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Frida: The award-winning novel about the colourful and captivating life of Frida Kahlo
'The portrait of a fascinating, eccentric, and indomitable woman . . . an incandescent novel'
Elle
'No author has yet captured Frida's tragic life in words as sensually and passionately as this' Grazia
'Claire Berest writes as captivatingly and vividly as Frida Kahlo painted' Paris Match
WINNER OF ELLE FRANCE'S GRAND PRIX DES LECTRICES
*
This is the story of Diego and Frida who couldn't live without each other.
They meet at a party. She knows everything about him, about his mythology, and he knows nothing of her, she is nobody.
He is Mexico's greatest artist. She drinks like a sailor, wears flowers in her hair, talks openly about sex, loves attending protests and parties to wake the dead. She is from Coyoacán, twenty years his junior and with a broken spine to boot.
Even when her body is wracked with pain, she paints.
There were two great accidents in her life. The first was when that streetcar hit her . . . but by far the worst was meeting him.
Translated into English for the first time, Claire Berest's award-winning novel is a striking and lyrical fictional imagining of the vibrant life and tumultuous marriage of one of the world's most enigmatic and beloved Frida Kahlo. Perfect for fans of The Artist, The Safekeep, Tracy Chevalier and Ali Smith.
'No author has yet captured Frida's tragic life in words as sensually and passionately as this' Grazia
'Claire Berest writes as captivatingly and vividly as Frida Kahlo painted' Paris Match
WINNER OF ELLE FRANCE'S GRAND PRIX DES LECTRICES
*
This is the story of Diego and Frida who couldn't live without each other.
They meet at a party. She knows everything about him, about his mythology, and he knows nothing of her, she is nobody.
He is Mexico's greatest artist. She drinks like a sailor, wears flowers in her hair, talks openly about sex, loves attending protests and parties to wake the dead. She is from Coyoacán, twenty years his junior and with a broken spine to boot.
Even when her body is wracked with pain, she paints.
There were two great accidents in her life. The first was when that streetcar hit her . . . but by far the worst was meeting him.
Translated into English for the first time, Claire Berest's award-winning novel is a striking and lyrical fictional imagining of the vibrant life and tumultuous marriage of one of the world's most enigmatic and beloved Frida Kahlo. Perfect for fans of The Artist, The Safekeep, Tracy Chevalier and Ali Smith.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
8 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Claire Berest
17 books37 followersClaire Berest, née le 14 juillet 1982 à Paris, est une écrivaine française.
Diplômée d'un Institut universitaire de formation des maîtres (IUFM), elle enseigne quelque temps en ZEP avant de démissionner. Claire Berest a publié son premier roman, Mikado, en janvier 2011 aux éditions Léo Scheer. Son deuxième roman, L' Orchestre vide, s'inspire de l'histoire d'amour vécue avec le chanteur canadien Buck 65.
Son compagnon est l'écrivain Abel Quentin.
Avec sa sœur Anne Berest, elle co-écrit en 2017, Gabriële, en hommage à leur arrière grand-mère Gabrièle Buffet-Picabia.
Son dernier roman, Rien n'est noir, met en scène Frida Kahlo et Diego Rivera.
Diplômée d'un Institut universitaire de formation des maîtres (IUFM), elle enseigne quelque temps en ZEP avant de démissionner. Claire Berest a publié son premier roman, Mikado, en janvier 2011 aux éditions Léo Scheer. Son deuxième roman, L' Orchestre vide, s'inspire de l'histoire d'amour vécue avec le chanteur canadien Buck 65.
Son compagnon est l'écrivain Abel Quentin.
Avec sa sœur Anne Berest, elle co-écrit en 2017, Gabriële, en hommage à leur arrière grand-mère Gabrièle Buffet-Picabia.
Son dernier roman, Rien n'est noir, met en scène Frida Kahlo et Diego Rivera.
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March 8, 2026Here's novelist Emily Howes on this new translation (publication date mid-April 2026):
"It’s wildly extravagant prose, full of exuberance and translated from the French – in its original language it won the "Grand prix des lectrices Elle." It’s like wandering through a painting – riotous with colour, overflowing with imagery. I had moments where I almost had to stop reading to take a breath, but it captures something of Frida herself that feels totally right. If you want to be absolutely steeped in her world, you’ll love it."
I love Frida Kahlo and her milieu, so I'll be trying this when the library gets a copy. Or I decide to spring for the $11 Kindle?
"It’s wildly extravagant prose, full of exuberance and translated from the French – in its original language it won the "Grand prix des lectrices Elle." It’s like wandering through a painting – riotous with colour, overflowing with imagery. I had moments where I almost had to stop reading to take a breath, but it captures something of Frida herself that feels totally right. If you want to be absolutely steeped in her world, you’ll love it."
I love Frida Kahlo and her milieu, so I'll be trying this when the library gets a copy. Or I decide to spring for the $11 Kindle?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC received via NetGalley.
What makes you choose a book from your TBR? I’ve got so many books waiting to be read but something tempted me to start reading this new ARC and I devoured it in a single sitting.
I only really know the bare bones of Frida Kahlo’s life story and I’m definitely not an art aficionado but I was captivated by Frida. It’s written in such a lyrical way that you really get a feel for who these people were. The author paints such a vibrant, brightly adorned picture of Mexico that it’s disconcerting to look up and realise you’re in suburban England with grey skies overhead.
The main character is of course Frida herself. There’s no middle ground, her passion for everything from Diego to the knickknacks she can’t resist buying everywhere she travels is equal to the lifelong pain she endures after a bus accident as a teenager. Her agony, particularly surrounding her brutal miscarriages, is laid bare on the page. You get a sense that she was an artist who was completely herself, painting what she was experiencing in the moment instead of getting bogged down in intellectualising it.
There’s a bravery in the way she lived her life, refusing to let her pain win. We get a glimpse of what she was like before the accident and I wonder if we’d still be talking about her all these years later if she and Alejandro had caught the earlier bus on that fateful day? Would she have followed her childhood dream and become a doctor? It seems impossible that all that fire would have remained hidden beneath a white lab coat.
It’s hard to read about her relationship with Diego Rivera. I suppose it’s not our place to judge other people’s love affairs but I can’t imagine how she was able to forgive both him and her sister, Cristina after stumbling across their intimacies. It’s so toxic, they’re like moths to a flame.
I learned so much about Frida Kahlo and I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who’s even slightly curious about the artist.
What makes you choose a book from your TBR? I’ve got so many books waiting to be read but something tempted me to start reading this new ARC and I devoured it in a single sitting.
I only really know the bare bones of Frida Kahlo’s life story and I’m definitely not an art aficionado but I was captivated by Frida. It’s written in such a lyrical way that you really get a feel for who these people were. The author paints such a vibrant, brightly adorned picture of Mexico that it’s disconcerting to look up and realise you’re in suburban England with grey skies overhead.
The main character is of course Frida herself. There’s no middle ground, her passion for everything from Diego to the knickknacks she can’t resist buying everywhere she travels is equal to the lifelong pain she endures after a bus accident as a teenager. Her agony, particularly surrounding her brutal miscarriages, is laid bare on the page. You get a sense that she was an artist who was completely herself, painting what she was experiencing in the moment instead of getting bogged down in intellectualising it.
There’s a bravery in the way she lived her life, refusing to let her pain win. We get a glimpse of what she was like before the accident and I wonder if we’d still be talking about her all these years later if she and Alejandro had caught the earlier bus on that fateful day? Would she have followed her childhood dream and become a doctor? It seems impossible that all that fire would have remained hidden beneath a white lab coat.
It’s hard to read about her relationship with Diego Rivera. I suppose it’s not our place to judge other people’s love affairs but I can’t imagine how she was able to forgive both him and her sister, Cristina after stumbling across their intimacies. It’s so toxic, they’re like moths to a flame.
I learned so much about Frida Kahlo and I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who’s even slightly curious about the artist.
April 17, 2026
I feel like I have experienced magic. I feel like I have been on the shoulder of Frida Kahlo and got to know her on a much deeper level than the iconic persona I knew previously. This novel is amazing.
The vivid narrative is interlaced with pockets and snapshots of Frida’s back story and snippets from her childhood, alongside her present story which begins just as she has met Diego Rivera. Perspective is through Frida’s eyes, allowing us an intimate glimpse at her thoughts and perceptions of the people, places and circumstances she encounters. She is fascinating, clever, complicated, passionate, bold and creative, whilst also being fragile, obsessive, impatient and addictive.
I loved the way that colours are threaded through the story with each chapter assigned its own shade, allowing colours to shape the moods and moments alongside the poetic, evocative descriptions and dialogue. Frida is portrayed as a unique human being, carrying the suffering she has experienced as a talisman and defying anyone to try and take it away from her - and this is precisely what makes Frida, Frida. She is unapologetic. She is making sense of her life through art but doesn’t think that this deserves any particular badge of genius. She leads by her own personality, never wavering from her approach even when her heart is breaking. She is constantly evolving, whilst never losing her true sense of self.
Thank you to author Claire Berest for such a wonderful, thoughtful and loyal portrayal of one of my heroes. More than anything, this book has made me wish I could have experienced Frida’s colour and energy in person, just once - I loved her before and I love her even more now.
Thank you also to NetGalley and Headline Books - this one is a keeper. Frida is published on 23.04.26 and is a brilliant read for those new to Frida Kahlo or those who want to get to know her even more.
NOTE: This book contains descriptions of pregnancy loss which some readers may find upsetting.
The vivid narrative is interlaced with pockets and snapshots of Frida’s back story and snippets from her childhood, alongside her present story which begins just as she has met Diego Rivera. Perspective is through Frida’s eyes, allowing us an intimate glimpse at her thoughts and perceptions of the people, places and circumstances she encounters. She is fascinating, clever, complicated, passionate, bold and creative, whilst also being fragile, obsessive, impatient and addictive.
I loved the way that colours are threaded through the story with each chapter assigned its own shade, allowing colours to shape the moods and moments alongside the poetic, evocative descriptions and dialogue. Frida is portrayed as a unique human being, carrying the suffering she has experienced as a talisman and defying anyone to try and take it away from her - and this is precisely what makes Frida, Frida. She is unapologetic. She is making sense of her life through art but doesn’t think that this deserves any particular badge of genius. She leads by her own personality, never wavering from her approach even when her heart is breaking. She is constantly evolving, whilst never losing her true sense of self.
Thank you to author Claire Berest for such a wonderful, thoughtful and loyal portrayal of one of my heroes. More than anything, this book has made me wish I could have experienced Frida’s colour and energy in person, just once - I loved her before and I love her even more now.
Thank you also to NetGalley and Headline Books - this one is a keeper. Frida is published on 23.04.26 and is a brilliant read for those new to Frida Kahlo or those who want to get to know her even more.
NOTE: This book contains descriptions of pregnancy loss which some readers may find upsetting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Claire Berest’s Frida (originally published in French as Rien n’est noir) is less of a traditional biography and more of an "incandescent" sensory experience. Translated into English for the first time, this novel captures the "riotous color" and raw intensity of Frida Kahlo’s world with prose that feels as vibrant as her own paintings.
The story focuses heavily on the two "accidents" of Frida’s life: the horrific streetcar crash that broke her body and her meeting with Diego Rivera, the man who would become her "greatest vice". Berest does an incredible job of portraying Frida not just as a tragic figure, but as a woman who yells, drinks, and lives with a fierce, "indomitable" spirit. The descriptions of Mexico City and the couple’s tumultuous marriage are lush and deeply atmospheric.
The reason this is a 4-star read rather than a 5 is that the lyrical, almost breathless style can be exhausting. There were moments where the imagery was so dense I had to stop to catch my breath. While it perfectly mirrors Frida’s own chaotic internal life, it might feel a bit overwrought for readers who prefer a more grounded narrative.
Overall, it’s a striking and passionate fictional imagining of an enigmatic artist. If you want to be completely "steeped in her world" and don't mind a story that feels like wandering through a dream, this is a must-read.
The story focuses heavily on the two "accidents" of Frida’s life: the horrific streetcar crash that broke her body and her meeting with Diego Rivera, the man who would become her "greatest vice". Berest does an incredible job of portraying Frida not just as a tragic figure, but as a woman who yells, drinks, and lives with a fierce, "indomitable" spirit. The descriptions of Mexico City and the couple’s tumultuous marriage are lush and deeply atmospheric.
The reason this is a 4-star read rather than a 5 is that the lyrical, almost breathless style can be exhausting. There were moments where the imagery was so dense I had to stop to catch my breath. While it perfectly mirrors Frida’s own chaotic internal life, it might feel a bit overwrought for readers who prefer a more grounded narrative.
Overall, it’s a striking and passionate fictional imagining of an enigmatic artist. If you want to be completely "steeped in her world" and don't mind a story that feels like wandering through a dream, this is a must-read.
May 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, author Claire Berest, and publisher Headline/Mountain Leopard Press for access to the eArc of Frida!
Frida Kahlo is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I was really excited to read this. The book tells the story of Frida's life from the time she meets her future husband, Diego Rivera, through the end of her life. I've never read a book about Frida that tells the story solely through this viewpoint, and I really enjoyed it. The chapters where Frida or Diego are recalling things are a little hard to follow at first because they read like someone remembering their thoughts and feel a little disjointed until you pick up the pattern. It was also great to finally get Diego's point of view solely in the end.
I enjoyed each chapter being named after a color. I looked up each one before starting the chapter to get a feel for the story's tone at that point. It also really connected the idea of Frida seeing her life through art and her painting.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars! I was also excited to realize that the author, Claire Berest, is the sister of Anne Berest, who wrote The Postcard, which is one of my 5-star reads so far this year. They're definitely a very talented duo!
Frida Kahlo is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I was really excited to read this. The book tells the story of Frida's life from the time she meets her future husband, Diego Rivera, through the end of her life. I've never read a book about Frida that tells the story solely through this viewpoint, and I really enjoyed it. The chapters where Frida or Diego are recalling things are a little hard to follow at first because they read like someone remembering their thoughts and feel a little disjointed until you pick up the pattern. It was also great to finally get Diego's point of view solely in the end.
I enjoyed each chapter being named after a color. I looked up each one before starting the chapter to get a feel for the story's tone at that point. It also really connected the idea of Frida seeing her life through art and her painting.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars! I was also excited to realize that the author, Claire Berest, is the sister of Anne Berest, who wrote The Postcard, which is one of my 5-star reads so far this year. They're definitely a very talented duo!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A stunning and provocative fictional “biography” of the immortal Frida Kahlo is a feast of color - chapters are given colors (the book’s four sections are blue, red, yellow and black). What a stunning way to immortalize this artist! And the exquisite translation by Samantha Smee gives you a word feast of lyrical and captivating prose.
Frida Kahlo’s life from her time with Diego Rivera gets a story in this novel. Her life was never pain free from age 20 when she was injured in a bus accident. Life with Diego wasn’t any less painful but Frida had such resilience and determination. Though eccentric, she used this to produce some wonderful paintings. Color was Frida’s trait and personified her art and life. I have a picture of Frida hanging on my wall drawn my granddaughter in third grade - she captured all that color and I love it for that (and by whom it was drawn). It was kind of perfect to read this book with Friday in the room!
This was a delight to read. Frida is captured brilliantly on these pages. Don’t miss the chance to experience poetry, precision and a portrait of an amazing artist.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline for granting me access to this ARC.
Frida Kahlo’s life from her time with Diego Rivera gets a story in this novel. Her life was never pain free from age 20 when she was injured in a bus accident. Life with Diego wasn’t any less painful but Frida had such resilience and determination. Though eccentric, she used this to produce some wonderful paintings. Color was Frida’s trait and personified her art and life. I have a picture of Frida hanging on my wall drawn my granddaughter in third grade - she captured all that color and I love it for that (and by whom it was drawn). It was kind of perfect to read this book with Friday in the room!
This was a delight to read. Frida is captured brilliantly on these pages. Don’t miss the chance to experience poetry, precision and a portrait of an amazing artist.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline for granting me access to this ARC.
April 23, 2026
I was immediately drawn to Frida by Claire Berest: First by its striking, arty cover, and then by the promise of stepping deeper into the world of an artist I’ve long admired. This English translation of the French novel captures Frida Kahlo’s spirit in every aspect: her ferocity, her vulnerability, her humour, and the way she held both pain and passion in the same breath.
Berest approaches Frida’s life with sensitivity and emotion, especially her resilience in the face of disability and the betrayals that came from the people closest to her - her sister and her husband. Yet the novel also captures the complicated, undying love she carried for Diego Rivera, never shying away from the contradictions that defined their bond.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the novel is the way each chapter is dedicated to a specific colour shade, echoing Frida’s own artistic language. It feels like a guided walk through a paint palette of emotions.
Whether you’re new to Frida or already know her well, this book offers something for everyone. And as a bonus, the cover is so gorgeous it also doubles as a beautiful addition to any coffee table - an ode to Frida’s own artistry! 🎨
Berest approaches Frida’s life with sensitivity and emotion, especially her resilience in the face of disability and the betrayals that came from the people closest to her - her sister and her husband. Yet the novel also captures the complicated, undying love she carried for Diego Rivera, never shying away from the contradictions that defined their bond.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the novel is the way each chapter is dedicated to a specific colour shade, echoing Frida’s own artistic language. It feels like a guided walk through a paint palette of emotions.
Whether you’re new to Frida or already know her well, this book offers something for everyone. And as a bonus, the cover is so gorgeous it also doubles as a beautiful addition to any coffee table - an ode to Frida’s own artistry! 🎨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Frida by Claire Berest is a vivid and absorbing telling of Frida Kahlo’s life, following her from the devastating streetcar accident that changed everything to the way she channelled pain, resilience and emotion into her art. Berest shows how painting became Frida’s way of capturing her thoughts, suffering and defiance, and I really enjoyed looking up the paintings as they were described.
The novel also explores Frida’s turbulent relationship with the painter Diego Rivera: her pursuit of him, their age gap, and a fractured love life marked by betrayal and obsession. Their bond is portrayed as intense and destructive, yet inseparable — two people who couldn’t live with or without each other. Dramatic, emotional and fascinating throughout, I really enjoyed this book.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.)
The novel also explores Frida’s turbulent relationship with the painter Diego Rivera: her pursuit of him, their age gap, and a fractured love life marked by betrayal and obsession. Their bond is portrayed as intense and destructive, yet inseparable — two people who couldn’t live with or without each other. Dramatic, emotional and fascinating throughout, I really enjoyed this book.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.)
October 15, 2025
Frida by Claire Berest, translated by Stephanie Smee, is a vibrant and enthralling novel that brings to life the extraordinary existence of Frida Kahlo. Berest captures Frida’s indomitable spirit, her fierce passions, and the intensity of her personal and artistic struggles. From her public demonstrations and political convictions to her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera and the relentless physical pain she endured, the novel paints a multidimensional portrait of a woman whose life was as colorful and complex as her artwork.
This English translation allows readers worldwide to experience the award-winning narrative, blending historical events with a vivid, fictionalized perspective. The result is a strikingly immersive portrayal that celebrates Frida Kahlo’s resilience, creativity, and unflinching authenticity.
This English translation allows readers worldwide to experience the award-winning narrative, blending historical events with a vivid, fictionalized perspective. The result is a strikingly immersive portrayal that celebrates Frida Kahlo’s resilience, creativity, and unflinching authenticity.
April 28, 2026
The introduction of this book was a bit long and dragged out but the life story of Frida Kahlo was meticulously laid out in this story. Her struggles, post accident life, chaotic marriage to Diego Rivera, travels, success in art and final years are portrayed in great detail. I received this copy in advance from Net galleys and it is certainly worth the read if you are interested in Frida Kahlo’s work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is an English translation, the book was originally written in French. I love Frida Kahlo and her complicated life and relationships. I enjoyed this book, but I don't think it was my favorite novel about Frida. It felt a little hard to get into. I would definitely recommend it, though, because maybe it was just me and my own preferences!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E-ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
In this captivating novel about Frida Kahlo, we journey alongside her from her meeting with Diego Rivera to the accident that brought forth her chronic pain to her eventual passing, in chapters foretold by colors. This translated work pulls at the heartstrings as we read her story. The tone of the book really makes it worth taking part in and translates into Frida's heartbreaking tale. This tale does differ from the others that I've read in its unusual nonlinear narrative. Overall, this translated work about the infamous Frida Kahlo was an amazing read as we peer a mere glimpse into her story.
In this captivating novel about Frida Kahlo, we journey alongside her from her meeting with Diego Rivera to the accident that brought forth her chronic pain to her eventual passing, in chapters foretold by colors. This translated work pulls at the heartstrings as we read her story. The tone of the book really makes it worth taking part in and translates into Frida's heartbreaking tale. This tale does differ from the others that I've read in its unusual nonlinear narrative. Overall, this translated work about the infamous Frida Kahlo was an amazing read as we peer a mere glimpse into her story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews