Hayden Herrera

Bestimmend für Leben und Werk der mexikanischen Malerin Frida Kahlo (1907 - 54) war ein schwerer Unfall, von dessen Folgen sie sich zeitlebens nicht mehr richtig erholen sollte. Über Monate zum Stilliegen verurteilt, beginnt sie zu malen, und die Malerei gibt ihr die Möglichkeit, sich von ihrer Angst und ihrem Leid zu befreien. Hayden Herreras Biographie, die hier in einer erweiterten Neuausgabe vorliegt, zeichnet den Lebensweg dieser bewundernswerten Frau nach und liefert gleichzeitig eine ebenso kenntnisreiche wie ausführliche Analyse ihres Werkes.… (more)

Upper Bohemia is a memoir based on the childhood of art historian Hayden Herrera.
Herrera is probably best known as the author of "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo". The book was later adapted into the movie "Frida" produced by, and starring, Salma Hayek.
Born in Boston in 1940, her wealthy artistic parents rejected all social convention of that era opting instead for a vagabond lifestyle. This book is an account of that lifestyle seen through a child's eyes.
Despite growing up shuffled between parents, relatives, schools and countries, Herrera managed to have quite an extraordinary childhood. She sums it up best by saying "Our terrible mother gave Blair and me a wonderful life"
While rich in detail, the narrative is very matter-of-fact. Herrera does not dwell on the emotional or negative aspects of her upbringing. Instead of placing blame, she chooses to focus on how she grew from the experience.
Though sad, and even shocking at some points, this engrossing memoir is also unexpectedly beautiful and uplifting.
*Thank you Simon & Schuster Publishing, Hayden Herrera and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.… (more)