I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style and especially enjoyed the magical realism aspect to it. It helps to look at the paintings that are referred to throughout the book while reading. The only thing that stopped me from giving this 5 stars were the recipes that I thought disrupted the story (I skipped reading these), although I realise this is a personal thing. It is an extraordinary story. ( )

Though fictional, I really loved this book. It was so descriptive. I finished it rather quickly. ( )

Frida Kahlo’s (1907-1954) life is immortalized in her prismatic self-portraits. F.G. Haghenbeck embraces her often outlandish and spirited personality in The THE SECRET LIFE OF FRIDA KAHLO a novel from Frida’s point of view told in an anecdotal diary format, Based on the discovery of notebooks at her home in Mexico, The Hierba Santa Book (The Sacred Herbs Book) was never found.
Regardless of whether you have read about Kahlo, Haghenbeck has created a worthy portrayal of Frida, the artist, in this three-dimensionally tangible novel. Kahlo is an iconic figure who refused to give up on life. As a child, she recovered from life-threatening polio that left her with a withered spindly leg. She survived a near-fatal and self-described near-death experience after a horrific accident, when metal impaled her body. Kahlo believed she died that day, and Haghenbeck describes her life as haunted by two things: The Messenger (of death) and her spindly leg. She suffered unimaginable pain. To compensate, she learned to paint on her back with a mirror. She was cruelly taunted for her deformity and suffered the inability to have children.
Haghenbeck depicts the artist’s indomitable zest for life through her numerous friendships with O’Keeffe, Trotsky, Hemingway, Rockefeller, Dali, Dos Passos and Henry Miller. Frida’s legendary recipes appear at the end of each chapter, a tasty culinary bonus. Above all, her tempestuous relationship with Diego Rivera would provide a lifelong challenge of emotional complexity, a man she would always love.
Anyone who is familiar with Frida Kahlo will agree that Haghenbeck has nailed her persona. THE SECRET LIFE OF FRIDA KAHLO is a novel as alluring and mystifying as the artist herself. A highly recommended accompaniment to the existing biographical works available.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a free copy of this book from HNR to review for their publication. The review submitted above is my unbiased honest evaluation. This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Society periodical Issue 62, November 2012.
http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-secret-book-of-frida-kahlo/



For additional information here are a few internet sites.
PBS http://www.pbs.org/weta/fridakahlo/
NPR http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/03/20/148763199/frida-kahlos-private-s....

Frida Kahlo Museum Link

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. ( )

She had such a pain filled life, but it was interesting and she met so many people who would become famous or infamous. This book combines the story of her life, with her many passions including food where the author includes some of her favorite recipes. There is some magical realism inserted in the form of the messenger and the godmother, with who she makes deals in order to keep living. This was a very interesting book with a non-typical form but I enjoyed quite a bit. My favorite parts were learning about the Mexican culture, including the food, superstitions, and day of the dead. Different for sure, but worth reading. ( )

Frida Khalo once again comes to life in this novel by Francisco Haghenbeck. The story line follows pretty faithfully the trajectory of her life with Diego, her sisters, her lovers and a host of famous others that crossed paths with her. Adding color and dimension to this telling are Mr Cock-A-Doodle-Do, the Messenger and the Godmother. It paints a story of her life that is as brilliant and remarkable as are the paintings she left for all of us to enjoy. Perfect! ( )