Book Blurb:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Much more than a Coming-of-Age story"
Award-winning author Donald Lystra brings us a wholly unique American heroine, Audrey Brubaker, a fierce young woman who combines the tenacity of Scarlett O'Hara with the charm of Holly Golightly.
It's fall of 1963 in a city in America's industrial heartland. Audrey Brubaker, rejected by her family and community but determined to build a life for herself, becomes the unlikely mentor to Nate Walker, a math and science prodigy who has turned to art in an effort to cope with the death of a revered older brother.
In a relationship that borders on love but never quite seems to get there, Audrey gives meaning to Nate's artistic aspirations, introduces him to life's hard edges, and helps him find courage. Together they set off on an ill-fated mission: to recover Nate's brother's body from a military cemetery in northern Michigan.
Along the way, secrets are uncovered and boundaries are crossed which will change Nate's life forever. But in a heart-wrenching ending, it is Audrey who will need to tap the well-spring of Nate's empathy for her own redemptive needs.
From the streets of a decaying rust-belt city to the pristine forests of northern Michigan, Lystra weaves a narrative that tugs at your heartstrings and compels you to reflect on life and its complexities. If you loved timeless classics like Ordinary People and To Kill a Mockingbird, this book is a must-read for you!
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/44QK63
Author Bio:
DONALD LYSTRA was raised in the cities, towns, and suburbs of Michigan. As a young man he was employed as an auto plant worker, a door-to-door salesman, a dishwasher, and housepainter. He eventually settled into a career as a power plant engineer, though in his fifties he began to write fiction in a serious way.
As a writer Lystra has received creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the McDowell Colony. His 2012 novel, Season of Water and Ice, received a gold medal from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association and was named a Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. His 2014 story collection, Something that Feels like Truth, also received a MIPA gold meda and Michigan Notable Book award, as well as an IPPY gold medal for Best Regional Fiction. Lystra and his wife divide their time between a farm in northern Michigan and a town on the ocean side of Florida.
Editorial Review:
"Searching for Van Gogh" by Donald Lystra is a book that explores the personal and artistic
quest of its characters, set against a complex post-war backdrop. Donald Lystra skillfully
intertwines introspection and social observation, creating a compelling story about
aspirations, regrets, and self-discovery.
"Searching for Van Gogh" is an introspective and profound novel that delves into the search
for identity, meaning, and place in a changing world. Our narrator, a young painter, navigates life amid internal conflicts and complex relationships. The novel also pays homage to art and the creative process. Inspired by Van Gogh, the protagonist's struggle to find his own style and to understand life through art is a recurring theme. This aspect of the novel is handled with sensitivity and depth that will resonate with any reader who has ever sought to express themselves through art.
At the beginning of the book, we meet Audrey Brubaker, a young woman trying to make her
way in the big city. Inspired by the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Audrey develops an
unusual business as a tour guide for businessmen, using her charm and knowledge to earn
money. This is just one facet of her personality explored throughout the novel. Nathan is
characterized as a sensitive and caring young man, concerned with Audrey's safety and
well-being.
The book begins with a quote by Vincent Van Gogh:„If you hear a voice within you say you
cannot paint, then by all means paint.” This quote reflects the central theme of the novel: the
struggle for self-expression and overcoming inner doubts.
Throughout the book, the relationship between Nathan and Audrey evolves, revealing their
vulnerabilities and hidden aspirations. Despite her tough exterior, Audrey unveils a profound
understanding of art and life, expressed in her words: „In my opinion, sex is oversold.”This
remark highlights the complexity and depth of the character, who sees beyond superficiality
and seeks deeper meanings in human interactions.
Another memorable scene is their discussion about art and color theory, where Audrey tells
Nathan: „The way you’ve shown the bridge with all those wavy lines is very inter‐ esting.
Like it’s not completely solid but has an unsteady quality like the flowing water.” This
observation not only validates Nathan's artistic efforts but also symbolizes the fragility and
transition through which both characters are going.
The interactions between the protagonist and Audrey add another dimension to the novel.
Audrey, a complex and independent character, becomes a catalyst for the protagonist's
evolution. Even though at one point the protagonist decides that his friendship with Audrey
hinders him from leading a "normal" life, her influence remains profound and transformative.
In a dramatic episode, Audrey seriously suggests that he crush a finger to help him avoid
military recruitment, exemplifying her dedication and radicalism. Alongside their personal
relationships, the novel also addresses social and political themes, particularly the Vietnam
War. The protagonist grapples with the moral dilemma of recruitment and explores various
ways to avoid enlistment, reflecting the uncertainty and unease of his generation. This theme
is handled with raw honesty and a sense of inevitability, which adds weight and realism to the
narrative.
Lystra succeeds in creating authentic characters and credible situations, writing with a simple
yet evocative style. His prose is clear, and the dialogues are realistic, contributing to the
novel's sense of authenticity. Moreover, the way the author tackles delicate subjects such as
prostitution, family relationships, and moral dilemmas adds a layer of maturity and
introspection to the novel.
"Searching for Van Gogh" is a captivating story about Nate's adventures as he tries to help
Audrey escape a difficult situation with her father. Written by Donald Lystra, the book
explores profound themes such as family, love, and identity in an emotionally charged
narrative.
The novel begins with a tense scene where Nate is caught by Audrey's father in her room,
trying to retrieve a christening gown at her request. Threatened with a weapon, Nate narrowly
escapes and finds Audrey waiting for him in the car. Their relationship becomes central to the
story as they struggle to navigate the issues in Audrey's personal and family life. As they
travel to Nate's family home, the two share personal stories and face difficult decisions about
their immediate futures. Their dialogues are intense and revealing, offering deep insights into
the psychology of the characters and their evolving relationship.
A notable aspect of the book is Lystra's narrative style, which blends the introspection of the
characters with vivid descriptions of the landscape and their emotions. Each chapter is built
around a tense situation or personal revelation, maintaining the suspense and keeping the
reader engaged throughout the book. Nate is deeply concerned about his older brother Gary
throughout the narrative. Gary, a talented musician, faces the challenges of military life,
which starkly contrasts with his passion for music. This tension between duty and personal
passion forms a central conflict in the story. Despite their close relationship, Nate struggles to
fully understand Gary's inner turmoil, especially when he expresses doubts about his ability
to adapt to military life.
Lystra's writing style in this passage is evocative, using vivid descriptions to paint scenes and
emotional states. Images related to music, particularly Gary's piano playing, serve as a
metaphor for his emotional journey and inner struggles. Nate's internal monologue reflects
his attempts to navigate between familial expectations and personal desires, offering a
perspective on his character development. One of the notable aspects of the book is the deep
portrayal of Nate's internal struggle, from seeking solace in painting to confronting the cold,
pragmatic reality of the military. Lystra employs introspective narrative to explore how
personal tragedies can fundamentally shift individual perspectives on life and choices.
The author's style is contemplative and detailed, allowing readers to enter the main
character's mind and feel every emotion and thought as Nate navigates through painful
memories and tense interactions. Descriptions of locations and the rural Michigan atmosphere
are rendered authentically and vibrantly, creating a realistic backdrop for Nate's emotional
story. Dialogues in the book are profound, reflecting the complex states of the characters. For
instance, the discussion between the protagonist and his mother illustrates the tensions and
emotional complexities of loss, in a setting where each character tries to cope with their own
emotions and find understanding and solace.
Throughout the book, the reader is invited to explore the process of healing and rediscovering
meaning in a world changed by tragedy. Each character seems to navigate their own search
for hope and significance, while facing unexpected losses and changes in life.
The story is framed by a national tragedy, the assassination of a President, which profoundly
influences the characters' experiences. Lystra constructs a narrative that juxtaposes personal
turmoil with broader social reflections, amplifying the characters' internal conflicts within the
context of historical events. Audrey, the protagonist's companion, reveals deep personal
revelations during their stay at the Pantlind Hotel in Grand Rapids. She confesses to hiding
the truth about her past, particularly a profound emotional scar. This confession deepens the
emotional gravity of their relationship, highlighting themes such as trust, honesty, and the
weight of personal secrets. Lystra uses vivid imagery and introspective dialogues to illustrate
the emotional evolution of the characters amidst external turmoil. The protagonist's evolving
perception of Audrey reflects themes such as empathy, understanding, and personal growth
through shared experiences.
"Searching for Van Gogh" is a captivating book about pain and healing, about the search for
personal identity and meaning in the face of loss. Through well-drawn characters and a
complex story, Donald Lystra brings to the forefront universal human dilemmas in a specific
and well-defined rural American setting. The novel not only explores a young artist's search
for his own path but aims to reveal the subtle layers of human relationships and each person's
struggle to find their place in the world. It's a read that not only captivates with its intrigue
but also challenges readers to reflect on their own inner quests within the broader contexts of
modern life.
The book appears to be a profound exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit
of personal passions amidst external pressures. The novel promises to delve into themes such
as sacrifice, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships, offering readers a
compelling narrative full of emotional resonance. Donald Lystra masterfully blends personal
and social aspects, constructing a story that remains vivid in the reader's memory long after
finishing the reading. For those seeking not just a work of fiction but an introspection into
their own search for self, "Searching for Van Gogh" proves to be an inspired and deeply
satisfying choice.
*****
"Searching for Van Gogh" by Donald Lystra receives 4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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