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casspro's review against another edition
2.0
When I first started this novel, it seemed a like it was trying to hard. The words were too floral, and too many. Sometimes too many descriptors can be distracting. But as the world that Haghenback created started to unfold, the word changed and transformed everyday occurrences into the surrealist paintings of Kahlo. The recipes at the end of each chapter seemed like an afterthought, though. I see what he was trying to do but Laura Esquivel did it better in "Like Water for Chocolate". The recipes were as integrated into the story. They were mentioned once, then brought back at the end of the chapters with a supposed annotation in Kahlo's own words. But the words the author create for Kahlo's voice seem hollow and bitter compared to the rest of his novel, that's so rich in paint.
There are a few instances where such great detail is used for dream sequences and the self portraits, and then the author just skims right over big life events, love affairs, etc. It's a bit frustrating when you're trying to keep track of who's screwing who.
I'm not sure how accurate it is, so art history and biography fans be wary. But its a read that may transport you if you let it.
There are a few instances where such great detail is used for dream sequences and the self portraits, and then the author just skims right over big life events, love affairs, etc. It's a bit frustrating when you're trying to keep track of who's screwing who.
I'm not sure how accurate it is, so art history and biography fans be wary. But its a read that may transport you if you let it.
angeladobre's review against another edition
3.0
https://booknation.ro/recenzie-frida-kahlo-si-culorile-dragostei-de-caroline-bernard/
lizaroo71's review
2.0
This is historical fiction and goes through the life of Frida Kahlo from childhood to death. It is based on several journals she kept during her lifetime, one of which went missing on the day it was to go on exhibit at a museum. It is still missing to this day.
I think this felt too contrived to me. It is readable and interesting, but it feels like Haghenbeck is trying to indicate the various people Kahlo and her husband Rivera knew during their heyday. He also makes an attempt for us to understand how tumultuous the relationship between the two was.
He intersperses recipes that are traditional meals prepared throughout Mexico.
A quick read, but not one that is particularly different from other books I've read on Kahlo.
I think this felt too contrived to me. It is readable and interesting, but it feels like Haghenbeck is trying to indicate the various people Kahlo and her husband Rivera knew during their heyday. He also makes an attempt for us to understand how tumultuous the relationship between the two was.
He intersperses recipes that are traditional meals prepared throughout Mexico.
A quick read, but not one that is particularly different from other books I've read on Kahlo.
bookhoarding's review against another edition
4.0
The author weaves a fictitious story of Frida Kahlo centering around the idea that she bargained for her life with metaphysical beings early on, and continued to suffer because she chose to live on after her accident. Written like other magical realism books, The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo creates a dual story, the reality we know about her life mixed with the fantasy that she painted. Each chapter ends with recipes mentioned within and supposedly taken from her fabled lost journal.
pianorunner421's review against another edition
1.0
I did not enjoy this. I love Frida Kahlo and have read accounts of her life and seen documentaries. I love historical fiction and have read dozens of really good novels about real people. This one is neither a biography nor is it a novel. It was weird in a bad way and not interesting. I maybe could have given one more star for the recipes but…. Nope.
theconstantreader's review
2.0
This book was an easy read but I think that's what I found most disappointing about it. It felt like it was written for young adults. It was too simplistic and in parts too repetitive.
I did enjoy learning about Kahlo's life, I'm just not sure this book did her justice. I felt in parts she came across as simple. I'd like to believe this isn't the case.
I liked the way that Haghenbeck tied in references to some of her artwork and although at first I was confused about the addition of the recipes at the end of each chapter, I ended up enjoying them -- they definitely made me hungry!
I did enjoy learning about Kahlo's life, I'm just not sure this book did her justice. I felt in parts she came across as simple. I'd like to believe this isn't the case.
I liked the way that Haghenbeck tied in references to some of her artwork and although at first I was confused about the addition of the recipes at the end of each chapter, I ended up enjoying them -- they definitely made me hungry!
debjazzergal's review against another edition
3.0
This book really brought the artist's life to life.
ninnao's review against another edition
5.0
Verdadero Rating: 4.5
Frida Kahlo, una mujer admirada por tantos, tan enigmática y mística! Se han contado millones de historias sobre ella y su relación con Diego Rivera, de esas recuerdo la película con Salma Hayek que es perfecta.
Toparme con este libro fue amor a primera vista. Desde la portada hasta el título puedes quedar encantado/a. Pero lo que más me ha encantado de esta novela, es la redacción del autor. 100% exquisita.
Me ha encantado como a través de Frida el autor narra sobre: el amor, el dolor, la muerte, el sexo, el arte, gastronomía, la cultura mexicana, feminismo, política, y más!
Sin lugar a dudas, de los mejores libros que he leído este año! He quedado con ganas de saber más de ella y de conocer su famosa Casa Azul.
Frida Kahlo, una mujer admirada por tantos, tan enigmática y mística! Se han contado millones de historias sobre ella y su relación con Diego Rivera, de esas recuerdo la película con Salma Hayek que es perfecta.
Toparme con este libro fue amor a primera vista. Desde la portada hasta el título puedes quedar encantado/a. Pero lo que más me ha encantado de esta novela, es la redacción del autor. 100% exquisita.
Me ha encantado como a través de Frida el autor narra sobre: el amor, el dolor, la muerte, el sexo, el arte, gastronomía, la cultura mexicana, feminismo, política, y más!
Sin lugar a dudas, de los mejores libros que he leído este año! He quedado con ganas de saber más de ella y de conocer su famosa Casa Azul.
rustbeltjessie's review against another edition
1.0
Actually I didn't even get all the way through the book. It's an interesting idea, but the writing is so overwrought that I gave up after a few chapters. If you want to read a really good novel inspired by Frida Kahlo, I'd recommend [b: The Incantation of Frida K.|174812|Incantation of Frida K.|Kate Braverman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387027814s/174812.jpg|168866] by Kate Braverman.