The Afterlives of Doctor Gachet tells the story of Paul Ferdinand Gachet, the subject of one of Vincent van Gogh s most famous portraits: one that shows what the artist called the heartbroken expression of our times . But what caused such heartbreak? What is the real story of that mournful man in the painting? This thrilling historical novel follows the life of Doctor Gachet from asylums to art galleries, from the bloody siege of Paris to heartbreak at home, from the fashionable salons of the city to his final retirement in the countryside in Auvers where he became van Gogh’s doctor for the last few weeks of the artist’s life. It also follows his afterlife in the mysterious portrait that van Gogh made of him, from the bunkers of Nazi Germany to becoming the most expensive painting ever sold, from being smuggled to America in a suitcase to being bought by a reclusive billionaire in Tokyo, until the painting finally disappeared at the end of the last century. The novel explores where sadness grows from, and travels across decades and continents to uncover the secrets behind that famous grief-stricken smile.



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“Meekings’ transnational historical narrative concentrating on the life of the ‘venerable’ Doctor Paul Gachet (1828–1909) offers an account informed by empathy and sustained by emphatic characters…The intricate web of stories around the profound sadness in the face of Doctor Gachet solidifies an exciting and beautifully executed relation to art. The book has already received significant praise as exuberant and skillfully-narrated historical fiction.”

- The European Journal of Life Writing


“This book does not work like any other I have read; it is on a level all its own, and truly a masterpiece of our day. The story is engaging and interesting, the history is detailed and fleshed out, and it takes a strong, analytical look at sadness both in one man’s life and in humanity as a whole. War, interpersonal relationships, mental health, and social issues are looked at. There is so much meaning to this book, but there is no simple phrase to sum it up. It is one of those you have to read for yourself to understand.”

- Reviews from the Stacks




“The Afterlives of Doctor Gachet is an immersive tale of life. It is captivating as it draws the readers to follow on this journey of many lives over a long span of time. It is a book to be savoured for its historical value and reflections of life.”

- Tien’s Blurb


“The Afterlives Of Doctor Gachet” by Sam Meekings is a very delightful and a pretty compelling historical read with a powerful, well-written and brilliantly executed storyline. This book was such a good break from all the contemporary fiction I read. The plot was very unique, fresh and pretty captivating. I enjoyed reading this book a lot because I truly enjoyed reading each and every single sentence of this book (which is very rare  for me.) The writing was beautiful and the author’s style was pretty impressive. I guess I can say without a speck of doubt, and as rare as it may be, that in this book the writing was the best part.”

- The Reading Bud




“The novel focuses primarily on exploring the sadness captured in the painting, as well as attempting to trace its unique and elusive journey through the hands of investors and art collectors. Meekings skilfully portrays the inner turmoil of a man who felt out of place and out of time, and who consequently turned to the arts for comfort and escape.”

- Everybody’s Reviewing

“The Afterlives of Dr Gachet is a story about a painting, and the subject of a painting. It is a profound meditation on history, truth and storytelling. Above all, it is beautifully written, poignant and highly original.”

– Jonathan Taylor (author, Take Me Home)