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Frida: The award-winning novel about the colourful and captivating life of Frida Kahlo
Not yet published
Expected 23 Apr 26'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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 23, 2026
4 people want to read
About the author
Claire Berest
18 books36 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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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.
Displaying 1 of 1 review