Frida Kahlo transformed the emotional and physical pain of her life into art. Her paintings make visible the invisible, interior experiences of many women. They speak of loss, loneliness, her struggle to have children, her lovers, a bus accident that shattered her body and spirit. But they are also full of passion and warmth, each canvas a defiant celebration of what it is to be human. A Love Letter from a Stray Moon reimagines the exceptional life and uncompromising art of Frida Kahlo, and does so allegorically, using Kahlo as a cipher for the experiences of the women – including the author – who identify with her. Much more than the portrait of an artist, this is a vision that resonates with grief, rebellion and transcendence. It is the story of many different women chanelled through the journey of one.
Jay Griffiths is author of Pip Pip: A Sideways Look at Time, Wild: An Elemental Journey and Kith: The Riddle of the Childscape. She is the winner of the Orion Book Award and the Barnes & Noble Discover Award for the best new non-fiction writer. She has also been shortlisted for the Orwell Prize and a World Book Day award. She lives in Wales.
"A wonderful book."
– John Berger
"An extraordinarily beautiful prose poem."
– Niall Griffiths
"A stunning allegory about love, art and revolution."
– Barry Lopez
"I feel lucky to have read it and it left me in awe."
– Lemm Sissay