Narrator Paul Heitsch walks a tightrope in this memoir. He must not tumble into rage or wallow in regret… When Heitsch delivers the word “violent,” it is with feeling, but not enough to even jostle the letters. It is for us, the listeners, to sob and gawp.

The tumultuous life of artist Vincent Van Gogh is made easy to listen to by the pleasant voice of narrator Paul Heitsch. Heitsch’s calm and steady pacing provides empathy for this disturbed genius and his long-suffering family.

Heitsch tenderly and tirelessly brings the horrendous fire and the sometimes callous attitudes toward gays to life, imbuing his narration with great sensitivity. His performance raises awareness of this turning point in contemporary gay history.

Heitsch’s strong characterization creates a highly believable and likable lead character — a man battling grief and loss, as well as coming to terms with aging, yet still with a wry way of looking at the world. Heitsch’s characterizations of the lead female characters are particularly notable. With his excellent use of authentic-sounding accents and spot-on timing, listeners are in for a thoroughly enjoyable listen.