infamous Vincent Van Gogh and his creative genius.

I found myself disliking the excessive details in the book, especially because some facts were already covered in the Killing Vincent Trilogy. The overwhelming amount of information might have been tiring for those unfamiliar with the book's subject matter. Personally, I struggled to grasp certain sections, particularly the concluding part. I would recommend this book to art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those interested in mental health due to its deep exploration of Van Gogh's artistry, historical mystery, and psychological journey, but it may overwhelm casual readers with its dense content. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars due to its meticulous investigation challenging Van Gogh's suicide narrative within his 70-day pre-death period. The book's focus on his asylum admission, transformative art, and structured approach captivate readers despite some drawbacks like excessive details and a confusing conclusion. While these aspects might overwhelm newcomers, the book's intriguing perspective on Van Gogh's artistic healing, extensive research, and reevaluation of his death makes it a compelling yet dense read, justifying its strong rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

******
Love and Murder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”