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La cuoca segreta di Frida
Le donne della famiglia Cruz hanno tutte un crescere da sole le loro figlie. Paloma lo ha imparato sulla propria di suo padre infatti ha sentito raccontare una sola volta, come un’ombra passeggera, l’avventura di una notte; un uomo senza volto e senza nome, di cui è meglio non parlare. Ma quando sua nonna Nayeli muore in una casa di cura a Buenos Aires, Paloma scopre che quello non è l’unico segreto del loro passato. In un ripostiglio, infatti, trova un rotolo di tela ruvida. Dentro c’è un dipinto, bellissimo, che ritrae una giovane donna nuda mentre fa il bagno in un fiume. Una strana macchia di vernice rossa copre però una parte della tela, come se qualcuno avesse voluto renderla indecifrabile. Ma ancora più misteriose sono le parole che Nayeli ha lasciato per la ‘La storia vale più del quadro. È la storia la vera opera d’arte’. L’indagine su quel disegno la ripoterà indietro di ottant’anni, sulle tracce di una ragazza messicana in fuga dalla casa paterna, che arriva a Città del Messico e grazie alle sue portentose doti culinarie trova lavoro a Casa Azul, dove Frida Kahlo vive da sola dopo il turbolento divorzio da Diego Rivera. Tra sapori, profumi e colori, Florencia Etcheves ci offre non soltanto un ritratto intimo, toccante, di una delle artiste più iconiche di tutti i tempi, ma soprattutto una riflessione sul potere immortale dell’arte e dei legami femminili.
563 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2026
About the author
Florencia Etcheves
20 books217 followersEscritora y periodista, Florencia Etcheves ha trabajado como especialista policial de los informativos de El Trece, siendo ganadora de premios como el de Mejor Labor Periodística Femenina en los Premios Martín Fierro. Hizo sus estudios secundarios en el Instituto de Lenguas Vivas y egresó en el año 1989. Al siguiente año ingresó a TEA para estudiar periodismo y se recibió en el año 1993.
En 2012, la editorial Planeta publicó la primera novela policial de Florencia Etcheves, titulada La virgen en tus ojos. A partir del éxito comercial y de crítica de su primera ficción, en 2014 se publicó su segunda novela La hija del campeón.
En 2012, la editorial Planeta publicó la primera novela policial de Florencia Etcheves, titulada La virgen en tus ojos. A partir del éxito comercial y de crítica de su primera ficción, en 2014 se publicó su segunda novela La hija del campeón.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
December 9, 2025
This historical novel explores the character of Frida Kahlo and her fascination with Tehuanas – indigenous women from Oaxaca, renowned for their strong matriarchal society and vibrant traditional attire – famously adapted by Frida.
Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas.
In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond.
In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. This leads Paloma to uncover her grandmother’s past. The past of a woman she thought she knew as she raised her but it turns out she didn’t know the most passionate tale of her grandmother’s.
Personally, I prefer past story without any modern twist, and I felt a stronger connection with the past story.
This historical fiction reflects well Frida’s passion, resilience and her independence. The senses of smell and taste awaken with Nayeli’s cooking. The descriptions of places give strong sense of surroundings. The customs and beliefs are rich part of the storytelling. Overall, it is a fascinating story and beautifully presented.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas.
In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond.
In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. This leads Paloma to uncover her grandmother’s past. The past of a woman she thought she knew as she raised her but it turns out she didn’t know the most passionate tale of her grandmother’s.
Personally, I prefer past story without any modern twist, and I felt a stronger connection with the past story.
This historical fiction reflects well Frida’s passion, resilience and her independence. The senses of smell and taste awaken with Nayeli’s cooking. The descriptions of places give strong sense of surroundings. The customs and beliefs are rich part of the storytelling. Overall, it is a fascinating story and beautifully presented.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2022
¡Vaya que disfruté esta novela!
Diré que me sorprendió gratamente esta novela. Me hizo adentrarme un poco en la vida de Frida Khalo, entre 1940 y su muerte, y además su estilo artístico. Creo que igualmente profundiza muy bien en la cultura mexicana (donde deseaba ahondar)
Por otro lado el personaje de Frida y el de Diego me encantaron la forma en que los escribió la autora; me parecían frescos y como yo me los imaginaba.
Ambas líneas de tiempo que maneja la historia me gustaron aunque la “actual” tiene un final que no me encantó. Me dejó deseando más. Aunque creo que fue un detalle pequeño porque aunque el destino no fue una maravilla, disfruté cada paso del camino.
¿Lo recomiendo?
Sin duda. Solo es bueno que sepas que al final te quedarás con el sabor de “¿Y que sucedió con el X? necesito más historia del destino de eso”. A si es como me siento yo. Aún así lo disfruté mucho. Buena novela.
Diré que me sorprendió gratamente esta novela. Me hizo adentrarme un poco en la vida de Frida Khalo, entre 1940 y su muerte, y además su estilo artístico. Creo que igualmente profundiza muy bien en la cultura mexicana (donde deseaba ahondar)
Por otro lado el personaje de Frida y el de Diego me encantaron la forma en que los escribió la autora; me parecían frescos y como yo me los imaginaba.
Ambas líneas de tiempo que maneja la historia me gustaron aunque la “actual” tiene un final que no me encantó. Me dejó deseando más. Aunque creo que fue un detalle pequeño porque aunque el destino no fue una maravilla, disfruté cada paso del camino.
¿Lo recomiendo?
Sin duda. Solo es bueno que sepas que al final te quedarás con el sabor de “¿Y que sucedió con el X? necesito más historia del destino de eso”. A si es como me siento yo. Aún así lo disfruté mucho. Buena novela.
April 2, 2026
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I was excited to read it, but it ended up just being ok. Part of the issue could be in the English translation, but the writing was very uneven. The story bounced between two timelines and multiple characters, but instead of flowing through the story, it felt forced. Particularly in the present-day timeline, the characters seemed flat and a lot of their connections and actions felt contrived. As I was reading I thought so much more could have been done by focusing on just one aspect of the story, especially as the author's notes make clear just how much time and research went into her writing.
November 28, 2022
Que bonita historia, es hermosamente construida a pesar de ser ficción se siente tan real. Historia narrada en dos tiempos la cual siempre te tiene atento a querer saber que sigue en la trama. Este libro es una forma de adentrarnos a la vida de Frida, sus pensamientos, sus deseos y sus desgracias siendo muchos de estos datos verídicos.
December 7, 2025
Fridas Cook" is a delightful novel that intertwines the rich tapestry of art with the life of Frida Kahlo. The story explores her story along with the main character and how it parallels her emotional journey, offering readers a unique perspective on the iconic artist's life.
September 18, 2026
Florencia Etcheves’ Frida’s Cook (2026) is a two part novel (combining both historical and contemporary fiction) and with Frida’s Cook beginning in 1939 when fourteen-year-old Nayeli Cruz is shown by Etcheves as fleeing from her family, from Oaxaca, to run away from, to avoid an unwanted arranged marriage.
So when she arrives in Mexico City, Etcheves has Nayeli then stop right in front of the home of artist Frida Kahlo, how Nayeli and Frida instantly bond, with Kahlo also immediately employing Nayeli as her cook, as her assistant and that she lives and works at the Casa Azul until close to Frida’s death in 1954 (thus the first part of Frida’s Cook concluding with the birth of Nayeli Cruz’ daughter in 1955).
And yes indeed, the first part of Frida’s Cook has generally speaking been a very pleasurable and massively appealing personal reading experience for me. For in particular how Florencia Etcheves in Frida’s Cook describes, how she depicts Frida Kahlo is enticingly, is hugely textually mesmerising, with us as readers totally identifying with Kahlo as an artist, with her pain, with her passion, with her genius, that we throughout part one of Frida’s Cook are internally and emotionally in pain physical discomfort right alongside of Frida’s fragile body (wrecked from childhood polio and multiple broken bones that never set properly after Kahlo was struck by a bus as a teenager), we are filled with awe, with admiration as she paints, as she tries to manage her philandering husband Diego Rivera, and how she, how Frida Kahlo also suffers immensely from excessively self medicating with pills and alcohol.
Therefore, and as a total fan of Kahlo and of her art, I have very much and indeed even all encompassingly savoured and enjoyed the parts of Frida’s Cook which feature her, which have Etcheves presenting Frida Kahlo, that the part of Frida’s Cook which are historical fiction is for the most part absolutely textually delightful, is exquisitely descriptive, historically authentic and as such equally so very nicely accurate with regard to showing and telling about Kahlo’s life and 1940s to 1950s Mexico (and indeed, my only and rather mild but still just a trifle annoying complaint about the first part of Frida’s Cook being that since the novel is called Frida’s Cook Florencia Etcheves does in my opinion and for me need to be presenting considerably more food and kitchen scenes).
Now the second part of Frida’s Cook (which is actually interspersed with the first part) jumps to 2018 Argentina, where Paloma Cruz, where Nayeli’s granddaughter is watching over the latter’s passing in a nursing home. Thus since Etcheves shows Paloma having been raised by her grandmother, the latter leaves Paloma her modest house and also a mysterious but valuable original painting of a young and nude Nayeli, but that when a group of art thieves and forgers learn of the painting, Paloma must not only figure out what to do with the painting and to figure out its possible connection to Frida Kahlo, she must also evade and save herself from these dangerous and potentially massively violent criminals. And in my humble opinion, the contemporary 2018 storyline of Frida’s Cook, where Florencia Etcheves has us readers following Nayeli's granddaughter Paloma as she deals with danger, mystery, possible art theft etc. (see above), sorry, but the second part, the modern storyline of Frida’s Cook is totally and utterly textually annoying to and for me, is frustratingly convoluted, is sillily melodramatic, is and actually reads like some cheap movie thriller, is also massively weighed down by far far far too many side characters and in particular when being unfavourably compared to the gripping and the oh so hugely delightfully penned historical fiction chapters of Frida’s Cook.
But just to further point out that while the second part of Frida’s Cook while the movie triller, art thievery and forgery plot involving Paloma Cruz in 2018 is already pretty majorly textually annoying, I do indeed find it even more distracting and problematic that part two does not happen after part one, but that Etcheves meshed both storylines together (and which for me renders the entire book annoyingly distracting, which often even kind of takes me right out of the narrative and as such even the historical fiction part of Frida’s Cook because I just do not like the modern storyline and keep getting my attention span assaulted and broken, so yes, that my low three star rating for Frida’s Cook is indeed and in fact majorly generous and only because what Florencia Etcheves textually provides in the historical fiction part or parts of Frida’s Cook is indeed absolutely marvellous and actually addictively readable).
And to be perfectly honest here, I kind of even wish Florencia Etcheves had only written a historical fiction novel with Frida's Cook, that she had completely avoided and as such left out the taking place in 2018 parts of Frida's Cook (because well, even without the art thievery and forgery scenarios, for me personally speaking, Etcheves' historical chapters are what I have indeed and also totally enjoyed with and about Frida's Cook but that the enmeshed modern parts would even without the convoluted and cinematic dangers posed by art thieves and forgers elements not be all that much to my personal reading tastes).
So when she arrives in Mexico City, Etcheves has Nayeli then stop right in front of the home of artist Frida Kahlo, how Nayeli and Frida instantly bond, with Kahlo also immediately employing Nayeli as her cook, as her assistant and that she lives and works at the Casa Azul until close to Frida’s death in 1954 (thus the first part of Frida’s Cook concluding with the birth of Nayeli Cruz’ daughter in 1955).
And yes indeed, the first part of Frida’s Cook has generally speaking been a very pleasurable and massively appealing personal reading experience for me. For in particular how Florencia Etcheves in Frida’s Cook describes, how she depicts Frida Kahlo is enticingly, is hugely textually mesmerising, with us as readers totally identifying with Kahlo as an artist, with her pain, with her passion, with her genius, that we throughout part one of Frida’s Cook are internally and emotionally in pain physical discomfort right alongside of Frida’s fragile body (wrecked from childhood polio and multiple broken bones that never set properly after Kahlo was struck by a bus as a teenager), we are filled with awe, with admiration as she paints, as she tries to manage her philandering husband Diego Rivera, and how she, how Frida Kahlo also suffers immensely from excessively self medicating with pills and alcohol.
Therefore, and as a total fan of Kahlo and of her art, I have very much and indeed even all encompassingly savoured and enjoyed the parts of Frida’s Cook which feature her, which have Etcheves presenting Frida Kahlo, that the part of Frida’s Cook which are historical fiction is for the most part absolutely textually delightful, is exquisitely descriptive, historically authentic and as such equally so very nicely accurate with regard to showing and telling about Kahlo’s life and 1940s to 1950s Mexico (and indeed, my only and rather mild but still just a trifle annoying complaint about the first part of Frida’s Cook being that since the novel is called Frida’s Cook Florencia Etcheves does in my opinion and for me need to be presenting considerably more food and kitchen scenes).
Now the second part of Frida’s Cook (which is actually interspersed with the first part) jumps to 2018 Argentina, where Paloma Cruz, where Nayeli’s granddaughter is watching over the latter’s passing in a nursing home. Thus since Etcheves shows Paloma having been raised by her grandmother, the latter leaves Paloma her modest house and also a mysterious but valuable original painting of a young and nude Nayeli, but that when a group of art thieves and forgers learn of the painting, Paloma must not only figure out what to do with the painting and to figure out its possible connection to Frida Kahlo, she must also evade and save herself from these dangerous and potentially massively violent criminals. And in my humble opinion, the contemporary 2018 storyline of Frida’s Cook, where Florencia Etcheves has us readers following Nayeli's granddaughter Paloma as she deals with danger, mystery, possible art theft etc. (see above), sorry, but the second part, the modern storyline of Frida’s Cook is totally and utterly textually annoying to and for me, is frustratingly convoluted, is sillily melodramatic, is and actually reads like some cheap movie thriller, is also massively weighed down by far far far too many side characters and in particular when being unfavourably compared to the gripping and the oh so hugely delightfully penned historical fiction chapters of Frida’s Cook.
But just to further point out that while the second part of Frida’s Cook while the movie triller, art thievery and forgery plot involving Paloma Cruz in 2018 is already pretty majorly textually annoying, I do indeed find it even more distracting and problematic that part two does not happen after part one, but that Etcheves meshed both storylines together (and which for me renders the entire book annoyingly distracting, which often even kind of takes me right out of the narrative and as such even the historical fiction part of Frida’s Cook because I just do not like the modern storyline and keep getting my attention span assaulted and broken, so yes, that my low three star rating for Frida’s Cook is indeed and in fact majorly generous and only because what Florencia Etcheves textually provides in the historical fiction part or parts of Frida’s Cook is indeed absolutely marvellous and actually addictively readable).
And to be perfectly honest here, I kind of even wish Florencia Etcheves had only written a historical fiction novel with Frida's Cook, that she had completely avoided and as such left out the taking place in 2018 parts of Frida's Cook (because well, even without the art thievery and forgery scenarios, for me personally speaking, Etcheves' historical chapters are what I have indeed and also totally enjoyed with and about Frida's Cook but that the enmeshed modern parts would even without the convoluted and cinematic dangers posed by art thieves and forgers elements not be all that much to my personal reading tastes).
January 31, 2023
Me gustó mucho la relación de Nayeli y de Frida, tanto que me hubiera encantado que toda la novela se hubiera basado en esta historia.
Me entristeció que el final lo sentí apresurado y que hubieron varios detalles sin concluir, sin embargo, es una historia que sin duda te transporta hacia ese Coyoacán de época en donde te podías encontrar en el mercado a Frida y a Diego Rivera.
Me entristeció que el final lo sentí apresurado y que hubieron varios detalles sin concluir, sin embargo, es una historia que sin duda te transporta hacia ese Coyoacán de época en donde te podías encontrar en el mercado a Frida y a Diego Rivera.
December 25, 2024
Una novela interesante y bien construida sobre una doble historia basada en un cuadro inédito de Diego Rivera. La autora pasa del presente (la historia de Paloma, la nieta de Nayeli, que hereda esa obra que nadie conocía) al pasado (quién fue su abuela y cómo llegó a ser la cocinera de Frida) en capítulos que se alternan y mantiene la atención del lector dejando siempre algo por resolver.
Para mí, lo mejor del libro es todo lo relativo a la Casa azul y la vida de Kahlo y Rivera: Florencia Etcheves se ha documentado mucho y desvela aspectos que desconocía; de hecho, ha conseguido que buscara mucha información complementaria y que mirara con otros ojos algunas pinturas muy conocidas. La relación entre ambos artistas no está idealizada y las luces y sombras de Frida desmontan el icono y la hacen más humana. La historia actual, que se desarrolla en Buenos Aires, tiene personajes bastante originales relacionados con el mundo del arte y tiene más acción, aunque he de decir que el final, algo precipitado e inverosímil, no me acaba de convencer.
La novela es extensa (casi 600 páginas) aunque es de lectura fluida. Por ponerle un pero, decir que no me resulta creíble su título: Nayeli es una cocinera fabulosa pero apenas la vemos guisar en el libro, y cuando lo hace, no elabora ningún plato extraordinario, sino que siempre hace lo mismo y de igual manera. ¿Cómo es que la autora no se ha preocupado en describir un poco la rica cocina mexicana? Se ha buscado un título (y una portada, preciosa, por cierto) que llamara la atención de los lectores pero que no se justifica a lo largo de la obra.
Para mí, lo mejor del libro es todo lo relativo a la Casa azul y la vida de Kahlo y Rivera: Florencia Etcheves se ha documentado mucho y desvela aspectos que desconocía; de hecho, ha conseguido que buscara mucha información complementaria y que mirara con otros ojos algunas pinturas muy conocidas. La relación entre ambos artistas no está idealizada y las luces y sombras de Frida desmontan el icono y la hacen más humana. La historia actual, que se desarrolla en Buenos Aires, tiene personajes bastante originales relacionados con el mundo del arte y tiene más acción, aunque he de decir que el final, algo precipitado e inverosímil, no me acaba de convencer.
La novela es extensa (casi 600 páginas) aunque es de lectura fluida. Por ponerle un pero, decir que no me resulta creíble su título: Nayeli es una cocinera fabulosa pero apenas la vemos guisar en el libro, y cuando lo hace, no elabora ningún plato extraordinario, sino que siempre hace lo mismo y de igual manera. ¿Cómo es que la autora no se ha preocupado en describir un poco la rica cocina mexicana? Se ha buscado un título (y una portada, preciosa, por cierto) que llamara la atención de los lectores pero que no se justifica a lo largo de la obra.
March 12, 2026
In 1939, Nayeli Cruz is a teenager who finds herself on the doorstep of La Casa Azul, home of the famous artist Frida Kahlo. Frida is instantly drawn to Nayeli and takes her in, first as her cook and eventually becoming a close friend and confidante. Nayeli’s deep bond with Frida and her proximity to Frida’s husband Diego Rivera will shape the course of Nayeli’s entire life. Eighty years later, Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma discovers a sensual painting of her grandmother shortly after her death, a painting that whose provenance has the power to unravel Cruz family secrets.
The beauty in this book comes from being immersed in the sights and sounds of Mexico City through Nayeli’s eyes, savoring the flavors of traditional cuisine and the vibrance of Frida’s paintings. Frida herself is a colorful character – passionate, mercurial, and resilient in the face of the intense pain that plagued her for so many years. Frida and Diego’s tumultuous relationship is fascinating and is the driving force for many of the novel’s events whether directly or indirectly. Perfect for fans of Picasso’s Lovers by Jeanne Mackin!
Thank you to Atria Books and Simon Audio for providing me an advance copy of this book.
The beauty in this book comes from being immersed in the sights and sounds of Mexico City through Nayeli’s eyes, savoring the flavors of traditional cuisine and the vibrance of Frida’s paintings. Frida herself is a colorful character – passionate, mercurial, and resilient in the face of the intense pain that plagued her for so many years. Frida and Diego’s tumultuous relationship is fascinating and is the driving force for many of the novel’s events whether directly or indirectly. Perfect for fans of Picasso’s Lovers by Jeanne Mackin!
Thank you to Atria Books and Simon Audio for providing me an advance copy of this book.
March 26, 2026
Ho comprato questo romanzo attratta dalla copertina, dal titolo e dal mio amore verso il Messico, Paese che ho avuto la fortuna di visitare l’anno scorso, e che mi è rimasto nel cuore.
Ovviamente, la mia passione per il Messico nasce dalla curiosità che ho sempre provato nei confronti della sua storia, i cui protagonisti dell’epoca moderna sono Frida e Diego.
Personaggi singolari, unici, le cui idee possono risultare anche scarsamente condivisibili, ma veri, passionali, autentici.
Ho visitato la Casa Azul, e queste pagine mi hanno riportato lì.
Questo libro, alternando un capitolo nel presente e un capitolo nel passato, parla della storia di Nayeli, la cuoca di Frida, e di sua nipote Paloma, erede di un dipinto che nasconde una storia incredibile.
La storia vale più del quadro.
È la storia la vera opera d’arte.
Ovviamente, la mia passione per il Messico nasce dalla curiosità che ho sempre provato nei confronti della sua storia, i cui protagonisti dell’epoca moderna sono Frida e Diego.
Personaggi singolari, unici, le cui idee possono risultare anche scarsamente condivisibili, ma veri, passionali, autentici.
Ho visitato la Casa Azul, e queste pagine mi hanno riportato lì.
Questo libro, alternando un capitolo nel presente e un capitolo nel passato, parla della storia di Nayeli, la cuoca di Frida, e di sua nipote Paloma, erede di un dipinto che nasconde una storia incredibile.
La storia vale più del quadro.
È la storia la vera opera d’arte.
March 13, 2026
thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! i do love a historical fiction that’s loosely based on real events - especially when it examines a flawed genius like Frida - but between the 5 different narrators and the lack of character development, this story didn’t grab me like I expected.
May 29, 2026
I'm very surprised I finished this book, since I had so many gripes with it. I considered giving it one star, but I bumped it up to two solely because I did actually finish it.
The characters in this book don't act like real people. Probably the most obvious example is when a man and woman are dating, and for plot reasons he follows her outside, sneaks up behind her wearing a mask, pushes a gun between her ribs, and robs her. The next time they see each other, he explains his supposedly very good reasons for this, and she instantly forgives him. Although this might be the most egregious of the examples, the book is riddled with character moments that make no sense. An adult sees a teenager standing outside the window of their house, invites them in, and within a few minutes, they lay in bed together side by side. Why would any non-pedophile adult behave this way? Why would any teen (a character who is NOT portrayed as gullible) do this? Later in the book, a character who has never had a hint of exhibitionism before wanders around a house naked, and this is a house where the doors are never locked and people come and go freely. Why? I could give many more examples.
Probably the worst part of this book is that it made me question my sanity repeatedly. I'm going to make up an example to illustrate, because I don't want to waste my time going through it to give real examples from the book. Imagine two characters are about to eat breakfast. The book says, "Sally made John's favorite - eggs, bacon, and fresh berries - and set the table nicely." The scene goes on with the characters talking at breakfast. A few paragraphs later they're still talking and something Sally says surprises John. The book says, "John paused with a fork full of pancakes midair, close to his mouth." It gives the reader whiplash. Where the hell did the pancakes come from? As a reader, I can't even count the number of times I stopped and looked back a few paragraphs or pages, thinking, "How did I miss this part?" Except I hadn't missed anything. Most of the time, the inconsistencies didn't really matter. I guess, as a reader, I was supposed to assume pancakes were always there. A few times this happened, I was seriously confused because Etcheves had changed the characters' locations or jumped forward in time days or months, and hadn't given clear indications of this change.
One time, two characters met with a third character, all interacting together for pages. The meeting between the three characters ended, and the first two characters went to a bar to debrief. At the bar, one of them asked the other, "What did [third character] say to you when he met with you in private?" As a reader, this was extremely confusing because we weren't told about any private meeting. To our knowledge, all three characters interacted together the entire time.
Another problem is with the narrator's perspective. The book uses third person to describe the events of the past, during Frida's life. It uses first person to describe the "present" in which Frida's cook's granddaughter is inheriting a valuable painting and unraveling a mystery. All this is fine, except that Etcheves wrote the first person "present" as omniscient. Why in the world would the granddaughter have access to the thoughts, feelings, and private moments of the people around her? It was jarring and strange.
In more capable hands, all of this could have come across as an unreliable narrator, or a brilliant, avant garde way to write a book. But it's not. It's a straight-forward mystery, not trying to be poetic or purposely confusing. It's just badly written. This book desperately needed an editor who told Etcheves, "Wait... where did these pancakes come from?" or "Why does the granddaughter know what her friend is thinking and every detail of a meeting she's not in?" or "Why do these characters not act like real people?"
The characters in this book don't act like real people. Probably the most obvious example is when a man and woman are dating, and for plot reasons he follows her outside, sneaks up behind her wearing a mask, pushes a gun between her ribs, and robs her. The next time they see each other, he explains his supposedly very good reasons for this, and she instantly forgives him. Although this might be the most egregious of the examples, the book is riddled with character moments that make no sense. An adult sees a teenager standing outside the window of their house, invites them in, and within a few minutes, they lay in bed together side by side. Why would any non-pedophile adult behave this way? Why would any teen (a character who is NOT portrayed as gullible) do this? Later in the book, a character who has never had a hint of exhibitionism before wanders around a house naked, and this is a house where the doors are never locked and people come and go freely. Why? I could give many more examples.
Probably the worst part of this book is that it made me question my sanity repeatedly. I'm going to make up an example to illustrate, because I don't want to waste my time going through it to give real examples from the book. Imagine two characters are about to eat breakfast. The book says, "Sally made John's favorite - eggs, bacon, and fresh berries - and set the table nicely." The scene goes on with the characters talking at breakfast. A few paragraphs later they're still talking and something Sally says surprises John. The book says, "John paused with a fork full of pancakes midair, close to his mouth." It gives the reader whiplash. Where the hell did the pancakes come from? As a reader, I can't even count the number of times I stopped and looked back a few paragraphs or pages, thinking, "How did I miss this part?" Except I hadn't missed anything. Most of the time, the inconsistencies didn't really matter. I guess, as a reader, I was supposed to assume pancakes were always there. A few times this happened, I was seriously confused because Etcheves had changed the characters' locations or jumped forward in time days or months, and hadn't given clear indications of this change.
One time, two characters met with a third character, all interacting together for pages. The meeting between the three characters ended, and the first two characters went to a bar to debrief. At the bar, one of them asked the other, "What did [third character] say to you when he met with you in private?" As a reader, this was extremely confusing because we weren't told about any private meeting. To our knowledge, all three characters interacted together the entire time.
Another problem is with the narrator's perspective. The book uses third person to describe the events of the past, during Frida's life. It uses first person to describe the "present" in which Frida's cook's granddaughter is inheriting a valuable painting and unraveling a mystery. All this is fine, except that Etcheves wrote the first person "present" as omniscient. Why in the world would the granddaughter have access to the thoughts, feelings, and private moments of the people around her? It was jarring and strange.
In more capable hands, all of this could have come across as an unreliable narrator, or a brilliant, avant garde way to write a book. But it's not. It's a straight-forward mystery, not trying to be poetic or purposely confusing. It's just badly written. This book desperately needed an editor who told Etcheves, "Wait... where did these pancakes come from?" or "Why does the granddaughter know what her friend is thinking and every detail of a meeting she's not in?" or "Why do these characters not act like real people?"
January 10, 2023
Lo que me gustó: la época de Frida en general, todos los personajes de esa época, la historia de amistad entre Nayeli y Frida, entre Nayeli y la güera. La manera de retratar a los grandes artistas. Tiene muy buenas frases la autora dentro del libro.
Lo que no me gustó: demasiado descriptivo, la época de Argentina siento que no tiene la potencia de la historia en México, hay cabos sueltos en la historia de Argentina que para el nivel descriptivo que usa la autora no debieron faltar.
Me hubiera gustado: más detalle de la cocina y sus preparaciones.
Es un libro entretenido pero muy largo.
Lo que no me gustó: demasiado descriptivo, la época de Argentina siento que no tiene la potencia de la historia en México, hay cabos sueltos en la historia de Argentina que para el nivel descriptivo que usa la autora no debieron faltar.
Me hubiera gustado: más detalle de la cocina y sus preparaciones.
Es un libro entretenido pero muy largo.
March 26, 2026
Told in dual timelines and multiple POVs, this is a story about a young runaway Nayeli who ends up in Frida Kahlo’s orbit. Hired on to live in her household as a cook, caregiver and confidante, Nayeli is witness to Kahlo’s art, her tumultuous marriage to Diego Rivera, and her crippling illness. In the present Nayeli has passed away and her granddaughter Paloma inherits her belongings including a painting that becomes much-desired by art connoisseurs and thieves.
The story was intriguing and I was hoping to get more insight into Kahlo’s life through Nayeli who is a fictional character, by the way. I felt that everything was presented on the surface level and didn’t go as deep as I’d hoped. The present timeline confused me quite a bit with keeping up with the POVs and everyone vying for the painting. I think I’d’ve preferred there being fewer POVs in order to focus more on fleshing out the main characters especially Paloma who came off a bit flat. Her choices rather surprised me. For as close as she was to Nayeli, she seemed uninterested in exploring her past. I felt like that was the missing bridge between the two timelines for me.
I love that the story painted a beautiful and exuberant picture of Mexico and its traditions from festivals to food to the attire. I could sense the author’s absolute pride in its history and I’m so glad she shared that with the reader.
I think this novel is a good starting point to learn of Mexico’s rich history, a couple of its greatest icons in Kahlo and Rivera, and its vibrant culture.
Thanks to @atriabooks for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story was intriguing and I was hoping to get more insight into Kahlo’s life through Nayeli who is a fictional character, by the way. I felt that everything was presented on the surface level and didn’t go as deep as I’d hoped. The present timeline confused me quite a bit with keeping up with the POVs and everyone vying for the painting. I think I’d’ve preferred there being fewer POVs in order to focus more on fleshing out the main characters especially Paloma who came off a bit flat. Her choices rather surprised me. For as close as she was to Nayeli, she seemed uninterested in exploring her past. I felt like that was the missing bridge between the two timelines for me.
I love that the story painted a beautiful and exuberant picture of Mexico and its traditions from festivals to food to the attire. I could sense the author’s absolute pride in its history and I’m so glad she shared that with the reader.
I think this novel is a good starting point to learn of Mexico’s rich history, a couple of its greatest icons in Kahlo and Rivera, and its vibrant culture.
Thanks to @atriabooks for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2023
Este libro es pura MAGIA
Dos historias que corren de forma paralela pero en diferentes tiempos (pasado y actualidad).
En el pasado tenemos a Nayeli (la cocinera de Frida) como personaje principal, Frida Kahlo y Diego Rivera
En la actualidad el libro empieza con la muerte de Nayeli y misterios que dejó detrás de su muerte que su nieta va descubriendo con el Paso de los días, entre esos misterios tenemos un cuadro valuado en millones de dólares.
Les comparto muchas frases que resonaron en mi interior y corrí a apuntar en mi libro de notas:
- El dinero es tu independencia
- Pintaba cuando se sentía mal
- La tristeza es mi destino
- La soledad también puede ser un camino a la libertad
- Los objetos son pedazos de la vida que se nos está yendo y los agarramos fuerte
-Caminar siempre había sido un bálsamo en los momentos turbulentos
- No estoy enferma, estoy destrozada pero feliz de seguir viviendo
- A mi las alas me sobran doctorcito, que me corten las alas y a volar.
Dos historias que corren de forma paralela pero en diferentes tiempos (pasado y actualidad).
En el pasado tenemos a Nayeli (la cocinera de Frida) como personaje principal, Frida Kahlo y Diego Rivera
En la actualidad el libro empieza con la muerte de Nayeli y misterios que dejó detrás de su muerte que su nieta va descubriendo con el Paso de los días, entre esos misterios tenemos un cuadro valuado en millones de dólares.
Les comparto muchas frases que resonaron en mi interior y corrí a apuntar en mi libro de notas:
- El dinero es tu independencia
- Pintaba cuando se sentía mal
- La tristeza es mi destino
- La soledad también puede ser un camino a la libertad
- Los objetos son pedazos de la vida que se nos está yendo y los agarramos fuerte
-Caminar siempre había sido un bálsamo en los momentos turbulentos
- No estoy enferma, estoy destrozada pero feliz de seguir viviendo
- A mi las alas me sobran doctorcito, que me corten las alas y a volar.
March 26, 2026
There are so many people with so many POV’s in the current timeline. I needed to make notes to help myself keep them straight. The overall plot lines of both timelines are good. I enjoyed connecting the dots between the current and past timelines.
The low spot for me is Paloma. She is beyond annoying. She’s childish and immature and completely unlikeable. The book doesn’t give her exact age but based on the dates we do have, she has to be at least 30. She’s gone to college, she’s a teacher, a professional. Yet you see none of that in her character. What you get instead is someone who gets mad about being treated like a silly, little girl yet then turns around and acts exactly like a silly, little girl. On top of Paloma being irritating, the ending of the book is weird. It just abruptly ends and there are about 10 plotlines that are left hanging. But honestly, that’s still less annoying than Paloma.
Thank you to the publisher Atria for the ARC of this book.
The low spot for me is Paloma. She is beyond annoying. She’s childish and immature and completely unlikeable. The book doesn’t give her exact age but based on the dates we do have, she has to be at least 30. She’s gone to college, she’s a teacher, a professional. Yet you see none of that in her character. What you get instead is someone who gets mad about being treated like a silly, little girl yet then turns around and acts exactly like a silly, little girl. On top of Paloma being irritating, the ending of the book is weird. It just abruptly ends and there are about 10 plotlines that are left hanging. But honestly, that’s still less annoying than Paloma.
Thank you to the publisher Atria for the ARC of this book.
January 29, 2023
No querer despegarme de la historia y querer descubrir con ansias y emoción qué pasaría con cada uno de sus personajes, sin duda fueron los sentimientos que mantuve durante los días en los que transité por el libro de Florencia Etcheves.
La narrativa, la manera en la describe cada detalle de la historia y cada sentimiento de los personajes me hizo leer verdaderamente con todos mis sentidos a tope.
Me gusta que Frida, Diego, sus respectivos artes, México y la época post revolucionaria sean el escenario y el motivo, y me alegra mucho que aún cuando todo este marco tiene por sí solo un peso poderosísimo, Nayeli sea la protagonista (con todo lo que esa palabra y papel significan) y la que logre que el lector no se centre en el marco, sino en la estrella de la pintura, Nayeli misma.
100% recomendado.
La narrativa, la manera en la describe cada detalle de la historia y cada sentimiento de los personajes me hizo leer verdaderamente con todos mis sentidos a tope.
Me gusta que Frida, Diego, sus respectivos artes, México y la época post revolucionaria sean el escenario y el motivo, y me alegra mucho que aún cuando todo este marco tiene por sí solo un peso poderosísimo, Nayeli sea la protagonista (con todo lo que esa palabra y papel significan) y la que logre que el lector no se centre en el marco, sino en la estrella de la pintura, Nayeli misma.
100% recomendado.
February 29, 2024
Sabía que esta novela no me iba a fallar.
Es preciosa y está tan bien construida que se te olvida a veces que es ficción y no parte de acontecimientos históricos. Las descripciones costumbristas me atraparon y el nivel de detallismo es tal que se nota que Florencia Etcheves ha hecho un trabajo de investigación buenísimo.
La narración en dos tiempos intercalando capítulos (pasado y presente) te mantiene pendiente de la novela todo el tiempo tratando de saber cómo se entrelazan ambas historias. Me ha gustado mucho el misterio y sobre todo la vida de Nayeli.
Es sencillamente maravillosa.
Es preciosa y está tan bien construida que se te olvida a veces que es ficción y no parte de acontecimientos históricos. Las descripciones costumbristas me atraparon y el nivel de detallismo es tal que se nota que Florencia Etcheves ha hecho un trabajo de investigación buenísimo.
La narración en dos tiempos intercalando capítulos (pasado y presente) te mantiene pendiente de la novela todo el tiempo tratando de saber cómo se entrelazan ambas historias. Me ha gustado mucho el misterio y sobre todo la vida de Nayeli.
Es sencillamente maravillosa.
December 28, 2022
Todo lo que tiene que ver con Frida Khalo me llama la atención y más con esta hermosa portada.
Cuando la ficción se mezcla con la realidad y le agregas un condimento adicional como un thriller, se cocina una novela como #lacocineradefrida. Entretenida hasta el final. Una novela donde conocemos a una Frida humana, donde la amistad, el amor y las mujeres están presentes.
Cuando la ficción se mezcla con la realidad y le agregas un condimento adicional como un thriller, se cocina una novela como #lacocineradefrida. Entretenida hasta el final. Una novela donde conocemos a una Frida humana, donde la amistad, el amor y las mujeres están presentes.
January 4, 2025
Come iniziare l'anno nel modo giusto. ♡
La storia delle donne Cruz, incrociata alla storia di Frida e Diego... Vorrei rileggerlo immediatamente.
Emozione pura.
Ora ufficialmente "In My Frida Kahlo Era".
(Mi sono detta... nel 2025 con le recensioni e la valutazione sarò più piccata. Impossibile. Potrei dare tutte le stelle dell'universo.☆)
La storia delle donne Cruz, incrociata alla storia di Frida e Diego... Vorrei rileggerlo immediatamente.
Emozione pura.
Ora ufficialmente "In My Frida Kahlo Era".
(Mi sono detta... nel 2025 con le recensioni e la valutazione sarò più piccata. Impossibile. Potrei dare tutte le stelle dell'universo.☆)
February 5, 2023
Siempre me va a gustar escuchar (en este caso) de Frida y Diego, me gusta la historia, me pregunto cómo aguanto esa mujer tanto dolor físico y espiritual.
Esta historia de ficción, también me gusto
Esta historia de ficción, también me gusto
February 27, 2024
Me gustó mucho como estaba narrado.
Increíble que todos los personajes estuvieran relacionados y como uno se iba enterando de esta relación.
Además, una lectura fácil. Lo recomiendo
Increíble que todos los personajes estuvieran relacionados y como uno se iba enterando de esta relación.
Además, una lectura fácil. Lo recomiendo
April 14, 2026
3.5
Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves is a lush, melodramatic, and often compelling work of historical fiction that uses the orbit of Frida Kahlo to illuminate a quieter, fictional life. It’s a novel that thrives on atmosphere, food, and feeling—though not always on narrative restraint.
At its core, the book follows two timelines. In 1939 Mexico City, teenage Nayeli Cruz flees an arranged marriage and finds herself at the Blue House, where she becomes Kahlo’s cook. There, she is drawn into the volatile, intoxicating world of Kahlo and Diego Rivera—a space defined by art, politics, alcohol, and emotional extremes. In the present-day Buenos Aires timeline, Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma inherits a mysterious painting that may connect back to Kahlo, setting off a chain of revelations involving family secrets, art forgery, and danger.
Let’s be honest: if you tend not to like dual timelines, this structure may test your patience. The historical sections are vivid and immersive, while the modern storyline veers into thriller territory—complete with criminals, betrayals, and twists that can feel convoluted. The tonal gap between the two timelines is noticeable, and you may find yourself wishing the novel had committed fully to Nayeli’s past rather than splitting its attention.
That said, the characters are where Etcheves shines. Nayeli is the emotional anchor—resourceful, observant, and deeply human. Through her, we see the intimate rhythms of domestic life: cooking, caretaking, and witnessing greatness from the margins. Paloma, in contrast, functions more as a narrative engine than a fully realized character, though her investigation provides momentum.
And then there is Frida Kahlo. Even as a side character, she dominates the page. Frida Kahlo will never not be interesting, and every scene she enters here absolutely sizzles. Etcheves leans into her contradictions—charismatic yet cruel, vulnerable yet performative, brilliant yet self-destructive. Some readers may find this portrayal bordering on caricature, but it’s undeniably vivid.
Historically, Kahlo herself hardly needs embellishment. She survived a devastating bus accident at 18 that left her in lifelong pain, something that profoundly shaped her art. Her work—often categorized within Surrealism, though she rejected the label—drew heavily on Mexican identity, indigenous culture, and her own physical and emotional suffering. Paintings like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird remain iconic for their raw symbolism and autobiographical intensity. Her tumultuous relationship with Rivera, marked by infidelity on both sides, is the stuff of legend. Today, Kahlo’s legacy extends far beyond the art world: she is a feminist icon, a symbol of resilience, and one of the most recognizable artists of the 20th century.
Etcheves uses these real elements effectively, even when dramatizing or fictionalizing them. The novel’s most compelling idea is that someone like Nayeli—unseen by history—could have influenced or sustained a figure like Kahlo. It’s a meditation on invisible labor and the lives that exist just outside the frame.
Stylistically, the book is sensory and indulgent. Food is described with painterly attention—mole, chocolate, spices—mirroring Kahlo’s own use of color and texture. This is where the novel feels most original, grounding its emotional stakes in acts of nourishment and care.
Ultimately, Frida’s Cook is uneven but engaging. If the dual timeline doesn’t entirely work, the historical sections—and especially the presence of Kahlo—make it worthwhile. It’s less a subtle literary novel and more a passionate tribute, one that occasionally overreaches but never lacks flavor.
Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves is a lush, melodramatic, and often compelling work of historical fiction that uses the orbit of Frida Kahlo to illuminate a quieter, fictional life. It’s a novel that thrives on atmosphere, food, and feeling—though not always on narrative restraint.
At its core, the book follows two timelines. In 1939 Mexico City, teenage Nayeli Cruz flees an arranged marriage and finds herself at the Blue House, where she becomes Kahlo’s cook. There, she is drawn into the volatile, intoxicating world of Kahlo and Diego Rivera—a space defined by art, politics, alcohol, and emotional extremes. In the present-day Buenos Aires timeline, Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma inherits a mysterious painting that may connect back to Kahlo, setting off a chain of revelations involving family secrets, art forgery, and danger.
Let’s be honest: if you tend not to like dual timelines, this structure may test your patience. The historical sections are vivid and immersive, while the modern storyline veers into thriller territory—complete with criminals, betrayals, and twists that can feel convoluted. The tonal gap between the two timelines is noticeable, and you may find yourself wishing the novel had committed fully to Nayeli’s past rather than splitting its attention.
That said, the characters are where Etcheves shines. Nayeli is the emotional anchor—resourceful, observant, and deeply human. Through her, we see the intimate rhythms of domestic life: cooking, caretaking, and witnessing greatness from the margins. Paloma, in contrast, functions more as a narrative engine than a fully realized character, though her investigation provides momentum.
And then there is Frida Kahlo. Even as a side character, she dominates the page. Frida Kahlo will never not be interesting, and every scene she enters here absolutely sizzles. Etcheves leans into her contradictions—charismatic yet cruel, vulnerable yet performative, brilliant yet self-destructive. Some readers may find this portrayal bordering on caricature, but it’s undeniably vivid.
Historically, Kahlo herself hardly needs embellishment. She survived a devastating bus accident at 18 that left her in lifelong pain, something that profoundly shaped her art. Her work—often categorized within Surrealism, though she rejected the label—drew heavily on Mexican identity, indigenous culture, and her own physical and emotional suffering. Paintings like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird remain iconic for their raw symbolism and autobiographical intensity. Her tumultuous relationship with Rivera, marked by infidelity on both sides, is the stuff of legend. Today, Kahlo’s legacy extends far beyond the art world: she is a feminist icon, a symbol of resilience, and one of the most recognizable artists of the 20th century.
Etcheves uses these real elements effectively, even when dramatizing or fictionalizing them. The novel’s most compelling idea is that someone like Nayeli—unseen by history—could have influenced or sustained a figure like Kahlo. It’s a meditation on invisible labor and the lives that exist just outside the frame.
Stylistically, the book is sensory and indulgent. Food is described with painterly attention—mole, chocolate, spices—mirroring Kahlo’s own use of color and texture. This is where the novel feels most original, grounding its emotional stakes in acts of nourishment and care.
Ultimately, Frida’s Cook is uneven but engaging. If the dual timeline doesn’t entirely work, the historical sections—and especially the presence of Kahlo—make it worthwhile. It’s less a subtle literary novel and more a passionate tribute, one that occasionally overreaches but never lacks flavor.
October 9, 2026
Be ready but I will be sharp as knife to talk about the negative aspects of this book
I’m sorry, but this book just wasn’t for me. It really wasn’t my cup of tea, and, to be completely honest, reading it turned out to be quite a painful experience. 😭
The main reason I picked up this book was that I wanted to learn more about Frida Kahlo’s life. I was genuinely curious about her as a historical figure, and I thought this book would offer an interesting glimpse into her life through the eyes of her cook. I expected a story that would give me a better understanding of Frida as a person, her experiences, her struggles, and perhaps even the details of her everyday life that we might not usually find in a typical historical biography.
Unfortunately, what I got was something quite different from what I had expected. Rather than feeling like a historical novel that brought Frida Kahlo’s life to life, this book felt much more focused on fictional characters and their personal dramas, with Frida herself almost serving as a decorative sticker to attract readers’ attention to buy and read this book. 😭 I know historical fiction allows authors to exercise their imagination and create fictional storylines around real historical figures, and I have absolutely nothing against that. However, I do think there needs to be a reasonable balance between the fictional elements and the historical figure who is supposed to be at the heart of the story. Sadly, that balance just wasn’t there in this book.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this book to be particularly gripping or page turning. I went into it with fairly modest expectations, hoping that I would at least come away knowing more about Frida Kahlo’s life. But even with those expectations, I still found myself disappointed. And after this reading experience, I think I’ll have to think twice before picking up another book by this author. Sorry, but this one was a complete miss for me.
First of all, Frida Kahlo barely appeared in the story at the beginning.
I found it rather disappointing that Frida didn’t really enter the storyline until I was around 15–20% into the book. Considering that she was the main reason I picked it up in the first place, I honestly expected her presence to be established much earlier. Instead, the opening chapters were mostly concerned with introducing the fictional characters and setting up their respective storylines.
I understand that authors sometimes need time to establish the setting and introduce their characters, especially in historical fiction. However, the beginning of this book simply didn’t capture my interest. I kept waiting for the story to get to Frida, only to find myself reading more about fictional characters and situations that I wasn’t particularly invested in. It made the whole reading experience feel like a bit of a slump from the very beginning.
Secondly, there were far too many POVs and storylines crammed into one book.
Honestly, this was probably the biggest source of my headache whilst reading. There were so many different points of view that I often struggled to keep track of the narrative and figure out where the story was actually going.
Although most of the story was told through the perspectives of Paloma and Nayeli Cruz, the two main fictional characters, the narrative frequently shifted to other side (fictional) characters, including Ramiro, Cristobal, Emilio, Lorena and even Paloma’s mother, who was more of a supporting character.
Now, I don’t necessarily mind multiple POVs in a novel. In fact, when handled well, they can add depth to a story, offer different perspectives and help readers understand the characters better. The problem is that, in this book, the constant changes in perspective felt excessive and rather distracting.
Just when I started getting into one character’s storyline and thought I was finally getting somewhere, the next chapter would suddenly switch to another character. And instead of continuing the main plot, the narrative would sometimes wander off into the background, personal history or personality of a supporting character. I kept wondering what the point of these detours was, especially when so many of them didn’t seem to contribute anything meaningful to the overall storyline and plot.
As a result, the narrative felt cluttered and unfocused. There was so much going on that I struggled to concentrate on the main story, and I found it increasingly difficult to feel emotionally invested in any of the characters. Rather than making the story richer, all these different perspectives made it feel unnecessarily complicated.
Honestly, I kept asking myself: why couldn’t the author simply focus more on Frida Kahlo and her life instead of spending so much time developing the fictional lives of all these other characters that made up by her imaginations?
Thirdly, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in Frida Kahlo’s portrayal.
This was probably the most frustrating aspect of the book for me because it was the very reason I decided to read it. I wanted to learn more about Frida Kahlo, but I finished the book feeling as though I had only been given the barest glimpse of her life.
Yes, the author did touch upon Frida’s eccentric personality, her distinctive presence and the health problems she experienced. However, these details felt rather superficial to me. I wanted to understand her more deeply, to get a better sense of her journey through life, her struggles, her experiences and the person she was beyond the familiar image that so many people recognise.
Instead, Frida seemed to fade into the background whilst the fictional characters took centre stage. At times, I genuinely felt as though she was a supporting character in her own book!
And that is what disappointed me the most. I picked up a historical novel about a real and fascinating woman, only to find that most of the narrative revolved around fictional people whose lives, frankly, I wasn’t particularly interested in following.
I know that historical fiction doesn't have to be a completely accurate retelling of historical events. Fictional characters, imagined conversations and creative interpretations are all part of the genre. However, when an author chooses to build a story around a real historical figure, I personally expect that figure to receive enough attention and depth to justify their central place in the premise.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel that this book delivered on that expectation. I was left wondering how much research had actually gone into Frida Kahlo’s life and whether the author had explored her story in sufficient depth. Of course, I cannot say how much research the author did behind the scenes, but the final result simply didn’t give me the sense of historical richness I had hoped for.
For me, the fictional elements overwhelmed the historical aspect of the novel. It felt as though Frida’s name and reputation were being used to draw readers in, whilst the actual story was far more interested & invested in the fictional characters. And, honestly, that was not what I signed up for.
Fourthly, the Spanish expressions were sometimes difficult to follow.
I understand that Spanish is an important part of the setting, particularly in a story taking place in Mexico. Including Spanish words and expressions can certainly make the dialogue feel more authentic and help establish the cultural atmosphere of the novel.
However, I found the frequent use of Spanish words without footnotes or translations rather frustrating. There were quite a few moments when I had no idea what certain words or expressions meant, and this made it difficult to follow the conversations properly.
This was especially noticeable in the earlier chapters, when the book introduced aspects of Mexican culture and discussed a traditional Mexican community. I appreciate that the author may have wanted to preserve the authenticity of the setting, but I wish there had been a little more guidance for readers who aren't familiar with Spanish.
I don't expect every foreign word in a novel to be translated, of course, but when unfamiliar expressions appear repeatedly, some explanation would have been helpful. Instead of immersing me in the story, these moments sometimes pulled me out of it because I found myself trying to work out what the characters were actually saying.
Fifthly, the storyline felt scattered, disjointed and rather jumpy.
Unfortunately, the constant changes in POV also contributed to a narrative that felt all over the place. The story kept jumping from one character to another, from one situation to the next, and sometimes into background information that didn't seem particularly relevant to the main plot.
I struggled to find a consistent narrative flow. There were moments when I felt I was finally getting somewhere with the story, only for the next chapter to take me in a completely different direction. It was difficult to maintain my concentration because I never quite knew whether the next chapter would develop the storyline I had just been following or introduce yet another detour.
Everything felt rather fragmented, and I found it hard to understand how all these different pieces were supposed to fit together. Instead of gradually building towards something meaningful, the narrative often felt as though it was wandering aimlessly.
To be honest, I even found myself experiencing a bit of a reading slump whilst trying to get through this book. I had to push myself to keep reading, and there were times when I simply wasn't enjoying the experience at all.
I don't want to be unnecessarily harsh, but the overall structure and execution gave me the impression of a story that needed considerably more editing and refinement. The different plotlines could have been streamlined, some of the unnecessary character detours could have been removed, and the narrative could have benefited from a much clearer sense of direction.
Lastly, I sometimes found the English prose and narration confusing.
There were several occasions when I had to reread particular sentences because I couldn't quite grasp what they were trying to convey. Sometimes, I struggled to understand the meaning behind a sentence; at other times, I wondered why a particular detail had been included in the first place or how it was supposed to contribute to the story.
Having to stop and reread sentences repeatedly disrupted my reading flow. Instead of becoming immersed in the world of the novel, I often found myself concentrating on trying to understand the writing itself.
Of course, I don't expect every book to have simple prose, and I appreciate that literary styles can vary considerably between authors. But in this case, the confusing narration, scattered plotlines and constant POV changes made the reading experience even more exhausting than it needed to be.
Combined with everything else I struggled with, the writing style simply didn't work for me.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment.
It's such a shame because I was genuinely interested in learning more about Frida Kahlo. She was the reason I picked up this book, and I had hoped that reading a fictionalised account of her life through the eyes of her cook would offer me a fresh and engaging perspective on her story.
Sadly, I came away feeling as though I had learnt very little about her. Instead, I spent most of my reading time following fictional characters, navigating multiple storylines and trying to make sense of a narrative that never quite managed to hold my attention.
For me, the biggest problem was the lack of focus. There were too many characters, too many POVs, too many unnecessary detours and not enough attention given to the historical figure who initially attracted me to the book. I would have much preferred a more focused narrative that explored Frida’s life in greater depth, even if that meant having fewer fictional characters and a simpler storyline.
I appreciate that other readers might enjoy this book for its fictional drama, its portrayal of Mexican culture or its imaginative approach to historical fiction. And that's absolutely fine! Reading experiences are subjective, after all. Just because a book doesn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for someone else.
However, as someone who picked this up primarily because of my curiosity about Frida Kahlo, I can't help feeling let down. I wanted to know more about her life, but instead, I was left with only a vague impression of the woman herself and a whole lot of fictional drama that I struggled to care about.
I'm genuinely sorry, but this book just wasn't for me. It failed to deliver what I had hoped for, and I can't say that it has encouraged me to explore more of this author's work. After this experience, I'll definitely be more hesitant about picking up another one of her books.
Sadly, this has been one of my most disappointing reads of the year, and, honestly, one of the worst reading experiences I've had in this year.
Final rating: 2.25 out of 5 for me
A huge disappointment, especially when all I wanted was to learn a little more about Frida Kahlo. 😭
I’m sorry, but this book just wasn’t for me. It really wasn’t my cup of tea, and, to be completely honest, reading it turned out to be quite a painful experience. 😭
The main reason I picked up this book was that I wanted to learn more about Frida Kahlo’s life. I was genuinely curious about her as a historical figure, and I thought this book would offer an interesting glimpse into her life through the eyes of her cook. I expected a story that would give me a better understanding of Frida as a person, her experiences, her struggles, and perhaps even the details of her everyday life that we might not usually find in a typical historical biography.
Unfortunately, what I got was something quite different from what I had expected. Rather than feeling like a historical novel that brought Frida Kahlo’s life to life, this book felt much more focused on fictional characters and their personal dramas, with Frida herself almost serving as a decorative sticker to attract readers’ attention to buy and read this book. 😭 I know historical fiction allows authors to exercise their imagination and create fictional storylines around real historical figures, and I have absolutely nothing against that. However, I do think there needs to be a reasonable balance between the fictional elements and the historical figure who is supposed to be at the heart of the story. Sadly, that balance just wasn’t there in this book.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this book to be particularly gripping or page turning. I went into it with fairly modest expectations, hoping that I would at least come away knowing more about Frida Kahlo’s life. But even with those expectations, I still found myself disappointed. And after this reading experience, I think I’ll have to think twice before picking up another book by this author. Sorry, but this one was a complete miss for me.
First of all, Frida Kahlo barely appeared in the story at the beginning.
I found it rather disappointing that Frida didn’t really enter the storyline until I was around 15–20% into the book. Considering that she was the main reason I picked it up in the first place, I honestly expected her presence to be established much earlier. Instead, the opening chapters were mostly concerned with introducing the fictional characters and setting up their respective storylines.
I understand that authors sometimes need time to establish the setting and introduce their characters, especially in historical fiction. However, the beginning of this book simply didn’t capture my interest. I kept waiting for the story to get to Frida, only to find myself reading more about fictional characters and situations that I wasn’t particularly invested in. It made the whole reading experience feel like a bit of a slump from the very beginning.
Secondly, there were far too many POVs and storylines crammed into one book.
Honestly, this was probably the biggest source of my headache whilst reading. There were so many different points of view that I often struggled to keep track of the narrative and figure out where the story was actually going.
Although most of the story was told through the perspectives of Paloma and Nayeli Cruz, the two main fictional characters, the narrative frequently shifted to other side (fictional) characters, including Ramiro, Cristobal, Emilio, Lorena and even Paloma’s mother, who was more of a supporting character.
Now, I don’t necessarily mind multiple POVs in a novel. In fact, when handled well, they can add depth to a story, offer different perspectives and help readers understand the characters better. The problem is that, in this book, the constant changes in perspective felt excessive and rather distracting.
Just when I started getting into one character’s storyline and thought I was finally getting somewhere, the next chapter would suddenly switch to another character. And instead of continuing the main plot, the narrative would sometimes wander off into the background, personal history or personality of a supporting character. I kept wondering what the point of these detours was, especially when so many of them didn’t seem to contribute anything meaningful to the overall storyline and plot.
As a result, the narrative felt cluttered and unfocused. There was so much going on that I struggled to concentrate on the main story, and I found it increasingly difficult to feel emotionally invested in any of the characters. Rather than making the story richer, all these different perspectives made it feel unnecessarily complicated.
Honestly, I kept asking myself: why couldn’t the author simply focus more on Frida Kahlo and her life instead of spending so much time developing the fictional lives of all these other characters that made up by her imaginations?
Thirdly, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in Frida Kahlo’s portrayal.
This was probably the most frustrating aspect of the book for me because it was the very reason I decided to read it. I wanted to learn more about Frida Kahlo, but I finished the book feeling as though I had only been given the barest glimpse of her life.
Yes, the author did touch upon Frida’s eccentric personality, her distinctive presence and the health problems she experienced. However, these details felt rather superficial to me. I wanted to understand her more deeply, to get a better sense of her journey through life, her struggles, her experiences and the person she was beyond the familiar image that so many people recognise.
Instead, Frida seemed to fade into the background whilst the fictional characters took centre stage. At times, I genuinely felt as though she was a supporting character in her own book!
And that is what disappointed me the most. I picked up a historical novel about a real and fascinating woman, only to find that most of the narrative revolved around fictional people whose lives, frankly, I wasn’t particularly interested in following.
I know that historical fiction doesn't have to be a completely accurate retelling of historical events. Fictional characters, imagined conversations and creative interpretations are all part of the genre. However, when an author chooses to build a story around a real historical figure, I personally expect that figure to receive enough attention and depth to justify their central place in the premise.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel that this book delivered on that expectation. I was left wondering how much research had actually gone into Frida Kahlo’s life and whether the author had explored her story in sufficient depth. Of course, I cannot say how much research the author did behind the scenes, but the final result simply didn’t give me the sense of historical richness I had hoped for.
For me, the fictional elements overwhelmed the historical aspect of the novel. It felt as though Frida’s name and reputation were being used to draw readers in, whilst the actual story was far more interested & invested in the fictional characters. And, honestly, that was not what I signed up for.
Fourthly, the Spanish expressions were sometimes difficult to follow.
I understand that Spanish is an important part of the setting, particularly in a story taking place in Mexico. Including Spanish words and expressions can certainly make the dialogue feel more authentic and help establish the cultural atmosphere of the novel.
However, I found the frequent use of Spanish words without footnotes or translations rather frustrating. There were quite a few moments when I had no idea what certain words or expressions meant, and this made it difficult to follow the conversations properly.
This was especially noticeable in the earlier chapters, when the book introduced aspects of Mexican culture and discussed a traditional Mexican community. I appreciate that the author may have wanted to preserve the authenticity of the setting, but I wish there had been a little more guidance for readers who aren't familiar with Spanish.
I don't expect every foreign word in a novel to be translated, of course, but when unfamiliar expressions appear repeatedly, some explanation would have been helpful. Instead of immersing me in the story, these moments sometimes pulled me out of it because I found myself trying to work out what the characters were actually saying.
Fifthly, the storyline felt scattered, disjointed and rather jumpy.
Unfortunately, the constant changes in POV also contributed to a narrative that felt all over the place. The story kept jumping from one character to another, from one situation to the next, and sometimes into background information that didn't seem particularly relevant to the main plot.
I struggled to find a consistent narrative flow. There were moments when I felt I was finally getting somewhere with the story, only for the next chapter to take me in a completely different direction. It was difficult to maintain my concentration because I never quite knew whether the next chapter would develop the storyline I had just been following or introduce yet another detour.
Everything felt rather fragmented, and I found it hard to understand how all these different pieces were supposed to fit together. Instead of gradually building towards something meaningful, the narrative often felt as though it was wandering aimlessly.
To be honest, I even found myself experiencing a bit of a reading slump whilst trying to get through this book. I had to push myself to keep reading, and there were times when I simply wasn't enjoying the experience at all.
I don't want to be unnecessarily harsh, but the overall structure and execution gave me the impression of a story that needed considerably more editing and refinement. The different plotlines could have been streamlined, some of the unnecessary character detours could have been removed, and the narrative could have benefited from a much clearer sense of direction.
Lastly, I sometimes found the English prose and narration confusing.
There were several occasions when I had to reread particular sentences because I couldn't quite grasp what they were trying to convey. Sometimes, I struggled to understand the meaning behind a sentence; at other times, I wondered why a particular detail had been included in the first place or how it was supposed to contribute to the story.
Having to stop and reread sentences repeatedly disrupted my reading flow. Instead of becoming immersed in the world of the novel, I often found myself concentrating on trying to understand the writing itself.
Of course, I don't expect every book to have simple prose, and I appreciate that literary styles can vary considerably between authors. But in this case, the confusing narration, scattered plotlines and constant POV changes made the reading experience even more exhausting than it needed to be.
Combined with everything else I struggled with, the writing style simply didn't work for me.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment.
It's such a shame because I was genuinely interested in learning more about Frida Kahlo. She was the reason I picked up this book, and I had hoped that reading a fictionalised account of her life through the eyes of her cook would offer me a fresh and engaging perspective on her story.
Sadly, I came away feeling as though I had learnt very little about her. Instead, I spent most of my reading time following fictional characters, navigating multiple storylines and trying to make sense of a narrative that never quite managed to hold my attention.
For me, the biggest problem was the lack of focus. There were too many characters, too many POVs, too many unnecessary detours and not enough attention given to the historical figure who initially attracted me to the book. I would have much preferred a more focused narrative that explored Frida’s life in greater depth, even if that meant having fewer fictional characters and a simpler storyline.
I appreciate that other readers might enjoy this book for its fictional drama, its portrayal of Mexican culture or its imaginative approach to historical fiction. And that's absolutely fine! Reading experiences are subjective, after all. Just because a book doesn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for someone else.
However, as someone who picked this up primarily because of my curiosity about Frida Kahlo, I can't help feeling let down. I wanted to know more about her life, but instead, I was left with only a vague impression of the woman herself and a whole lot of fictional drama that I struggled to care about.
I'm genuinely sorry, but this book just wasn't for me. It failed to deliver what I had hoped for, and I can't say that it has encouraged me to explore more of this author's work. After this experience, I'll definitely be more hesitant about picking up another one of her books.
Sadly, this has been one of my most disappointing reads of the year, and, honestly, one of the worst reading experiences I've had in this year.
Final rating: 2.25 out of 5 for me
A huge disappointment, especially when all I wanted was to learn a little more about Frida Kahlo. 😭
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026No mention of Frida or her cook by page 64. Walking away…
March 26, 2026
I truly had no idea what I expected going into this, but I’m so happy with what it ended up being! The dual timelines were so captivating in their own ways and seeing the puzzle pieces start to connect was so satisfying!! The descriptions and details were so beautiful and the story was so unique. I also loved the complexity of the characters bc it made the story that much richer.
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for the ARC!!
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for the ARC!!
April 22, 2026
3.5 stars. I so wanted to love this book so much more than I did! I struggled to get fully immersed in the family complexities/history… but it didn’t hook me as I expected. I DID loved what I was able to learn about Frida and her quirky artistic self!
December 16, 2022
Un libro hermoso!!
Este libro nos cuenta la maravillosa historia de Nayeli, la cocinera de Frida (desde antes de tomar este puesto), una historia de una joven tehuana que ama sus tradiciones y a su gente pero que debe huir para poder ser más de lo que su destino como mujer le depara en su pueblo, por eso en el momento en el que Nayeli se encuentra con Frida surge magia pura!! Ambas mujeres se entienden, se complementan y tienen una relación de hermandad hermosa. La manera en la qje la autora retrata a Frida, Diego y tabtos personajes importantes en la historia de México es maravillosa!! Se nota el trabajo de investigación que hay detrás.
Por el otro lado, esta autora es conocida por escribir thriller y esta novela tenía que tener un toque de misterio, el cual lo encontramos en la historia de la nieta de Nayeli y un misterioso cuadro de su abuela, pintado por Diego Rivera, que encuentra entre las pertenencias de su abuela y que desata un guerra en el mundo del arte y las falsificaciones. Una verdadera joya!!
Este libro nos cuenta la maravillosa historia de Nayeli, la cocinera de Frida (desde antes de tomar este puesto), una historia de una joven tehuana que ama sus tradiciones y a su gente pero que debe huir para poder ser más de lo que su destino como mujer le depara en su pueblo, por eso en el momento en el que Nayeli se encuentra con Frida surge magia pura!! Ambas mujeres se entienden, se complementan y tienen una relación de hermandad hermosa. La manera en la qje la autora retrata a Frida, Diego y tabtos personajes importantes en la historia de México es maravillosa!! Se nota el trabajo de investigación que hay detrás.
Por el otro lado, esta autora es conocida por escribir thriller y esta novela tenía que tener un toque de misterio, el cual lo encontramos en la historia de la nieta de Nayeli y un misterioso cuadro de su abuela, pintado por Diego Rivera, que encuentra entre las pertenencias de su abuela y que desata un guerra en el mundo del arte y las falsificaciones. Una verdadera joya!!
April 15, 2023
La construcción de la historia es preciosa, la manera en que los personajes y sus vidas se entretejen en la escritura del libro es algo que me mantuvo emocionada durante toda la lectura. Se nota que tiene un trabajo de investigación enorme detrás, personalmente me gusta mucho cuando la ficción histórica encaja de manera perfecta, que te hace creer que son cosas que en realidad pasaron pero alguien mantuvo en secreto.
El final lo sentí un poco apresurado y me hubiera gustado saber que pasó con algunas situaciones, pero también me imagino que el libro cierra de esa manera principalmente porque el punto de la historia en el que se encuentra.
Ahora tengo más ganas de saber más de la vida de Frida, de ir a la casa azul, de volver a ver sus obras.
Sin duda lo recomiendo, creo que es de las mejores lecturas del año y estamos en abril, pero es que wow lo bueno que está el libro, enmio pinion
El final lo sentí un poco apresurado y me hubiera gustado saber que pasó con algunas situaciones, pero también me imagino que el libro cierra de esa manera principalmente porque el punto de la historia en el que se encuentra.
Ahora tengo más ganas de saber más de la vida de Frida, de ir a la casa azul, de volver a ver sus obras.
Sin duda lo recomiendo, creo que es de las mejores lecturas del año y estamos en abril, pero es que wow lo bueno que está el libro, enmio pinion
November 21, 2023
La historia tenía un buen hilo, aunque muy similar a “Cómo Agua Para Chocolate”, pero me pareció innecesario la historia paralela de Argentina, hasta cierto punto quedó incompleta y como apresurada. La historia de Nayeli y Frida realmente te envuelve aunque hubiese sido mejor hacerle justicia al título del libro y seguir más de cerca las historias de una cocinera de un personaje tan emblemático.
El relato de los lugares por los qué pasa Nayeli, La Casa Azul y Coyoacán como tal son mágicos. El libro es interesante pero con varios capítulos innecesarios, sin conexión, apresurados y con un final de pausa.
El relato de los lugares por los qué pasa Nayeli, La Casa Azul y Coyoacán como tal son mágicos. El libro es interesante pero con varios capítulos innecesarios, sin conexión, apresurados y con un final de pausa.
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