Jackie and Maria

What do a Greek opera soprano and a former American first lady have in common?  Many are familiar with the iconic photographs of Jacqueline Kennedy during JFK’s presidency or the arias sung by Maria Callas, but their hidden struggles defined their personal lives.  From failed pregnancies to troubled marriages to loving the same man – Maria Callas and Jacqueline Kennedy shared many events in their individual lives, but only crossed paths a small number of times.

Jackie and Maria is Gill Paul’s historical fiction retelling the lives of these two remarkable women.  Well recognized by the public in their time, Jackie and Maria have remained relatively unknown throughout history.  The main connection between them was their love for Aristotle Onassis – a man who promised to deliver each of them their greatest wish but failed to appreciate them in the end.

I give Jackie and Maria 3 out of 5 stars.  It was sometimes difficult to follow the narrative as it jumped between stories and time periods.  I chose the audio version of this book, so the print version might rate slightly higher if there were visual cues at these transitions.  I also found the telling of this story uninspired.  While I learned so many new things about these remarkable women, I think the author could have made this a more entertaining read.

I recommend this book for readers looking to learn more about the women who filled the headlines for decades.  Historical fiction and general history lovers will enjoy this work as well with many historical events referenced throughout.  This could also make an interesting book club choice – my friends would enjoy discussing the choices these two women make throughout their later lives.  With topics of pregnancy loss, adultery, and sex, this is recommended for audiences 13 and older.

I chose Jackie and Maria for the Booklist Queen reading prompt “Fiction and Nonfiction Pairing” – this is the Fiction book.  I am currently reading Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life With John F. Kennedy as the Nonfiction choice.  I found it interesting how strong and yet how weak Jacqueline was throughout her life, but also how much of a womanizer Onassis was as well.  Paul’s writing makes it seem that Jacqueline had a knack for choosing men who found it impossible to remain faithful or value her as a partner.  If anything, this book made me empathetic to her struggles and mourn her losses.  If you’re looking for historical fiction with little known facts – this is the book for you.

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What I’m Reading

• Current print book: Quentins, Maeve Binchy
• Current audio book: The Secret Adversary, Agatha Christie
• Book I’m most looking forward to: Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry