I believe that this is the second book by this author that I have read. I knew, of course, who Maria Callas was, but I didn't know about her long-term affair with Aristotle Onassis!
The story focuses on the timeframe when Maria and Aristotle meet and have their torrid affair. Yes, I get that it was a VERY torrid affair. But, the book is a little R-rated for me and I just don't find it necessary to have love scenes so graphic - I get what happens!
The novel doesn't fully let the reader into WHY Maria would have been involved in such a long-term affair when she was LA DIVA!! I would have liked more on her life "pre-Aristotle" and "post-Aristotle".
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing was not that exceptional and needed some editing to me. But, it could be that I have been reading some very, very well-written books by very renowned authors.
Character development: 3.5 stars
This was more like contemporary historical fiction as it happened about sixty years ago. There weren't a large number of characters as in a normal historical fiction! But, there were a lot of people who passed in and out in the book for added color like royalty or movie stars.
The main characters are Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis. The novel was primarily focused on the time frame while they had their relationship. There was a little about both of their lives before meeting, but it was not enough for me. I wanted to understand what drew these two strong personalities together other than that they were Greek!
The secondary characters were the left-behind spouses, Tina Onassis and Tita Menegheni, and Elsa Maxwell, gossip columnist/"friend". They are all involved in what happened and may have even helped move the affair along in Elsa's case.
The final and tertiary character is the opera. It was a part of Maria's every breathing moment.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline really was about Maria and Aristotle's intimate moments, her performing, and luxury living which was very extravagant.
A lot of the storyline did not have a historical record and the author had to create the storyline. But, I think that there could have been so much more "meat" to explain the affair and their relationship so much more fully!
The main locations were most of Europe, New York City, Greece, and a yacht in the Mediterranean.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
It was very interesting and now I want to know more about Maria and Aristotle.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
Meh.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Very appropriate!
Gut feeling: 3.0 stars
I was very unsure about whether I would like this novel or not.
Suggestions:
A glossary of the Greek words - unable to find them in the Kindle book translator.
RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
336 pages
St. Martin's Press
Release date of 01/23/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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