Preview
  • Cast a Diva

  • The Hidden Life of Maria Callas
  • By: Lyndsy Spence
  • Narrated by: Emily Ellet
  • Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (27 ratings)

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Cast a Diva

By: Lyndsy Spence
Narrated by: Emily Ellet
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Publisher's summary

Maria Callas (1923-1977) was the greatest opera diva of all time with a career that remains unmatched by any prima donna. Much of her life was overshadowed by her fiery relationship with Aristotle Onassis, who broke her heart when he left her for Jacqueline Kennedy, and her reputation was marred by legendary tantrums on and off the stage.

However, little is known about Callas the woman - a girl who was brought up between New York and Greece, and who was forced to sing by her emotionally abusive mother. She left her family behind in Greece for an international career and was feted by royalty and Hollywood stars. A self-made woman, she fought sexism to rise to the top, but there was one thing she wanted but could not have: a happy private life. Fame provided celebrity and riches, but her last days were spent as a recluse in her Paris apartment, listening to her old recordings and addicted to prescription drugs.

In Cast a Diva, best-selling author Lyndsy Spence reveals the incredible story of a woman who was a true feminist icon.

©2021 Lyndsy Spence (P)2021 Tantor
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What listeners say about Cast a Diva

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Perfect title for La Divina!

Being a Maria Callas fan, I absolutely loved this book. Insightful, interesting, heartbreaking, a roller coaster ride really through her highs and lows of life. My heart both soared and broke for her. This is probably one of the best books I have read about her. There is too much to write, she is Medea, Norma and Violetta and so many others. Opera is her vehicle for her emotions. She has been treated like these women and can empathize with them.
Recently the Metropolitan Opera in NYC started doing Medea and Norma again and I went because they were cornerstones of her career. I was certainly not disappointed. The soprano is fabulous, but of course, I wish I could have seen Maria Callas, but I was a year old when she died.

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Great

This biography was well detailed and well narrated. I highly recommend it to all fans of Maria Callas.

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fascinating

great plot could not get enough. Maria Callas persona is alive all the way from beginning to end keeping you attached to the audio nor stop

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I had no idea Callas was so submissive in private

It’s good…there’s several books on Callas and this was focus more on Callas the woman. Pretty sad tho.

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Well told

A fascinating and compelling real life story all the way through. With letters, quotes, inside knowledge, and tones of research.

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Incredible! What a great book.

Thank you Lyndsy Spence for introducing me to the amazing Maria Callas. The book is wonderful. When I was done, I watched "Maria by Callas" on Amazon Prime and got to see her sing.

Life changing.

She was a genius AND glamorous. Wow!

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Not the best book I purchased

I didn’t really enjoy this book, nor did I like the narrator. The narrator basically spoke in a bland voice with no inflection.

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