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Diva written by Daisy Goodwin and published by Aria and Aries

 





Opera singer Maria Callas known as “la divina” with her fabulous voice was born with note only a gift of singing, but also the drama and beauty needed to succeed on the worldwide operatic stages. Sadly, liked a bird in a gilded cage, Maria’s life is lonely, and although surrounded by people and her husband she feels isolated.

When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she's found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

And then, suddenly, it's over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.

This is a fictional account based on true events, think of The Crown on Netflix.

 

About thirty years ago I went on holiday to Lefkas, and the tour guide was telling us all about the Onassis family and how they owned a small island just across the sea from Nidri called Skorpios. She said that Onassis had an affair with Opera singer Maria Callas and that they had spent time together on the island. For the next two weeks of my holiday, I would gaze across the azure blue sea romantically day dreaming of the glamourous parties which must have happened on that piece of land in the middle of the Ionian sea, and the stories that could be told!

 

Imagine my delight when 30 years later this book is published! If ever a book was written for a person, then I feel this was written just for me!!!!!! You will be transported to the oppressive heat of Greece, to the world’s most famous opera houses, and to the glitz and glamour of the Onassis lifestyle while all the time, routing for Maria who longs to be loved.

A truly brilliant book and one that I wholeheartedly recommend.


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