Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Lust for Life summary
Brief summary
Lust for Life by Irving Stone is a biographical novel that vividly captures the passionate and tormented life of Vincent van Gogh. It delves into the artist's struggles, his relentless pursuit of artistic expression, and his profound impact on the world of art.
Topics
Table of Contents
Lust for Life
Summary of key ideas
The Struggle of an Artistic Genius
In Lust for Life by Irving Stone, we are taken on a journey through the life of Vincent Van Gogh, the renowned post-impressionist painter. The story begins with Van Gogh's early life, marked by his deep religiosity and his attempts at various professions, including art dealing and teaching. Despite his evident talent and passion for art, Van Gogh struggles to find his place in the world, and his life is characterized by a series of failures and disappointments.
Throughout the book, we witness Van Gogh's relentless pursuit of his artistic vision, which often puts him at odds with those around him. His single-minded devotion to his art leads him to abandon a promising career in art dealing, to the disapproval of his family. He then embarks on a tumultuous journey, moving from place to place, seeking inspiration and acceptance, but finding only rejection and isolation.
The Battle Against Mental Illness
As Van Gogh's artistic career progresses, so does his internal struggle with mental illness. His episodes of depression and anxiety intensify, leading to self-harm and suicidal tendencies. Through Stone's vivid portrayal, we come to understand the profound impact of Van Gogh's mental health on his life and art. His famous works, such as 'Starry Night' and 'Sunflowers', are revealed to be not just products of his artistic genius, but also reflections of his inner turmoil and suffering.
Despite his deteriorating mental state, Van Gogh continues to paint prolifically, often in the face of extreme adversity. His dedication to his craft remains unwavering, even as his personal life remains fraught with poverty, loneliness, and rejection. Stone's portrayal of Van Gogh's resilience and unyielding passion for his art serves as a poignant testament to the power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Unrequited Love, Loneliness, and Despair
The narrative of Lust for Life also delves into the artist's personal relationships, particularly his unrequited love for his cousin Kee Vos-Stricker and his tumultuous friendship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Van Gogh's inability to form lasting, meaningful connections with others further exacerbates his feelings of isolation and despair.
As Van Gogh's mental health continues to deteriorate, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading to strained relationships with those around him. His interactions with the townspeople, particularly in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, where he spent his final years, are marked by conflict and misunderstanding, further deepening his sense of alienation.
The Tragic End of a Tormented Genius
The book culminates in the tragic end of Van Gogh's life. In 1890, at the age of 37, Van Gogh dies from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While his death is portrayed as a culmination of his lifelong struggle with mental illness, Stone emphasizes that it is Van Gogh's art, rather than his tragic end, that defines his legacy.
In conclusion, Lust for Life offers a deeply moving and immersive portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh's life, capturing both the brilliance of his art and the torment of his existence. Through Stone's meticulous research and vivid storytelling, we gain a profound understanding of the man behind the masterpieces, his relentless passion for art, his enduring spirit, and the tragic circumstances that led to his untimely demise.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Lust for Life about?
Lust for Life is a biographical novel that delves into the life of the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh. Written by Irving Stone, the book offers a captivating portrayal of van Gogh's passionate dedication to his art, his struggles with mental illness, and his profound impact on the world of art. It provides a deep insight into the artist's tumultuous life and the profound emotions that fueled his extraordinary work.
Lust for Life Review
Lust for Life (1934) narrates the turbulent life of Vincent van Gogh and why it captivates us:
- Its deep exploration of van Gogh's psyche and struggles offers a unique perspective on his artistic genius.
- The book showcases van Gogh's passion for art and relentless pursuit of his vision, inspiring readers with his dedication.
- Through detailing van Gogh's highs and lows, the book ensures a compelling and emotional journey that brings his artistry to life.
Who should read Lust for Life?
Art enthusiasts who want to learn more about the life of Vincent Van Gogh
Readers interested in the struggles and passions of a creative genius
Individuals who enjoy biographical novels that offer deep insights into the human experience
Categories with Lust for Life
Book summaries like Lust for Life
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Lust for Life FAQs
What is the main message of Lust for Life?
The main message of Lust for Life revolves around the life and struggles of artist Vincent van Gogh.
How long does it take to read Lust for Life?
Reading time for Lust for Life varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time.
Is Lust for Life a good book? Is it worth reading?
Lust for Life is a captivating read, delving into the intense life of van Gogh. A definite recommendation for art enthusiasts.
Who is the author of Lust for Life?
The author of Lust for Life is Irving Stone.
What to read after Lust for Life?
If you're wondering what to read next after Lust for Life, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda