The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo by F.G. Haghenbeck tells the story of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s tumultuous life from her her blue house in Coyoacan Mexico to her travels to America and Europe, her marriage to Diego Rivera and the many artists she surrounded herself with throughout her life.

I know the story of Kahlo’s life well, so there wasn’t a lot new here. In this book, Haghenbeck brings her to life through dream images, journal entries and the wonderful Mexican recipes she cooked (which are included in the book.) The recipes transported me to Mexico and were my favorite part of the book.

Although I don’t think Haghenbeck is the best writer (and there are many better things written about Kahlo), it is a fitting tribute to a passionate and remarkable woman who has become nothing less than an icon of Mexican culture.