Historical Fiction.

5 shiny, bright stars!

I love to read about Jackie Kennedy and this book had a fresh perspective not only on Jackie Kennedy, but the rivalry between her and Maria Callas.

Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas are not the best of friends.. in fact, they really aren't friends at all. Quite the opposite. They fell in love with the exact same man . . .

What an interesting plot! It was quite clear that Paul did extensive research. I read Paul's previous book, The Secret Wife and couldn't wait to read this one. It did not disappoint. Jackie and Maria is compelling and powerful. Completely Unputdownable.

If your bookclub likes historical fiction, this would be a great pick!

"Jackie & Maria" by Gill Paul
Genre: Historical Fiction/Women’s Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: August 18, 2020
Mini-Review
In this historical fiction/women’s fiction, the emphasis is on women’s fiction. The story revolves around Jackie Kennedy and the world-famous opera singer, Maria Callas, and their relationship with Ari Onassis. By the third chapter, I went to check the endnotes and was not surprised to see that there weren’t any.
What you get is a lot of already known gossip such as, Jackie and Jack Kennedy’s marriage, after his assignation how heavily she leaned on Bobby Kennedy, all the rumors about the Kennedy boys and Marilyn Monroe, Jackie becoming Jackie O, and of course, the love triangle with Jackie and Ari and his longtime love affair with 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 it was such 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—hmm, not in the Kindle version. 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 documented history then I’d skip this one.

This is a page turner of a book that had me hooked from the first page. A novel of fascinating people who just happen to be Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis,
Alternating from chapter to chapter by year, we catch a glimpse of the life they lived and find that the opera diva and senators wife have more in common than one might think. Gill’s wonderful writing brings out their emotions, wants, needs and moments of triumph and tragedy. As time goes on, their lives connect as they share in the attention of Aristotle Onassis and the rivalry is palpable.
Set in glamorous locations throughout the world with a wonderful cast of characters this is a dishy, fascinating and enjoyable book from start to finish. If you’re looking for the perfect summer read, you’ve found it. Grab a copy, sit back and be transported!

I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Jackie and Maria.This isn’t an involving moving novel of these two women and their connection beyond the man they both loved.So well written a book Inwill be recommending.#netgalley#harpercollins

I have read multiple books by Gill Paul and this one is by far one of my favorites. I have always been fascinated by the relationship between Jackie and Ari, but I never realized how important Maria was to the story. I found myself more sympathetic towards Maria than I thought I would. Absolutely amazing!

This book kept my attention and is well written. Two women that share one man is not a new topic, but when the characters are actual people, with actual life events, the parallel is stronger.

This fictional account of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Maria Callas begins in 1957. Maria is at the height of her opera career; her husband does her business dealings, but the romance has long been gone. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy is the dutiful wife of then-senator John F. Kennedy, who is about to run for president. As the story unfolds, the lives of these two women intersect over time, as the two women share the attention of the world’s richest man, Aristotle Onassis. As life goes on for the characters, the reader is taken on a fascinating journey of love, loss, glamor, and intrigue.

Ms. Paul’s rich character development reveals the complexities of these individuals, who although flawed to the core, are also endearingly human. The dialogue was utterly fascinating, plausible, and full of passion. Reading this novel, I felt as if I was there with the characters, enraptured in their world. Even though we know how the story ends, I was compelled to keep reading to learn the intimate details of their lives.

I highly recommend this novel, especially if you enjoy fictional accounts of prominent 20th Century women. This book is similar to Meet Me in Monaco and The Beautiful Strangers, yet utterly unique and special. As usual, I found myself looking up historical details to learn more about the history and the characters.