Diva: A Novel [B1620]

2024 HCDJ ex-Library copy complete with glued pocket, library markings, and taped repair to its protective mylar cover. New York Times bestselling author Daisy Goodwin returns with a story of the scandalous love affair between the most celebrated opera singer of all time and one of the richest men in the world. In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas was known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she was the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. But her fame was hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her golden voice, she learned early in life to protect herself from those who would use her for their own ends. When she met the fabulously rich Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, for the first time in her life, she believed she'd found someone who saw the woman within the legendary soprano. She fell desperately in love. He introduced her to a life of unbelievable luxury, showering her with jewels and sojourns in the most fashionable international watering holes with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. And then suddenly, it was over. The international press announced that Aristotle Onassis would marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces. In this remarkable novel, Daisy Goodwin brings to life a woman whose extraordinary talent, unremitting drive and natural chic made her a legend. But it was only in confronting the heartbreak of losing the man she loved that Maria Callas found her true voice and went on to triumph.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "This wonderful historical novel pays tribute to Maria Callas. It is entertaining, vivid and well-written, which is typical for Daisy Goodwin. The book presents a sympathetic and multi-dimensional portrait of this legendary women."; "Really enjoyed this book! Love reading about the early 60's a time when Jackie Kennedy was front and center. This book gave a new perspective on Aristotle Onassis, who I couldn't imagine with Jackie at the time."; "Love this book! Maria Callas is the original Diva - there was so much joy reading the history of this characters and also just learning about these iconic people."; "Desperately want to attend an opera now! A quote from one of the diva's best performances: I lived for art, I lived for love - really captures this story. What can I say? I love a Greek tragedy, I love a period piece, I love to dissect the weird obsession with high society and what one is willing to sacrifice to get it. What does it really mean to be a diva? I have such a newfound appreciation for the word. Great read."