What do you think?
Rate this book
Jackie und Maria
Maria Callas steht auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Karriere. Sie ist auf den großen Opernbühnen der Welt zu Hause, doch privat unglücklich und in ihrer Ehe vereinsamt. Als sie eines Tages den griechischen Reeder und Multimillionär Aristoteles Onassis trifft, findet sie in ihm die Liebe ihres Lebens. Es folgen Jahre voller Leidenschaft – bis eine andere Frau in Aris Leben tritt.
Jackie Kennedy, ehemalige First Lady, verlässt nach der Ermordung ihres Mannes mit ihren Kindern Amerika, um in Europa ein neues Leben, fernab der Paparazzi der amerikanischen Presse zu beginnen. Ari Onassis bietet ihr Zuflucht und die Ehe ... Doch lange währt das gemeinsame Glück nicht.
Gill Paul erzählt in dieser Romanbiografie eines der größten Liebesdramen des 20. Jahrhunderts. Eine Tragödie um Eifersucht, Macht und Rache, die sowohl die Rivalinnen Maria und Jackie wie auch den erfolgsverwöhnten Reeder in tiefe Krisen stürzt.
Jackie Kennedy, ehemalige First Lady, verlässt nach der Ermordung ihres Mannes mit ihren Kindern Amerika, um in Europa ein neues Leben, fernab der Paparazzi der amerikanischen Presse zu beginnen. Ari Onassis bietet ihr Zuflucht und die Ehe ... Doch lange währt das gemeinsame Glück nicht.
Gill Paul erzählt in dieser Romanbiografie eines der größten Liebesdramen des 20. Jahrhunderts. Eine Tragödie um Eifersucht, Macht und Rache, die sowohl die Rivalinnen Maria und Jackie wie auch den erfolgsverwöhnten Reeder in tiefe Krisen stürzt.
520 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2020
1008 people are currently reading
15547 people want to read
About the author
Gill Paul
52 books1,826 followersGill Paul is the international bestselling author of thirteen novels, many of them reevaluating extraordinary twentieth-century women whom she believes have been marginalized or misjudged. Her novels have reached the top of the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Toronto Globe & Mail charts, and have been translated into twenty-three languages.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 924 reviews
October 1, 2020
4.5 stars
This historical fiction book is a good representation of why I love the genre so much. While I had some prior knowledge of Aristotle Onassis and of course Jackie Kennedy, I was not familiar with opera singer Maria Callas. This book gave me the opportunity to learn a little about her and has motivated me to seek out some nonfiction reads about her life. I love it when historical fiction sparks an interest in something.
The story alternates between Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas starting off in the 1950s when Jackie was married to JFK and Maria was also married but gearing up for an affair with Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis. It's a pretty well known fact that Jackie's second husband was Onassis. (That can't be a spoiler, it's part of her name.) So this is a bit of a love triangle type situation but there's a ton more to the story as both women's lives were full of heartache, scandal, wealth, betrayal, tragedy, you name it. A story with lots of drama and appearances by other well-known names like Churchill and various Kennedy family members.
This historical fiction book is a good combination of facts and things that came from the author's creative mind. Given both women are dead and Jackie was a notoriously private person, there really is no way of truly knowing their innermost thoughts. However, I think the author did a great job making everything feel plausible and the characters came across as realistic rather than overly dramatic caricatures. I highly recommend reading the Author's Note at the end of the book as it provides great insight into her writing process.
Highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from William Morrow. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This historical fiction book is a good representation of why I love the genre so much. While I had some prior knowledge of Aristotle Onassis and of course Jackie Kennedy, I was not familiar with opera singer Maria Callas. This book gave me the opportunity to learn a little about her and has motivated me to seek out some nonfiction reads about her life. I love it when historical fiction sparks an interest in something.
The story alternates between Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas starting off in the 1950s when Jackie was married to JFK and Maria was also married but gearing up for an affair with Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis. It's a pretty well known fact that Jackie's second husband was Onassis. (That can't be a spoiler, it's part of her name.) So this is a bit of a love triangle type situation but there's a ton more to the story as both women's lives were full of heartache, scandal, wealth, betrayal, tragedy, you name it. A story with lots of drama and appearances by other well-known names like Churchill and various Kennedy family members.
This historical fiction book is a good combination of facts and things that came from the author's creative mind. Given both women are dead and Jackie was a notoriously private person, there really is no way of truly knowing their innermost thoughts. However, I think the author did a great job making everything feel plausible and the characters came across as realistic rather than overly dramatic caricatures. I highly recommend reading the Author's Note at the end of the book as it provides great insight into her writing process.
Highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from William Morrow. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
November 9, 2020
I know this is fiction, BUT shouldn’t there be some limits when writing about real people???
The few facts presented can be found in newspapers and magazines. Otherwise it’s gossip and innuendo and figments of the author’s imagination.
I find it loathsome when made-up dialogue is attributed to a real person.
Every single person mentioned in this book is characterized as callous, unsympathetic, and unpleasant with not even one redeeming characteristic.
Winston Churchill is portrayed as a doddering old fool who drops food in his lap at the Onassis’ dining table. To denigrate this great man in this manner for no good reason seeing as how he had nothing to do with Jackie &/or Maria and added zero to the story is objectionable to me.
BTW: Jackie Kennedy’s daughter is still very much alive. Imagine her reading this xxx about her mother.
The few facts presented can be found in newspapers and magazines. Otherwise it’s gossip and innuendo and figments of the author’s imagination.
I find it loathsome when made-up dialogue is attributed to a real person.
Every single person mentioned in this book is characterized as callous, unsympathetic, and unpleasant with not even one redeeming characteristic.
Winston Churchill is portrayed as a doddering old fool who drops food in his lap at the Onassis’ dining table. To denigrate this great man in this manner for no good reason seeing as how he had nothing to do with Jackie &/or Maria and added zero to the story is objectionable to me.
BTW: Jackie Kennedy’s daughter is still very much alive. Imagine her reading this xxx about her mother.
August 14, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two women- Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and Maria Callas. One man, Aristotle Onassis. In Gill Paul's latest novel, The Second Marriage or Jackie and Maria, we are presented with the parallel lives of two extraordinary women through the 1950s-1970s and the man that desired them both. Admittedly, it's very " soapy" and maybe a little melodramatic. But I fell for all of it hook, line, and sinker and I would love to see it become a mini-series( Netflix? Amazon Prime?). So yes, it was a very naughty addictive pleasure.
Let's talk about these two women! Jackie Kennedy, there's so much that we all think we know about her. We know that her in-laws gave her a hard time, that she had to deal with Jack's infidelity, and of course Dallas in 1963. But I had absolutely no idea how Jackie was often interpreted by the American media. They didn't like the way she spoke, that in Jack's run to the presidency that she dressed in French instead of American fashion, and did they ever attack her when she decided to remarry. Oh and all the trauma that she endured after Jack's death and how frightened she was for her children. Lots of emotions while reading her narrative.
Jackie Kennedy, herself is quite the person to write about, but I loved this introduction to Maria Callas. I actually listened to a lot of the latter's opera as I was reading this book. What a voice! What a lady! I was mesmerized by the way her story unfolded in this novel. Jackie and Maria "shared" the pages quite well and I could certainly understand the attraction that many of their contemporaries had for both of them. A day after completing my read of this book and I must say that I have so much admiration for both of these women.
Included in the book are the many resources that the author consulted during the writing of the book and of course, some of the scenes that happen in the course of the writing are created by the author and might not actually have occurred in real life. But we often get that in our movies too and the author is upfront and honest about it, so I would hope that wouldn't deter other readers from giving it a shot. I also want to stress that this is about two ADULT women, neither Jackie nor Maria are catty or petty towards one another. They show their frustrations and share their anguish about the way in which Onassis handles his relationships with them. Since we are seeing it through the eyes of these two women, he really doesn't come off looking like an angel.
I would certainly recommend this to my fellow readers. #TheSecondMarriage #NetGalley
Goodreads review published 14/08/20
Expected publication date 24/08/20
Two women- Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and Maria Callas. One man, Aristotle Onassis. In Gill Paul's latest novel, The Second Marriage or Jackie and Maria, we are presented with the parallel lives of two extraordinary women through the 1950s-1970s and the man that desired them both. Admittedly, it's very " soapy" and maybe a little melodramatic. But I fell for all of it hook, line, and sinker and I would love to see it become a mini-series( Netflix? Amazon Prime?). So yes, it was a very naughty addictive pleasure.
Let's talk about these two women! Jackie Kennedy, there's so much that we all think we know about her. We know that her in-laws gave her a hard time, that she had to deal with Jack's infidelity, and of course Dallas in 1963. But I had absolutely no idea how Jackie was often interpreted by the American media. They didn't like the way she spoke, that in Jack's run to the presidency that she dressed in French instead of American fashion, and did they ever attack her when she decided to remarry. Oh and all the trauma that she endured after Jack's death and how frightened she was for her children. Lots of emotions while reading her narrative.
Jackie Kennedy, herself is quite the person to write about, but I loved this introduction to Maria Callas. I actually listened to a lot of the latter's opera as I was reading this book. What a voice! What a lady! I was mesmerized by the way her story unfolded in this novel. Jackie and Maria "shared" the pages quite well and I could certainly understand the attraction that many of their contemporaries had for both of them. A day after completing my read of this book and I must say that I have so much admiration for both of these women.
Included in the book are the many resources that the author consulted during the writing of the book and of course, some of the scenes that happen in the course of the writing are created by the author and might not actually have occurred in real life. But we often get that in our movies too and the author is upfront and honest about it, so I would hope that wouldn't deter other readers from giving it a shot. I also want to stress that this is about two ADULT women, neither Jackie nor Maria are catty or petty towards one another. They show their frustrations and share their anguish about the way in which Onassis handles his relationships with them. Since we are seeing it through the eyes of these two women, he really doesn't come off looking like an angel.
I would certainly recommend this to my fellow readers. #TheSecondMarriage #NetGalley
Goodreads review published 14/08/20
Expected publication date 24/08/20
October 13, 2020
Sometimes historical figures are so compelling they rise above a workmanlike story and hackneyed prose.
That's the case with Jackie And Maria, Gill Paul's fictionalized take on Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, whose glamorous lives intertwined with that of billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
Most people will know more about Jackie's relationships – to her U.S. president husband, Jack, obviously, and brother-in-law Bobby, and possibly her competitive sister, Lee. But the more intriguing story concerns Callas, who rose from a humble background to become the leading operatic soprano of her day. Her affair with Onassis – a fellow Greek – emerges as a great love story and almost as tragic as the operatic roles she sang on stage.
Paul shuttles back and forth between the women's lives, taking us through a basic chronology of events. There are some surprises. I didn't know, for instance, that Callas performed at JFK's famous birthday party celebration at Madison Square Garden, the same one where Marilyn Monroe upstaged everyone with her breathy rendition of "Happy Birthday." And although I had heard of Jackie's sister, Lee Radziwill, I didn't realize she had had her own affair with Onassis, while he was also paired with Callas.
Paul speculates about certain things: a baby that Callas and Onassis may have had, who died shortly after birth; a meeting between Callas and Jackie after an opera (apparently the two never did meet in real life); and did Lee actually sleep with her brother-in-law behind Jackie's back?
Paul discusses all of her biographical sources and what she made up in a lengthy afterward. She also discusses things like the so-called Kennedy curse.
I appreciate the fact that she tries to rescue Callas's reputation as a temperamental diva, claiming we don't judge powerful men in the same way we do powerful women. True, but some of Callas's petty squabbles are a matter of public record. What comes across, however, is her musical discipline and work ethic, something that ironically was affected by her relationship with Onassis. She found love, but it cost her her career; by the time she returned to the stage, her voice was almost gone.
Jackie's marriage to Onassis, meanwhile, remains mysterious. What did she get out of it, besides future financial security?
One of the most moving themes in the book is lost children. Jackie had lost three children, one in a miscarriage, two shortly after birth; Maria lost the one – which is speculation (Paul reveals in the afterward that there are rumours Onassis wanted Maria to have an abortion.) So it's something that the two women had in common. They also had difficult relationships with their strong-willed, embittered mothers.
While all three characters in this real-life love triangle have intriguing lives, Paul's writing style is merely passable. There are lots of clichés. At times the prose seems like a mere recounting of facts.
Lucky for her the facts are interesting enough to keep us turning the pages.
That's the case with Jackie And Maria, Gill Paul's fictionalized take on Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, whose glamorous lives intertwined with that of billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
Most people will know more about Jackie's relationships – to her U.S. president husband, Jack, obviously, and brother-in-law Bobby, and possibly her competitive sister, Lee. But the more intriguing story concerns Callas, who rose from a humble background to become the leading operatic soprano of her day. Her affair with Onassis – a fellow Greek – emerges as a great love story and almost as tragic as the operatic roles she sang on stage.
Paul shuttles back and forth between the women's lives, taking us through a basic chronology of events. There are some surprises. I didn't know, for instance, that Callas performed at JFK's famous birthday party celebration at Madison Square Garden, the same one where Marilyn Monroe upstaged everyone with her breathy rendition of "Happy Birthday." And although I had heard of Jackie's sister, Lee Radziwill, I didn't realize she had had her own affair with Onassis, while he was also paired with Callas.
Paul speculates about certain things: a baby that Callas and Onassis may have had, who died shortly after birth; a meeting between Callas and Jackie after an opera (apparently the two never did meet in real life); and did Lee actually sleep with her brother-in-law behind Jackie's back?
Paul discusses all of her biographical sources and what she made up in a lengthy afterward. She also discusses things like the so-called Kennedy curse.
I appreciate the fact that she tries to rescue Callas's reputation as a temperamental diva, claiming we don't judge powerful men in the same way we do powerful women. True, but some of Callas's petty squabbles are a matter of public record. What comes across, however, is her musical discipline and work ethic, something that ironically was affected by her relationship with Onassis. She found love, but it cost her her career; by the time she returned to the stage, her voice was almost gone.
Jackie's marriage to Onassis, meanwhile, remains mysterious. What did she get out of it, besides future financial security?
One of the most moving themes in the book is lost children. Jackie had lost three children, one in a miscarriage, two shortly after birth; Maria lost the one – which is speculation (Paul reveals in the afterward that there are rumours Onassis wanted Maria to have an abortion.) So it's something that the two women had in common. They also had difficult relationships with their strong-willed, embittered mothers.
While all three characters in this real-life love triangle have intriguing lives, Paul's writing style is merely passable. There are lots of clichés. At times the prose seems like a mere recounting of facts.
Lucky for her the facts are interesting enough to keep us turning the pages.
May 19, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction/Women’s Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: August 18, 2020
Mini-Review
In this historical/women’s fiction, the emphasis is on women’s fiction. The story revolves around Jackie Kennedy and the world-famous opera singer, Maria Callas, with whom Jackie vies for the affection of Ari Onassis. By the third chapter, I went to check the endnotes. I was not surprised to see that there weren’t any.
What you get is a lot of already known gossip about Jackie and Jack Kennedy’s marriage, how heavily she leaned on Bobby Kennedy after Jack’s assisination, all the rumors swirling around the Kennedy boys and Marilyn Monroe, Jackie’s transformation into Jackie O, and of course, the love triangle between Jackie, Ari, and Ari’s longtime lover, Maria.
At one point, the novel’s lines come straight out of the 1978 film, “The Greek Tycoon,” based on Maria, Jackie, and Ari. I remember this clearly because of the harsh words Ari used in bed with Maria when describing his wife’s skinny American thighs. He was all class. In addition, many would say Maria was a fool for staying with him after he married Jackie.
It has been suggested that this book was meticulously researched—hard to imagine, at least with the version I read on Kindle. If you are in the mood to read about famous women and their trouble with love then this is for you. If you wish for some well documented history, I’d skip this one.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco…\
https://www.amazon.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: August 18, 2020
Mini-Review
In this historical/women’s fiction, the emphasis is on women’s fiction. The story revolves around Jackie Kennedy and the world-famous opera singer, Maria Callas, with whom Jackie vies for the affection of Ari Onassis. By the third chapter, I went to check the endnotes. I was not surprised to see that there weren’t any.
What you get is a lot of already known gossip about Jackie and Jack Kennedy’s marriage, how heavily she leaned on Bobby Kennedy after Jack’s assisination, all the rumors swirling around the Kennedy boys and Marilyn Monroe, Jackie’s transformation into Jackie O, and of course, the love triangle between Jackie, Ari, and Ari’s longtime lover, Maria.
At one point, the novel’s lines come straight out of the 1978 film, “The Greek Tycoon,” based on Maria, Jackie, and Ari. I remember this clearly because of the harsh words Ari used in bed with Maria when describing his wife’s skinny American thighs. He was all class. In addition, many would say Maria was a fool for staying with him after he married Jackie.
It has been suggested that this book was meticulously researched—hard to imagine, at least with the version I read on Kindle. If you are in the mood to read about famous women and their trouble with love then this is for you. If you wish for some well documented history, I’d skip this one.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco…\
https://www.amazon.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
December 26, 2022
Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas, and Aristotle Onassis have captured the world’s attention for years and now author Gill Paul examines their rivalrous life in the spotlight.
I knew more about Jackie Kennedy and the man they were both associated with, Aristotle Onassis, than I knew about Maria Callas. Despite knowing how it all worked out, Paul still kept me spellbound and kept me changing my allegiance throughout. Maria’s story was written from her perspective, enabling me to sympathize with her and the precarious position in which she found herself. When the point of view changed, my allegiance changed. I felt empathy for all involved. That’s talent. Paul balanced both women’s stories and peeled back the layers, revealing the emotions involved and plans executed in an attempt to “win the hand in marriage of a Greek tycoon.”
I loved jet-setting around the world with the trio and re-lived my Bellini sticker shock at Harry’s Bar in Venice as well as recalling my jaw-dropping wander through Hotel Danieli. My questions regarding Jackie’s choice to put up with Jack’s infidelity were answered, my feelings about Onassis’s scheming and seductive ways were confirmed, and I was enlightened by this unconventional marriage that captured the world’s attention.
The most noteworthy, though, was the author’s choice to present the book in five acts. I loved how this paralleled the structure of a Greek tragedy written for the theatre. After all, it was a Greek tragedy of sorts, wasn’t it?!
Gill Paul transported me to their luxurious lives and highlighted the tragic events as they unfolded, confirming for me the old adage that money isn’t everything.
I knew more about Jackie Kennedy and the man they were both associated with, Aristotle Onassis, than I knew about Maria Callas. Despite knowing how it all worked out, Paul still kept me spellbound and kept me changing my allegiance throughout. Maria’s story was written from her perspective, enabling me to sympathize with her and the precarious position in which she found herself. When the point of view changed, my allegiance changed. I felt empathy for all involved. That’s talent. Paul balanced both women’s stories and peeled back the layers, revealing the emotions involved and plans executed in an attempt to “win the hand in marriage of a Greek tycoon.”
I loved jet-setting around the world with the trio and re-lived my Bellini sticker shock at Harry’s Bar in Venice as well as recalling my jaw-dropping wander through Hotel Danieli. My questions regarding Jackie’s choice to put up with Jack’s infidelity were answered, my feelings about Onassis’s scheming and seductive ways were confirmed, and I was enlightened by this unconventional marriage that captured the world’s attention.
The most noteworthy, though, was the author’s choice to present the book in five acts. I loved how this paralleled the structure of a Greek tragedy written for the theatre. After all, it was a Greek tragedy of sorts, wasn’t it?!
Gill Paul transported me to their luxurious lives and highlighted the tragic events as they unfolded, confirming for me the old adage that money isn’t everything.
November 27, 2021
Am citit această carte în paralel cu altele, deci m-am cam "plimbat" prin povestea celor două femei timp de vreo două săptămâni. Soția pre��edintelui, sofisticată, dar nefericită. O cântăreață de operă faimoasă, distinsă, căreia i se refuză bucuria de a fi mamă. Destinele amândurora își dau întâlnire într-un singur nume: Aristotel Onassis. Rivalitatea dintre ele a zdruncinat o lume întreagă.
O carte care se citește ușor care m-a convins să citesc și Prea mândră, prea fragilă, dar și biografia doamnei Kennedy scrisă de Barbara Leaming.
O carte care se citește ușor care m-a convins să citesc și Prea mândră, prea fragilă, dar și biografia doamnei Kennedy scrisă de Barbara Leaming.
May 17, 2021
Venice, 1957. Maria Callas meets Aristotle and Tina Onassis. Maria is a famous soprano, but the road to success wasn’t easy. Her husband is the one who promoted her, but it’s her regime of training her voice and perseverance that made her the success. She loves her husband, but when Maria meets Ari she is enchanted by his fun personality. It’s not all money talk as she imagined. Despite her and him being married, he pursues her, but at the end marries Jackie.
Newport, Rhode Island, 1956. Jackie Kennedy and her husband are both independent souls who spend a lot of time apart. Nevertheless, his infidelities is something she didn’t see coming even though she knew he was a man who constantly was surrounded by women. We all know what happens afterwards, assassination of Kennedy and Jackie marrying Onassis.
This story is character driven who I struggled to connect with. Maria has her career and is even called a diva, but Jackie at times comes across as naïve which is a bit unsettling and uncomfortable. I was interested the most in Onassis who is not a humble person; nevertheless I wanted to learn more about his character. Instead, I was reading about family matters, affairs, personal or family drama, and this whole love triangle wasn’t engaging to me. Usually, you do want to hear both sides of the story, but for some reason, I think if this story were presented from one person’s perspective it would be more believable or more engaging.
The story shows what a driven character Maria and Onassis were, that’s why they became so successful. But this story seems to be centered on weaknesses of characters which isn’t attractive. And as it usually happens with this kind of stories, there is no historical background, it is concentrated on personal lives.
P.S. Highly recommend an upcoming book by this author The Collector’s Daughter.
Newport, Rhode Island, 1956. Jackie Kennedy and her husband are both independent souls who spend a lot of time apart. Nevertheless, his infidelities is something she didn’t see coming even though she knew he was a man who constantly was surrounded by women. We all know what happens afterwards, assassination of Kennedy and Jackie marrying Onassis.
This story is character driven who I struggled to connect with. Maria has her career and is even called a diva, but Jackie at times comes across as naïve which is a bit unsettling and uncomfortable. I was interested the most in Onassis who is not a humble person; nevertheless I wanted to learn more about his character. Instead, I was reading about family matters, affairs, personal or family drama, and this whole love triangle wasn’t engaging to me. Usually, you do want to hear both sides of the story, but for some reason, I think if this story were presented from one person’s perspective it would be more believable or more engaging.
The story shows what a driven character Maria and Onassis were, that’s why they became so successful. But this story seems to be centered on weaknesses of characters which isn’t attractive. And as it usually happens with this kind of stories, there is no historical background, it is concentrated on personal lives.
P.S. Highly recommend an upcoming book by this author The Collector’s Daughter.
September 25, 2020
Gill Paul is the best selling author of ‘The Secret Wife’ and her latest publication “The Second Marriage” featuring love, passion and tragedy, based on Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, is for me a superb example of women’s historical fiction at it’s best.
Going into the story, I wasn’t fully aware of all the details regarding the love triangle between Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas and Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. So for me, the details in the story were new, as I didn’t have anything factual to compare it to, other than Jackie being the wife of the American President John F Kennedy who was tragically assassinated.
As the story develops, the smouldering tension between Ari and Maria was palpable and their relationship was a one I was immensely engrossed with.
All of the women in the story led a grief stricken and tragic life, for which no one will ever know the true feeling and emotions they experienced in their real lives. The author in my opinion has managed to convey what she feels would be their true reactions to certain life events with sympathy and compassion and I felt were probably the closest you’d get to their actual lives.
Having recently watched a programme on television, where a camera crew were allowed to film on the Onassis’ floating palace ‘Christina’ and seeing its opulence and grandeur, it made it all the more easy to imagine the story, where the scenes were set on board the yacht.
Featuring many real life people I recognised of the era, including the antics of Marilyn Monroe and her sad demise, Winston Churchill, plus one of the most famous assassinations in American history, I really felt connected to the story and found it a thoroughly entertaining escape from our current modern reality.
I was very pleased to see some historical notes added by the author at the end, which I read with gusto. I even googled more information on the characters to get a further feel for their personalities and history.
Whether a lot was true to facts or whether it was the basis of a very intelligent imagination, I loved this book. Even once I had finished it, the characters were on my mind and I truly wanted to continue reading more. If you like well written historical women’s fiction that reads like a real life Greek tragedy, then I would happily recommend you read “The Second Marriage” (or Jackie and Maria as it’s called in America) and I’ll certainly be looking to read any further novels by Gill Paul again in the future.
4.5 stars
Many thanks to Trip Fiction and the author for my copy of the book, in return for an honest opinion.
Going into the story, I wasn’t fully aware of all the details regarding the love triangle between Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas and Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. So for me, the details in the story were new, as I didn’t have anything factual to compare it to, other than Jackie being the wife of the American President John F Kennedy who was tragically assassinated.
As the story develops, the smouldering tension between Ari and Maria was palpable and their relationship was a one I was immensely engrossed with.
All of the women in the story led a grief stricken and tragic life, for which no one will ever know the true feeling and emotions they experienced in their real lives. The author in my opinion has managed to convey what she feels would be their true reactions to certain life events with sympathy and compassion and I felt were probably the closest you’d get to their actual lives.
Having recently watched a programme on television, where a camera crew were allowed to film on the Onassis’ floating palace ‘Christina’ and seeing its opulence and grandeur, it made it all the more easy to imagine the story, where the scenes were set on board the yacht.
Featuring many real life people I recognised of the era, including the antics of Marilyn Monroe and her sad demise, Winston Churchill, plus one of the most famous assassinations in American history, I really felt connected to the story and found it a thoroughly entertaining escape from our current modern reality.
I was very pleased to see some historical notes added by the author at the end, which I read with gusto. I even googled more information on the characters to get a further feel for their personalities and history.
Whether a lot was true to facts or whether it was the basis of a very intelligent imagination, I loved this book. Even once I had finished it, the characters were on my mind and I truly wanted to continue reading more. If you like well written historical women’s fiction that reads like a real life Greek tragedy, then I would happily recommend you read “The Second Marriage” (or Jackie and Maria as it’s called in America) and I’ll certainly be looking to read any further novels by Gill Paul again in the future.
4.5 stars
Many thanks to Trip Fiction and the author for my copy of the book, in return for an honest opinion.
August 30, 2020
The Second Marriage is an eloquent, moving novel about two famous women navigating their way through life’s hardships.
The Second Marriage is creatively based on the lives of Jackie Kennedy, wife of JFK and Maria Callas, a world-renowned opera singer. Both women live a life of privilege many can only dream of. Flights on private jets, multiple homes, winters on a privately owned boat in the Caribbean. Yet both women experience hardships and excruciating loss. Although it is not documented that the two women ever met, they both want to marry the same man. Aristotle Onassis is one of the wealthiest men of his time. What Ari wants; he must have. After the tragic assassination of JFK, Jackie needs protection. Maria left her older husband for her love of Ari. Ari must choose between conquest or love.
The story follows Maria and Jackie throughout the years from the 1950’s-1970s, swapping character every chapter or so. Usually I have a favourite character with this type of storytelling, but I equally enjoyed reading about both women. Reading a story from Jackie’s perspective of loss allowed me to view the assassination of JFK from a different perspective. I was absorbed in this story and really enjoyed reading a historical fiction about two incredibly famous women. I will miss spending my winter days huddled up reading about cruising the Caribbean and dining in Paris. I started reading this knowing very little about Jackie and nothing about Maria. This is my first novel by Gill Paul and I really enjoyed it.
This story includes assassination, miscarriage, infant death, PTSD and addiction.
“It was the saddest thing in the world to hold the hand of the person you loved and not feel any response at all, not even the tiniest flicker of a muscle. There was only one person she wanted to tell about this, and he had gone forever. She was alone.”
The Second Marriage is creatively based on the lives of Jackie Kennedy, wife of JFK and Maria Callas, a world-renowned opera singer. Both women live a life of privilege many can only dream of. Flights on private jets, multiple homes, winters on a privately owned boat in the Caribbean. Yet both women experience hardships and excruciating loss. Although it is not documented that the two women ever met, they both want to marry the same man. Aristotle Onassis is one of the wealthiest men of his time. What Ari wants; he must have. After the tragic assassination of JFK, Jackie needs protection. Maria left her older husband for her love of Ari. Ari must choose between conquest or love.
“It’s acute anxiety. I’ve seen this in soldiers coming out of war zones. I think you need professional help.”
The story follows Maria and Jackie throughout the years from the 1950’s-1970s, swapping character every chapter or so. Usually I have a favourite character with this type of storytelling, but I equally enjoyed reading about both women. Reading a story from Jackie’s perspective of loss allowed me to view the assassination of JFK from a different perspective. I was absorbed in this story and really enjoyed reading a historical fiction about two incredibly famous women. I will miss spending my winter days huddled up reading about cruising the Caribbean and dining in Paris. I started reading this knowing very little about Jackie and nothing about Maria. This is my first novel by Gill Paul and I really enjoyed it.
This story includes assassination, miscarriage, infant death, PTSD and addiction.
September 1, 2020
Gossip column extended!
If you grew up at the time of the Kennedy's reign you know they exuded a fascination we all wanted to be part of. Well my friends and I in our teenage years did. We were were fixated with them. Jackie just seemed so glamorous, an American princess. I won't ever forget where I was when we heard about the assassination of John Kennedy and the tragedy that unfolded before our eyes. I attended an all girls high school and I don't think there was a dry eye in the place that day.
I wanted to read this book because I've always been fascinated by this seemingly aloof woman and I guess I always wondered why she married Onassis.
Maria Callas I knew little about.
What I read was a mixture of titillating gossip, heavy innuendo and easily obtained information. It's grubby and not at all enlightening.
I will admit though it's fast paced and easily read. I became more sympatico with Maria Callas, about whom I knew very little.
In the end though both these women were played by the powerful men they loved.
A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley
If you grew up at the time of the Kennedy's reign you know they exuded a fascination we all wanted to be part of. Well my friends and I in our teenage years did. We were were fixated with them. Jackie just seemed so glamorous, an American princess. I won't ever forget where I was when we heard about the assassination of John Kennedy and the tragedy that unfolded before our eyes. I attended an all girls high school and I don't think there was a dry eye in the place that day.
I wanted to read this book because I've always been fascinated by this seemingly aloof woman and I guess I always wondered why she married Onassis.
Maria Callas I knew little about.
What I read was a mixture of titillating gossip, heavy innuendo and easily obtained information. It's grubby and not at all enlightening.
I will admit though it's fast paced and easily read. I became more sympatico with Maria Callas, about whom I knew very little.
In the end though both these women were played by the powerful men they loved.
A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley
August 26, 2020
Jackie Kennedy is devastated from her husband, John F. Kennedy's murder. She takes comfort from one of the world's most wealthiest men in the world, Aristotle Onassis. Maria Callas was a famous opera singer, she had Been Ari Onassis lover for years. Little by little, Jackie and Maria's lives begin to tangle a dangerous web of secrets, scandal and lies.
The story is told alternately by Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Historical events were only mentioned if they concerned either Jackie or Maria. This is a refreshing and interesting read that kept my attention throughout. The book is well written and portrayed the characters in such a way that you felt transported back in time. The pace flows along smoothly. The book shone a new light on the three main characters. I loved this historical fiction novel from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Gill Paul for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told alternately by Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Historical events were only mentioned if they concerned either Jackie or Maria. This is a refreshing and interesting read that kept my attention throughout. The book is well written and portrayed the characters in such a way that you felt transported back in time. The pace flows along smoothly. The book shone a new light on the three main characters. I loved this historical fiction novel from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Gill Paul for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2020
Well written, charming novel of historical fiction. Interesting insights and interviews included in the afterword.
September 24, 2020
The Second Marriage is Gill Paul’s epic historical fiction account of two of most iconic women of the 1950s and 60s and their lives, loves and tribulations along with the one man who connected them both: wealthy Greek shipping magnate Aristotle “Ari” Onassis. Alternating chapters between Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, spanning two decades and chronicling the major events in the love triangle along with drilling down into their supposedly infamous rivalry, it should be remembered that this is historical fiction, albeit informed by fact. A fascinating snapshot of a remarkable period of time and gloriously readable this is a novel and not an autobiography and Paul’s story leaves the reader to make their own judgements and steers clear of damming the ambitious man who arguably treated both women with less respect than due.
Opening in 1957 when Maria is married to a man thirty years her senior and approaching the pinnacle of her career as the world’s finest soprano a fleeting meeting with Ari and wife Tina, eleven years his junior, is the precursor to the start of decade long love affair in 1958. Meanwhile Jackie Bouvier Kennedy’s story opens on Rhode Island and the summer of 1956 when husband Jack Kennedy is the Democratic Senator for Massachusetts with an eye on a presidential run and the couple are grieving the loss of a baby. As the novel continues readers see their lives play out in parallel taking in Ari’s marriage to the former First Lady and his eventual death. Details of political events and Ari’s business schemes are minimal and only highlighted if they had significance on the lives of Jackie and Maria and whilst some might regard the celebrity hobnobbing, Ari’s sexual conquests and details of Jackie’s spending as lowbrow it had me turning the pages at a rate of knots!
Prior to reading I had only the vaguest idea of both women, especially as regards their love lives and against all expectation found the book fiendishly difficult to put down! I was drawn into both of the women’s lives and heads and felt on intimate terms with them as Paul explores their backstories, dreams, hang-ups and fears. My reservations came when I concluded the book and Paul made clear that the novel is very much her creative response to the events and a fictional reimagining. I made the mistake of not reminding myself of this throughout reading and taking the story as gospel truth but what is clearly evident is the staggering amount of research that has gone into the novel and informed the authors understanding of the characters. Whilst I am now left separating fact from fiction it does nothing to detract from Paul’s wonderful prose, the whistle-stop tour of exotic destinations and some exemplary plotting that weaves the lives of three larger-than-life characters together and spans several decades.
A guilty pleasure of a reading experience, I devoured The Second Marriage and whilst this is my first novel by Gill Paul it will most definitely not be my last. The sensitive characterisation of both women impressed me and most notably Gill Paul’s obvious desire to understand the reactions of both women to an extraordinary series of events in the media spotlight. What shines through, whether the authors intention or not, is just how many characteristics both women share.
Opening in 1957 when Maria is married to a man thirty years her senior and approaching the pinnacle of her career as the world’s finest soprano a fleeting meeting with Ari and wife Tina, eleven years his junior, is the precursor to the start of decade long love affair in 1958. Meanwhile Jackie Bouvier Kennedy’s story opens on Rhode Island and the summer of 1956 when husband Jack Kennedy is the Democratic Senator for Massachusetts with an eye on a presidential run and the couple are grieving the loss of a baby. As the novel continues readers see their lives play out in parallel taking in Ari’s marriage to the former First Lady and his eventual death. Details of political events and Ari’s business schemes are minimal and only highlighted if they had significance on the lives of Jackie and Maria and whilst some might regard the celebrity hobnobbing, Ari’s sexual conquests and details of Jackie’s spending as lowbrow it had me turning the pages at a rate of knots!
Prior to reading I had only the vaguest idea of both women, especially as regards their love lives and against all expectation found the book fiendishly difficult to put down! I was drawn into both of the women’s lives and heads and felt on intimate terms with them as Paul explores their backstories, dreams, hang-ups and fears. My reservations came when I concluded the book and Paul made clear that the novel is very much her creative response to the events and a fictional reimagining. I made the mistake of not reminding myself of this throughout reading and taking the story as gospel truth but what is clearly evident is the staggering amount of research that has gone into the novel and informed the authors understanding of the characters. Whilst I am now left separating fact from fiction it does nothing to detract from Paul’s wonderful prose, the whistle-stop tour of exotic destinations and some exemplary plotting that weaves the lives of three larger-than-life characters together and spans several decades.
A guilty pleasure of a reading experience, I devoured The Second Marriage and whilst this is my first novel by Gill Paul it will most definitely not be my last. The sensitive characterisation of both women impressed me and most notably Gill Paul’s obvious desire to understand the reactions of both women to an extraordinary series of events in the media spotlight. What shines through, whether the authors intention or not, is just how many characteristics both women share.
July 25, 2022
I found this very interesting since I did not know anything about Maria Callas. I also was not aware of Aristotle's life before he and Jackie married. I loved how Jackie and Maria came to such a civil understanding. Maria is a worthy of a book in her own right.
September 17, 2020
This was a fascinating story about a period of modern American history that I knew very little about. Subsequent to reading, I was frequently searching the internet to find out more about Jackie, Maria and Ari.
This is a perfect example of a historical novel as Paul tells the story of the love between Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy and Ari Onassis. I knew next to nothing about the love triangle, apart from the obvious JFK connections that I had heard about from my parents. Therefore, whilst this period of time has been fictionalised, I felt that the writer brought the characters alive, re-telling their story as I imagine they would want it to be done.
Structurally, the narrative moves between Maria and Jackie over many years. At first I found the large cast of characters a little confusing and had difficulty placing who belonged with which group. However, this only last for a few chapters before I “found my feet” with the narrative. Paul goes into immense detail about what happens to these women and there are many occasions where the same day is recounted in the following chapter, except this time from the different character and usually in a different country!
I had not realised all of the background story behind Jackie’s marriage to John Kennedy. Jackie’s relationship with her sister, Lee, added a further dimension to her character, particularly after her husband’s death. I was surprised at how Paul portrayed Jackie’s growing relationship with Ari; I found it difficult to believe how it resulted in marriage. I think it is because this section of the story felt a little rushed; perhaps the writer was aware of the length of the novel and had to remove sections of the story?
This was such a great summer read. The cover is inviting but did not prepare me at all for what was between the pages. I sympathised with all of Ari’s conquests because he seemed like a man who would never be satisfied. The number of deaths that occur in this story added to the pain of the characters and I felt like I was sharing in their grieving process.
This is a global story that takes place in many countries and makes reference to many historical moments from the 1950s and 1960s. Paul has seamlessly created a historical novel that was interesting and not too heavy-going. My first read by Paul and if this is what her books are like, then I am excited to read more of hers.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a perfect example of a historical novel as Paul tells the story of the love between Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy and Ari Onassis. I knew next to nothing about the love triangle, apart from the obvious JFK connections that I had heard about from my parents. Therefore, whilst this period of time has been fictionalised, I felt that the writer brought the characters alive, re-telling their story as I imagine they would want it to be done.
Structurally, the narrative moves between Maria and Jackie over many years. At first I found the large cast of characters a little confusing and had difficulty placing who belonged with which group. However, this only last for a few chapters before I “found my feet” with the narrative. Paul goes into immense detail about what happens to these women and there are many occasions where the same day is recounted in the following chapter, except this time from the different character and usually in a different country!
I had not realised all of the background story behind Jackie’s marriage to John Kennedy. Jackie’s relationship with her sister, Lee, added a further dimension to her character, particularly after her husband’s death. I was surprised at how Paul portrayed Jackie’s growing relationship with Ari; I found it difficult to believe how it resulted in marriage. I think it is because this section of the story felt a little rushed; perhaps the writer was aware of the length of the novel and had to remove sections of the story?
This was such a great summer read. The cover is inviting but did not prepare me at all for what was between the pages. I sympathised with all of Ari’s conquests because he seemed like a man who would never be satisfied. The number of deaths that occur in this story added to the pain of the characters and I felt like I was sharing in their grieving process.
This is a global story that takes place in many countries and makes reference to many historical moments from the 1950s and 1960s. Paul has seamlessly created a historical novel that was interesting and not too heavy-going. My first read by Paul and if this is what her books are like, then I am excited to read more of hers.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2020
High points to Gill Paul for storytelling! This is my first title by her. Her new book juxtaposes the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis alongside that of Mari Callas. Both women were world famous and their stories intersect most famously via Aristotle Onassis. What I find most fascinating is the charisma that Ari clearly possessed. When both Jackie and Maria were at the top of their respective arcs, he set his sights on them and was successful in becoming a significant part of their stories. I realize this book may be somewhat heavy on the fiction aspect, but there are kernels of truth. Aristotle Onassis was a crafty, scheming rogue under the veneer of a gentleman. This dishy novel also reminds me that money cannot buy happiness. If you love reading about Jackie, then i highly recommend "And They Called It Camelot" by Stephanie Marie Thornton.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2020
Gill Paul weaves together the lives of two fascinating and flawed icons with her characteristic panache and impeccable research. A dishy and delectable novel, JACKIE AND MARIA, is sure to please readers with its famous cast of characters from John F. Kennedy to Aristotle Onassis, its taut pacing, and a truly absorbing story.
July 22, 2020
This was an interesting historical women's fiction based on the lives of Jackie Kennedy and the world-famous opera singer, Maria Callas. Two very different personalities but both share an affair with Aristotle Onassis.
I was hooked on right from the start and wanted to learn more about these two women. It covers their glamorous lives, tragedies, lack of privacy and relationship with the paparazzi.
The amount of research that the author has done for this book is commendable. I’ve never read a historical fiction novel before so I learnt a lot from this book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
I was hooked on right from the start and wanted to learn more about these two women. It covers their glamorous lives, tragedies, lack of privacy and relationship with the paparazzi.
The amount of research that the author has done for this book is commendable. I’ve never read a historical fiction novel before so I learnt a lot from this book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
June 26, 2021
O fictiune istorica ce a reusit sa surprinda cateva decade din viata a doua femei fascinante, ale caror destine s-au intersectat prin Aristotel Onassis. Desi ritmul este sacadat, existand foarte multe salturi in timp, de la o poveste la alta, autoarea a reusit sa prezinte niste detalii controversate fara sa arunce vina, prezentand latura foarte umana a unor celebritati, cu angoase, complexe, defecte, dar si calitati. Mi-a placut atat de mult incat nu am putut lua pauza de la ea, seamana mult cu o redare cinematica.
April 3, 2022
Am inceput cartea in format pdf si apoi am ascultat audiobook, pe voxa. Imi place mult cum scrie Gill Paul🥰, te face mereu sa te intrebi ce este adevarat, provenit din evenimente istorice sau ce este fictiune👀 imi place mult atentia ei la detalii, sunt sigura ca i-a fost extrem de dificil sa cearna printr-atatea informatii istorice despre personalitati atat de importante.
Este o carte plina de evenimente, mai mult sau mai putin cunoscute ce are in prim plan doua destine tragice. Fie ca vorbim de marea cantareata de opera, Maria Callas care a avut parte de suferinta inca din copilarie, sau ca vorbim de Jackie Kennedy, o femeie atat de indragostita de JF Kennedy, pe care l-a pierdut tragic, atat de devreme, aceste povesti le putem uni intr-un singur cuvant: tragedie. Legaturi diverse apar intre aceste doua femei aparent fara puncte comune, rivalitatea dintre ele fiind poate mai putin cunoscuta publicului larg.
Mi-ar placea sa citesc si o carte scrisa de Gill Paul despre presupusa aventura a lui JF Kennedy cu Marilyn Monroe
De la mine are 4🌟
Este o carte plina de evenimente, mai mult sau mai putin cunoscute ce are in prim plan doua destine tragice. Fie ca vorbim de marea cantareata de opera, Maria Callas care a avut parte de suferinta inca din copilarie, sau ca vorbim de Jackie Kennedy, o femeie atat de indragostita de JF Kennedy, pe care l-a pierdut tragic, atat de devreme, aceste povesti le putem uni intr-un singur cuvant: tragedie. Legaturi diverse apar intre aceste doua femei aparent fara puncte comune, rivalitatea dintre ele fiind poate mai putin cunoscuta publicului larg.
Mi-ar placea sa citesc si o carte scrisa de Gill Paul despre presupusa aventura a lui JF Kennedy cu Marilyn Monroe
De la mine are 4🌟
December 17, 2019
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I was invested to find out how these two ladies existences intertwined because while I knew about Jackie, I had just briefly heard of Maria Callas.
This book features intimate scenes between the two couples, scenes where you could just imagine that these conversations really took place. While reading the chapters, there were times when I hated Jack Kennedy for his treatment of Jackie and Ari for his lack of loyalty to Maria, then I had moments where I thought the two women were plotting to get what (I thought) they wanted, security.
It is no secret to anyone that talks to me about books that Gill Paul is one of my favorite authors, that her writings speak to me and transport me back to another time, but this one had emotions about love and betrayal that I had not seen Ms. Paul give us in such a manner. To me, this book was perfection from the opening page until the very last sentence.
This book features intimate scenes between the two couples, scenes where you could just imagine that these conversations really took place. While reading the chapters, there were times when I hated Jack Kennedy for his treatment of Jackie and Ari for his lack of loyalty to Maria, then I had moments where I thought the two women were plotting to get what (I thought) they wanted, security.
It is no secret to anyone that talks to me about books that Gill Paul is one of my favorite authors, that her writings speak to me and transport me back to another time, but this one had emotions about love and betrayal that I had not seen Ms. Paul give us in such a manner. To me, this book was perfection from the opening page until the very last sentence.
November 20, 2020
An intriguing historical fiction about Jackie Kennedy (after the devastating murder of her husband John F. Kennedy) and Maria callas (a famous opera singer) The 2 woman are in a love triangle with one of the worlds most wealthiest men, Ari Onassis. Taking place from the 50s to the 70s. This story alternates chapters between Jackie and Maria. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story though both women's eyes. I felt pulled into this book right from start, and thought it was very well written. I loved the bits and pieces of history we hear throughout! I feel the author must have done a great amount of research. I felt the ending was tad rushed, but overall, a very entertaining read! I was never bored while reading this! Highly recommend it!
February 5, 2020
I wasn’t familiar with Gill Paul’s writing and what a treat it was to discover her! In Jackie and Maria, she brings to vivid life two iconic women of the twentieth century and their intertwined destinies. Ms Paul has done her research impeccably, but she wears it with the lightest of touches. It’s a gripping and sumptuous story with much gorgeous writing, strong characters, and a great sense of place. I will definitely be going through Ms Paul’s backlist to read more books by her! Highly recommended.
August 26, 2020
Jackie Kennedy is devastated from her husband, John F. Kennedy's murder. She takes comfort from one of the world's wealthiest men, Aristotle Onassisl. Maria Callas was a famous opera singer, she had been Ari Onassis lover for years. Little by little, Jackie and Maria's lives begin to tangle a dangerous web of secrets, scandal and lies.
The story is told alternately by Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Historical events were only mentioned if they only concerned either Jackie or Maria. This is a refreshing and interesting read that kept my attention throughout. The book is well written and portrayed the characters in such a way that you felt transported back in time. The pace flows along smoothly. This book shone a new light on the three main characters. I loved this historical fiction novel from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Gill Paul for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told alternately by Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Historical events were only mentioned if they only concerned either Jackie or Maria. This is a refreshing and interesting read that kept my attention throughout. The book is well written and portrayed the characters in such a way that you felt transported back in time. The pace flows along smoothly. This book shone a new light on the three main characters. I loved this historical fiction novel from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Gill Paul for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
I found this fictionalized story about the Jackie Kennedy, Ari Onassis, Maria Callas love triangle to be very entertaining. The author was also effective in fleshing out each of these iconic figures who are often viewed as one dimensional. Maria Callas, who usually gets a bad rap in the media is portrayed in a much more sympathetic and realistic light, while Jackie Kennedy Onassis is taken off her pedestal and made more relatable. Ari Onassis was presented as a villain you love to hate. He struck me an unlikely male hero for a romantic novel like this and remembering the real Onassis made the bedroom scenes a little difficult to get through. Another thing that bothered me were some of the liberties the author took, such as making a major storyline of the rumor that Callas and Onassis had a secret love child who died at birth. I realize this is a novel and expect much of the story to be fictional or based on speculation but this was such a big part of the story I fear many readers will accept it as fact. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel which offers a escape into an exclusive world full of drama, passion, colorful characters.
August 26, 2020
I loved this book, I have always been interested in the Kennedy’s as I remember when President Kennedy was murdered even though I was very young. The reaction of my parents to this horrific news has stayed with me . I love Gill Paul’s books but this one is the best so far. If it’s based on truth then she has got it just right. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2024
Джил Пол поставям до любими автори като Amy Harmon, Daniel Mason, Amy Belding Brown и Amor Towles. Разказвачи по природа, които могат да придадат на една история характер на емоционално преживяване. Джил Пол за първи път " срещнах " чрез книгата й A Beautiful Rival: A novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. Там живота на двете най - известни жени в козметичната индустрия е представен в моментите им на възход и загуби и във взаимната им конкуренция. Беше забележителен роман, който ме накара да предвкусвам удоволствие и от " Джаки и Мария ". Тази книга ми беше подарена от дъщеря ми след като аплодирахме световната премиера на операта " Калас и Онасис" във Варна. Максимална наслада от съчетанието на гласове, постановка, магнетични изпълнители и майсторски оркестър! " Джаки и Мария " на Джил Пол допълваше факти, които няма как да бъдат представени в спектакъл, като вътрешни преживявания, емоционални болки от детските години на героите и последици от взети от тях решения. Навсякъде между страниците сякаш чувах богатия глас на Мария Калас. Трагичната й съдба затвърждава усещането, че не можем да имаме всичко на този свят, май. Че когато печелим някъде, трупаме загуби другаде. И всеки в крайна сметка трябва да има приоритет. За който да рискува : кариера, талант, авторитет, семейство, любов , дом...
Що се отнася до Джаки Кенеди, аз тази жена никога не съм я харесвала. Аристократичното й излъчване не отговаря на мястото й на първа дама. Все пак Белият дом никога не е бил Версай. Иконична за Америка фигура, известна с добрия си вкус на обличане и с това, че добре стои до съпруга си, президента Кенеди. Може би защото си бях предубедена към нея, не можах да й съчувствам в моментите й на неудовлетворение и на опитите й да извика вниманието на съпруга си към семейния живот и към себе си. Тя е нямала това внимание от самото начало на връзката им. Знаела е защо е избрана за негова съпруга и в последствие търси начини да промени нещата. А в отношенията й с милиардера Онасис, нещата стават още по - отчаяни!
Джил Пол си остава любима писателка! Следващата й книга, която ме очаква е No Place for a Lady"
Що се отнася до Джаки Кенеди, аз тази жена никога не съм я харесвала. Аристократичното й излъчване не отговаря на мястото й на първа дама. Все пак Белият дом никога не е бил Версай. Иконична за Америка фигура, известна с добрия си вкус на обличане и с това, че добре стои до съпруга си, президента Кенеди. Може би защото си бях предубедена към нея, не можах да й съчувствам в моментите й на неудовлетворение и на опитите й да извика вниманието на съпруга си към семейния живот и към себе си. Тя е нямала това внимание от самото начало на връзката им. Знаела е защо е избрана за негова съпруга и в последствие търси начини да промени нещата. А в отношенията й с милиардера Онасис, нещата стават още по - отчаяни!
Джил Пол си остава любима писателка! Следващата й книга, която ме очаква е No Place for a Lady"
January 13, 2020
Gill Paul is a always meticulous in her historical research for novels, and always brings the characters so vividly to life. And this book is no exception. It's an era I LOVE - the 1950s and 1960s, much of it in the US, and my heroine Marilyn gets a little walk on part too. And this is about two HUGE stars of that era, two women I knew little about until now, Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. This novel is simply stunning. I lived and breathed it for days, looking forward to being transported to their luxurious yet tragic lives. I really can't stop thinking about these two women now. This will be HUGE!
November 29, 2020
I knew hardly anything about the people going into the novel, just had a craving for reading a political novel with a female lead. This was very well written and well worded. It's showed both the good side och People and the negative without being to harsh. It was both an interesting read yet infuriating, because the man they both loved toyed with them and only thought of himself and what he wanted. It's a look into unhealthy relationship and being used and letting other people do as they please because they love them. As well as being entertaining it was very readable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 924 reviews