Hierba Santa gets Gourmand Award to the Best translation in France

Very good news for "Hierba Santa"/ ''The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo'', by F.G. Haghenbeck:

The novel will receive the Gourmand Award to the Best translation of the year next February 23rd 2013 in Paris at the Festival du Livre Culinaire. The novel was translated into French by Albert Bensoussan, and was published by Éditions de l'Herne under the title 'Le jour des morts'. 

French Cover of 'Hierba Santa'

All awarded books will be presented to visitors at the Public Library of the Centre Pompidou, from February to March 2013. See the list (here) 

 Choice of quotes about ‘The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo’, by F.G. Haghenbeck (Atria Books, Fall 2012) 

 * “To say this is an extraordinary novel is to be understated. It's a rare adventure. Lively and visual, this is a book that hits you at gut level in many ways (...) This book is beautiful and dark. I found it told in nearly fairytale fashion...like an original Grimm's Fairy Tale...sometimes ugly, yet beautiful and hypnotic at the same time.” 

.- The Bookish Dame Reviews  

 * “Regardless of whether you have read about Kahlo, Haghenbeck has created a worthy portrayal of Frida, the artist, in this three-dimensionally tangible novel. (...) Anyone who is familiar with Frida Kahlo will agree that Haghenbeck has nailed her persona. The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo is a novel as alluring and mystifying as the artist herself. A highly recommended accompaniment to the existing biographical works available,” 

.- Historical Novel Society

 * “I’m betting on this because Kahlo is relentlessly fascinating, Haghenbeck comes well recommended, and the in-house support is strong.” 

Library Journal/Barbara’s Picks 

 * “... a delicious read as Haghenbeck weaves stories of her relationships with artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Pablo Picasso with recipes for the foods that sweetened their encounters.” 

 Associated Press 

 * “One of Mexico’s most celebrated new novelists, F. G. Haghenbeck offers a beautifully written reimagining of Frida Kahlo’s fascinating life and loves. (...) In a rich, luscious style bordering on magical realism, Haghenbeck takes readers on an intriguing ride through Frida’s life, including her long and tumultuous relationship with her lover Diego Rivera, the development of her artistic vision, her complex personality, her lust for life, and her existential feminism. The book also includes stories about the remarkable people who were a part of her life, including Georgia O'Keeffe (with whom she had an affair), Trotsky, Nelson Rockefeller, Hemingway, Dos Passos, Henry Miller, and Dalí.” 

 Zimbio.com 

 * “A stunning narrative (...) Haghenbeck takes readers on a magical ride through Frida’s passionate life.” 

Hispanically Speaking News