Boston : Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014
168 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 26 cm.
Most people have some passing familiarity with the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, but this is one of those great non-fiction books for young adults that really expands the range of information about these two stunning Mexican painters.
The book is richly illustrated with photos and includes back matter featuring a nice selection of famous works by the two artists. The back of the book also includes a timeline and copious notes by the author.
I really loved how this book does not condescend to young adults and manages to objectively convey the very unconventional nature of Rivera and Kahlo. The book also skillfully conveys the artistic excellence of both artists - showing that Rivera was definitely more famous, prolific and well paid, while Kahlo was truly both a skilled (and self-taught) and truly original painter. The book conveys the deep and complex love that existed between these two as they married, split up, and eventually remarried.
I also appreciated that Reef was able to honestly portray what a sexist user Diego Rivera was, but she also conveys the poignant tenderness that he held for Frida, and the deep bond between them.
"Stuck in the hospital [1950], Frida missed seeing Diego receive the National Prize for Plastic Arts....She saw her husband often, though, because he took the room next to hers, to be nearby at night. Diego's presence comforted Frida like nothing else. He read poetry to her and rocked her to sleep. About once a week he brought in a borrowed movie projector and showed her the old Laurel and Hardy films....he did whatever he could think of to lighten her mood, even if he had to shake a tambourine and dance around the room, or roar like a bear with his arms raised and fingers curved like a claws." (p.101)
I would definitely recommend this book to any student interested in knowing more about Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera... or both!
