The book is composed of the letters that the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo. They discuss the aspects of their everyday life and even exchange prints of artwork they found they enjoyed. While the reader experiences the life of Vincent, any letters from Theo are not shown, meaning there is a big gap in the storyline. Vincent offers his perspective on life and the beauty of it. He writes about his struggles and triumphs, which allows the reader a better understanding of who he is.

Vincent Van Gogh is the writer of these letters. He started off as a minister, like his father, but would eventually stop pursuing that path in order to make himself happy. Vincent was raised in Zundert, Netherlands along with his six siblings.
He portrays himself as strong and upheld. Though at times he discusses his financial troubles, it never overlaps other aspects of his writings. Vincent’s perspective and detailed writing allows the reader to be taken into his world, and allows them to experience what he was feeling.

Theo is the audience that Vincent was writing to. Theo knows about his brother’s life and personality. Theo cares about Vincent’s well being and stability. He wants to know how Vincent is, as they are no longer living near each other. Theo is motivated by his brother’s ambitions and encouragement in his letters.

“ LOOK FOR LIGHT AND FREEDOM AND DO NOT PONDER TOO DEEPLY OVER THE EVIL IN LIFE” (93). The world is full of evil, but it is a personal choice on how one views it. Logically, each person’s perspective will vary, so why not look for the good in the world? Vincent Van Gogh, was a very godly man who incorporated Biblical scripture throughout his writings. He chose to look for positives in a world of negatives.

“It would not be easy to live without the Faith in Him and the old confidence in Him; without it one would lose one’s courage” (117). Vincent urges his brother to live in faith. He understands the importance of trusting in God and that he has a bigger plan for him. Vincent looked at the world as he saw it, beautiful but tragic. He knew that his faith would fluctuate, but at the end he would remain strong in it.

“I wish I were far away from everything, I a the cause of all, and bring only sorrow to everybody, I alone have brought all this misery on myself and others” (103). Vincent states this in response to his brother’s previous letter. Both of them are relating and feeling that they are the cause of misery. This quote can be very emotional driving to the audience, and maybe even cause them to question themselves. If the audience relates to this quote, they will become very emotionally connected to the Van Gogh brothers.

“The dreamer sometimes falls in a well, but he is said to get out of it afterwards” (114). The “dreamer” is not literally falling into a well, but is rather falling into a pit of hopelessness. While the dreamer is full of ambitions, sometimes it is easy to fall of the tracks and loose site of the goal. Throughout the letters, Vincent makes many comparisons in order to explain his point. His use of metaphors allows the reader a better perspective on how he viewed life.