Kate & Frida by Kim Fay Review – A Moving Novel About Friendship & Letters

Kate & Frida is a heartfelt epistolary novel about two aspiring writers—one in Paris, the other in Seattle—whose unexpected correspondence in the early 1990s blossoms into a transformative friendship that spans distance, war, and the love of books.

Summary:

Set in the early 1990s, this enchanting novel follows the life-changing friendship between Frida Rodriguez, a free-spirited aspiring war correspondent in Paris, and Kate Fair, a reserved Seattle bookseller. Their bond begins with a simple book request but grows into a deep connection that inspires Kate to pursue her writing dreams, take romantic risks, and find strength in loss, while Frida discovers who she truly wants to become. Against the backdrop of personal and global upheavals, their friendship becomes a beacon of joy and resilience. A heartfelt ode to bookshops, booksellers, and the transformative power of books, this story captures the magic of youth before the digital age.

My Thoughts:

Kate & Frida is a beautifully written epistolary novel that captures the magic of friendship, the power of books, and the uncertain yet exhilarating time of young adulthood—before the internet changed how we connect with one another. Through letters exchanged in the early 1990s, two aspiring writers, Frida Rodriguez and Kate Fair, form a deep and lasting friendship that carries them through life’s triumphs and challenges.

Frida, living in Paris on a long-term stay, dreams of becoming a war correspondent. A simple book request sent to a Seattle bookshop sparks an unexpected connection when Kate, the bookseller who receives the letter, decides to write back. From there, their correspondence becomes a lifeline—offering encouragement, understanding, and the kind of support only a true friend can provide.

One of the most powerful aspects of this novel is how it portrays Frida’s journey to Bosnia, where she immerses herself in the reality of war. With no real experience in conflict zones, she struggles to find her footing but ultimately discovers her voice by writing about the personal impact of war on everyday people. Fay handles this storyline with sensitivity, capturing both the tragedy and resilience of those affected. Reading about Frida’s conflicted emotions upon returning to the comfort of Paris—surrounded by abundance while Bosnia suffered—was especially poignant. It made me reflect on my own memories of hearing about this war in the ‘90s, when I was busy building my own life, and reminded me not to take peace and stability for granted.

Meanwhile, Kate’s life in Seattle is filled with the warmth of family, the camaraderie of fellow book lovers, and the comfort of a job she adores. One of the most touching parts of the novel is how Kate and her community rally behind Frida’s efforts to send books to Bosnia in hopes of restoring a war-ravaged library. Some of the titles mentioned were childhood favourites of mine, making this storyline even more special.

While both women have romantic relationships, the novel is ultimately about their friendship—how they shape each other’s lives through words, support, and the shared love of storytelling. And as a reader, I found myself eagerly hoping that their paths would one day cross in person.

Final Thoughts:

Heartfelt and nostalgic, Kate & Frida is a love letter to books, letters, and the kind of friendships that leave a lasting imprint.

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