Many years ago I became fascinated with the artist, Frida Kahlo and since then have read many books about this unique artist. This one has an unusual focus, starting with the discovery by the author, that is father had a short lived affair with the artist. Her painting, The heart, had been hung on the wall of his home since he was a child. He knew that the painting had been given to his father by the artist, but not the circumstance ps behind the gift. After his father's death and a random phone call, he set out to learn more.

The book takes us back in time to the 1930s and Frida's arrival in Paris for the first exhibition of her work. It was also a time of personal sadness for her, and a chance to get away. The surrealist movement embraced her and the book is chock full of the notables of this movement, Picasso, his muse Dora Maar, Man Ray and many others. Also the story of how the authors father met and became involved with Frida.

A good look at the artist, but also the art movement and historical happenings at the time. A time of free love, parties, excess drinking, much like the sixrties but this was in the late thirties. The last chance for freedom in France before Hitlers advance.

This was also a pivotal time in Fridays life. She was recognized as an artist in her own right, not just referred to as Diego's wife. She had her own money and was no longer dependant on others. It was also the beginning of severe health problems, which would last the rest of her life. ( )

I had heard of Frida but had never read anything about her. This is an interesting book about Frida's time in Paris and her experiences with the art scene and artists of Paris. Quite an interesting story. Frida appears in Paris among the Surrealists both artistic and literary. The story is written by Marc Petitjean, the son of Michel.
I received this as a review copy. ( )