Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo’s husband, gave strict orders that the room containing Frida’s jewelry and other items was to remain locked. In the 2000s, however, the museum violated this order and placed Kahlo’s artifacts on display. What perspectives does the novel offer about this?

Instead of telling Paloma that their father has been imprisoned for the theft of the peacock ring, Gael and Lizzie lie to her, telling her that he is in the United States on business. What does the United States represent in the text?

Paloma explains that her friends in the United States tease her for her love of certain things, such as Lulu Pennywhistle mysteries and jotting down details on notecards. How does the novel represent positive and negative aspects of friendship?

What role do disguises play in the novel?

At several points early in the novel, Paloma is set against helping others, citing the death of her father as justification for remaining uninvolved. How do Paloma’s views of the utility of helping others change throughout the novel?

How does the novel represent parenthood?

The novel references the fact that Kahlo produced many self-portraits throughout her lifetime. Examine an image of one or more of these self-portraits. How does it relate to the themes in the novel?

Casa Azul, Kahlo’s former home, is now a museum, open to the public (as described in the novel). What perspectives does the novel offer about the utility of using the artist’s actual home as a museum for her work? How does Cervantes represent domestic spaces?