For historical fiction fans of women's untold true stories, an early twentieth century novel about Jo van Gogh who battled the male-dominated art elite in her fifteen-year crusade to save her genius brother-in-law Vincent from obscurity. In the tradition of The Paris Bookseller and Her Hidden Genius, the story of a real woman overshadowed in history by the giant talent she saved, Vincent van Gogh. How did a failed belligerent Dutch painter become one of the greatest artists of our time? In 1891, timid Jo van Gogh Bonger lives safely in the background of her art dealer husband Theo's passionate work to sell unknown artists, especially his ill-fated dead brother Vincent. When Theo dies unexpectedly, Jo's brief happiness is shattered. Her inheritance—hundreds of unsold paintings by Vincent—is worthless. Pressured to move to her parents' home, Jo defies tradition, opening a boarding house to raise her infant son alone, and choosing to promote Vincent's art herself. But her ingenuity and persistence draw the powerful opposition of a Parisian art dealer who vows to stop her once and for all, and so sink Vincent into obscurity. Saving Vincent reveals there was more than one genius in the Van Gogh family.
Author
"Where women’s stories come to light—and light the way" Joan Fernandez is a historical fiction author who writes and speaks about brilliant, overlooked women whose courageous deeds reshaped history. Her debut novel, Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh (April 2025), tells the remarkable true story of Jo van Gogh—Theo’s widow, mother, and art dealer who preserved Vincent van Gogh’s legacy and helped elevate his work to international acclaim. “Saving Vincent... forces readers to become deeply invested in Jo as a woman, creating an unforgettable portrait of resilience and passion.” — Readers Favorite Joan is also the author of “A Parisian Daughter,” about a defiant young socialite, featured in the award-winning anthology Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. Through her weekly Substack newsletter, "Digging In with Joan Fernandez", Joan explores themes of women’s strength, second acts, and the quiet power of persistence. Her essays blend personal storytelling with historical insights—perfect for readers who see books as a source of inspiration, connection, and growth. Joan has 30-year marketing career culminated in a role as senior marketing executive and general partner at Edward Jones, where she led teams in investment communications and market research. Her work focused on how generational, gender, and cultural identities shape the way we see—and move through—the world. She now lives between St. Louis and Sedona, Arizona, where she enjoys spirited conversation, speaking, storytelling with her grandkids, and foodie meals with her Cuban husband. Subscribe to her newsletter: https://joanfernandez.substack.com
