Frida & Diego, written by Catherine Reef, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: This slim volume on the lives of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is an accessible and interesting glimpse into the minds of two of the world’s greatest artists. The book is a full biography of both Rivera and Kahlo, beginning with their childhoods and families, and flowing into their passion for art and, eventually, each other. The book contains a myriad of images, including not only many pieces of art created by the Kahlo and Rivera, but also photographs of them throughout their lives, during their travels, and with other famous artists and individuals. Reef provides extensive back matter including a timeline of the two artists lives, extensive research notes and bibliographic citations, picture and image credits, as well as a full index.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Reef’s research is impeccable, providing details about each artist’s training, travels, projects, and setbacks. She shares the important impact of Rivera and Kahlo’s enthusiastic participation in the Communist Party, particularly the way that their political beliefs were often found referenced in their art and the various consequences that followed, both positive and negative. Reef also brilliantly captures the passion and tumult of the two artists' marriage, the wonderful times spent together, the affairs that separated them, the enduring friendship and intimacy that bound them until the end of Frida’s short life. It would be easy to judge this relationship, or either individual artist, critically from an outsider’s perspective, but the presentation of their stories in this fascinating work of nonfiction engages the reader’s awe for the artwork and sympathy for the humans who created it. This book is a valuable addition to a library art collection or biography section, particularly in schools in which Rivera and Kahlo are referenced in the art or history curriculum