Book Review: Diva

Mrs P

February 9

Daisy Goodwin ~ Diva

Synopsis

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.

Review

Although I started reading the physical copy of this book, I actually ended up listening to it so I could really soak up the atmosphere and I would recommend this to everyone, as it includes several bars of Maria singing, which really immerses you in Maria's story.

Maria was quite a character; from a time when diva meant goddess, there's no doubt that she lived up to her nickname (in all senses of the word). Goodwin is an excellent writer, managing to create a story that blends fact with fiction, whilst also weaving Maria's stage presence with her real persona, ensuring that we get a balanced view of who she really was as well as the realities of a stage career. We see the glamorous parties, full of famous names dripping with diamonds, but we also see the love, passion and heartache she faces in her personal life.

Even though she's not particular likeable, you cannot help sympathising with Maria, especially her journey to get there, considering her childhood and all of the men who tried to control her.

Each time she brushes shoulders with a well-known face, I found myself desperate to find out more about that person during that time; my American history is lacking so I had no idea Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis, so that was a shocking reveal that sent me straight to Google!

Although I liked where the story ends, it did feel a bit of a comedown and perhaps a little further on would have helped readers understand her a bit more, particularly the impact of her voice loss.

A stunning fictionalised account of Maria Callas that will delight opera aficionados and novices alike.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.