Historical Fiction: Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves

The title of today's book is what initially caught my attention, followed by the captivating cover. The synopsis on the book jacket mentioned a mystery surrounding a painting a young woman finds among her dead grandmother's belongings. Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves is a book that spans decades, telling the fictional story of a woman's life during and after her time with one of the most recognized and celebrated artists in history.

The Situation: In Mexico City in 1939, a young Nayeli Cruz mourns the disappearance of her sister from her life. She decides she does not desire the same fate - to be married off to a man in whom she has no interest - and runs away from home. After being spotted by the artist Frida Kahlo outside of her Caza Azul, the young girl is invited into the painter's life and becomes her cook. This new position allows Nayeli to witness Kahlo's tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, as well as her health struggles. In Buenos Aires in 2018, Paloma Cruz mourns the death of Nayeli, her grandmother and the woman that raised her. Found among her grandmother's things is a painting depicting a young nude Nayeli. It is this painting that will send Paloma on a journey to discover her grandmother's secrets. 

The Problem: The discovery of the painting may have piqued Paloma's curiosity, but it also causes the young woman pain, as it becomes clear that there are some things she did not know about her grandmother. As she seeks out the identity of the person who painted her grandmother all those years ago, she enters into a mystery filled with secrets and betrayal, while also putting herself in danger. Nayeli may have been Frida Kahlo's cook, but the two women formed a bond that will shape the rest of the young woman's life. And the painting holds more secrets than Paloma initially realizes.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set both in mid-century Mexico City, and modern-day Buenos Aires. In Mexico City, Nayeli will leave her home and find herself employed by Frida Kahlo. In Buenos Aires, Paloma will discover the painting of her grandmother by a mystery artist, and this discovery will set off a chain of events Paloma could have never anticipated. There are long-buried secrets that will come to light, and a hidden history that a granddaughter will learn about her grandmother. The story looks closely at the relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, as Nayeli is able to witness nearly every argument and intense interaction between the two.

My Verdict: Both stories - the one that begins in 1939 and the one in modern-day Buenos Aires - are intriguing in the beginning. Following a young girl as she runs away from home, and who ends up being taken in by one of the world's most famous painters is a fascinating premise. And a mystery surrounding an old and possibly priceless painting is always exciting. But somewhere along the way, and maybe it was the myriad of twists and turns and deceitful characters, I found myself less interested in Paloma's story and her journey with her grandmother's painting. I would have rather stayed with Nayeli in Mexico City as she lived and worked with Kahlo. And to me, the endings for both stories were neither shocking nor remarkable. 

Favorite Moment: I always enjoy when young characters realize that their parents and grandparents had a whole life before they came along. 

Favorite Character: I pick Frida Kahlo as my favorite character, mostly because every time she enters the page, even when she is struggling due to illness or injury, the image I have of her is as someone filled with and surrounded by intense color.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez.