Wild Thing A Life of Paul Gaugain by Sue Prideaux
Audio Version
Overall Grade: B
Information: B+
Writing/Organization: B+
Narration: A-
Best Aspect: Some very interesting and detailed information about the artists life.
Worst Aspect: This is painfully long and would probably be most enjoyed by lovers of art history.
Recommend: Yes.

Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux
Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley
Audiobook publication date: 5/13/2025 (originally published in 2024)

I have been interested in this book since I heard about the book's publication, so much that I successfully suggested for my library to purchase a copy. When I saw this audiobook became available for review, I recklessly jumped on it, even though I have a full work schedule, long TBR list and only week to go through 17 hours of audiobook. Well, maybe not as reckless as Paul Gauguin....

Paul Gauguin is a Wild Thing, a self-taught artist and wanderer. His life is exciting enough to be a subject of W. Somerset Maugham's novel "the Moon and Sixpence." His notoriety is well spread. Before listening this book, what I knew of Gauguin was 1. he deserted his wife and five children to pursue a life in a tropical island, painting and marrying a young local girl and 2. he got in an argument with Vincent Van Gogh and broke his heart, after which fact he cut off his ear. As it turned out, both of these are half-truths. You get to learn him as a person through this book. This book unfold a life of an unusual artist from his unusual upbringing and also unusual entry to art world. It also includes a lot of historical background in 19th Century Europe (especially France) which is very interesting.
Because he is an artist, there are some descriptions of his artworks (paintings and sculpture). The author does a good job describing them. I happened to have a book of Gauguin at hand which helped me to follow the author's description. I would recommend getting a physical book withe audiobook, or look up artworks on the internet to enhance your experience. This may be especially helpful if one doesn't have much knowledge of his works.

I felt this book can be enjoyed with or without art history background. Audiobook is well narrated. The only regret was for me to have longer time to digest this book - which is on me! This is one of the best books I have encountered this year. I will get a physical book to see if there are any illustrations.

An advance copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of Tantor Audio and NetGalley. My opinion herein is my own. Thank you!