Frida in America by Celia Stahr Book Review

Frida in America by Celia Stahr is such a complex and detailed book predominantly about Frida Kahlo’s years in America and how they molded and influenced her artwork.

The book starts mostly narrating Kahlo’s early years and the defining moments that shaped her life to come. While her younger years were mostly tragic, they were also diverse and interesting. The different events and people in her life also lead to a highly dynamic mind, spiritual viewpoint, and thought process. 

Kahlo had several interesting relationships. Many of these relationships, while with famous and influential people, were extremely unhealthy. Her family had an odd respect for her. They thought she was intelligent but unattractive. Her dad even believed she possessed a demon inside of her. Her very complex family life transfers us into her marriage to Diego. 

Her marriage to Diego was all over the place. Their union was sad and so unhealthy. It was said that Kahlo always shared her special people with others.

There is so much detail about Frida’s art. Her art expressed her life’s story is such a unique way. Kahlo’s sexuality is a key component in this narrative and is explored in great depth. It was so influential in her artwork. The details that Stahr researched and included were fascinating. They gave me a fresh perspective on Kahlo’s artwork.

This book contains a secondary story and that is the history of the world along with the thoughts and beliefs of people at the time. The book crosses over a few majour cities and the different art and culture that were prominent at the time, in each area. There are several famous and historic people of interest who are touched on, as well. Like all of Kahlo’s other relationships, these relationships were just as unique and often tragic. 

While I enjoyed this book, it was a little much for me. I love well researched books and I really appreciate the time and effort that Stahr put into her work. My favourire component was the historical aspect and the thoughts and culture of the time, followed by the details and symbolism that Kahlo incorporated into her artwork. While, Kahlo’s life is important and the main reason anyone would want to read this, for someone newer to her life there were a lot of details to sift through. 

Frida in America is extremely well researched and very detailed account of a transformative time in Kahlo’s life. For anyone interested in her or her art this is the perfect book to start with. 

I received an electronic Advanced Reader Copy from St. Martin’s Press through Net Galley. All opinions are 100% my own.