For years I’ve been fascinated by Maria Callas, who many deem to be the greatest opera singer of all time. Although sadly, for some, Maria Callas is not famous for her extraordinary talent. Rather she is famed for being the long term mistress of the richest man in the world, Aristotle Onassis who then suddenly deserted her to marry Jackie Kennedy, the widow of JFK.
Diva is a powerful reimagining of Onassis’s pursuit of Maria, who gave up so much to be with the man she loved. It also depicts their relationship which can be deemed as toxic. Diva is the story of the two most famous Greeks of the time, and believe me, it has the drama and emotion of a Greek tragedy.
This captivating historical friction is written by TV producer and presenter, Daisy Goodwin who is a Sunday Times bestselling author. She is also known for being the creator of Grand Designs and the hit ITV drama Victoria. I love Daisy Goodwin! In writing Diva, she has enabled me, a fan of the opera singer to really immerse myself in the world of Maria Callas, bringing the ‘diva’ to life. In fact, Goodwin brilliantly subverts the derogatory term of ‘diva’.
Maria who was frequently hounded and persecuted by the press, was often criticised as being unpredictable, difficult and unreasonable. Yet Goodwin portrays the singer’s insecurities and vulnerabilities, as well as her strength, kindness and authenticity. For example, her desperation to protect her voice, knowing that her talent would not last for ever. Also how Maria never felt loved by her mother who exploited her. This began as soon as her mother discovered Maria’s remarkable talent as a child, and throughout Maria’s adolescence when they lived in Nazi occupied Greece. Throughout the novel Maria is estranged from her mother who makes vicious comments to the press about her daughter.
Even though she found the courage to distance herself from her mother, Maria still felt exploited, mainly by her money loving husband who was also her manager. From reading this novel it is evident to me that Onassis was the catalyst for leaving her unhappy, sexless marriage – not the cause. Maria felt that Onassis loved her for being Maria, the woman, not as Callas, the operatic star. Yet it is very clear throughout the narrative that Onassis, who came from a family devastated by war and death, and built his empire from nothing, is obsessed by collecting the latest, most fashionable jewel. Although I do think he loved Maria, I feel he viewed Maria as that jewel for a time, only to be replaced by Jackie Kennedy.
There is no doubt about it – Daisy Goodwin conducted extensive research to write this novel. She wanted to really understand Maria, and in doing so, even trained as an opera singer! Goodwin’s portrayal of Maria, who really was a 20th century icon ahead of her time is outstanding – emotive, powerful and tragic.
I really would love to have a chat with Daisy Goodwin as I’d love to know the parts in the novel where she used artistic licence and the other parts that she knows to be true. For example, Princess Grace of Monaco features in this novel, often portrayed as a bored, unhappy wife who can get a tad drunk. Onassis even comments that before the ‘fairy tale wedding’ of the Hollywood movie star to her prince, every man was in love with Grace Kelly apart from Prince Rainer. The Prince was persuaded to marry the legendary movie star by Onassis to secure an heir, otherwise Monaco would become part of France.
Born at the very end of 1923, 2024 marks the centenary of the great soprano. Diva was released in hardback in March 2024 to celebrate the centenary and has now recently been released in paperback too (12 September 2024). I feel very honoured to be part of the blog tour to mark the paperback release of this moving, powerful read. Thank you Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for inviting me to the blog tour. Thank you also to Aries / Head of Zeus for sending me an advance copy of this fascinating novel.
To follow the blog tour please see below.
Finally, as well as urging you all to read Diva (you won’t be disappointed), can I also urge you to listen to Maria Callas. I often listen to her singing, finding her voice so soothing and beautiful. Her singing is truly mesmerising.
