The Friendly Postman

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

This is an imagined story about the relationship between artist Vincent Van Gogh and the postman who brought him letters from his beloved brother Theo. The story explains some of the darkness and depression in Van Gogh's life and how his brother supported him and his art when few others did. The postman was the connection between Van Gogh and his brother and the artist did paint a famous portrait of the postman, as well as ones of his wife and children. The illustrations show the brightness and light in Van Gogh's work which so differed from the sadness in his life. This book would be a welcome addition for a student very interested in Van Gogh's art and life, but would not necessarily be an important book for a classroom study or library collection. There is some additional biographical information included at the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: good