OCTOBER 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Lisa Flanagan portrays the rivalry between former First Lady Jackie Kennedy and opera singer Maria Callas, imitating their voices and those of their famous family members. The two women were connected by their love for billionaire Aristotle Onassis, whose tender-voiced portrayal during dialogue contrasts with his hurtful infidelity. Flanagan displays her range by replicating Jackie’s talent with impressions—a flat Boston accent, a Southern drawl, the perky speech of a California girl. Maria’s voice is deeper and stronger than Jackie’s patrician voice, which Bobby Kennedy criticized as being “too breathy.” (Ironically, it is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s.) Both Jackie and Maria shared a rival in Jackie’s sister, Lee, whose spite is made clear with sharp consonants and hissing “s” sounds during an argument. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
06/29/2020
Paul (The Lost Daughter) is at her best in this irresistible tale of the two complex and glamorous women closest to Greek billionaire Aristotle “Ari” Onassis. Opera diva Maria Callas began an affair with Onassis in 1958, which continued until 1968, the year former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married Onassis. Paul chronicles major events in both women’s lives skillfully, whether it’s JFK’s assassination or Callas performing Aida at Italy’s legendary La Scala Opera House. Paul brings a humanizing touch to Jackie’s heartbreaks with JFK, including their stillborn daughter Arabella and their son Patrick, who lived two days after a premature birth in 1963, as well as to the story of Callas’s rumored son, Omero, named here by Ari after Homer, who dies shortly after his birth from lung failure (“She wanted to spend time with her little boy and memorize every inch of him before they took him away forever”). Paul shines in the small details about her larger-than-life characters, including the legendary soprano’s self-consciousness about her weight and subsequent dramatic weight loss, and Jacqueline Kennedy’s later life as a book editor. Paul’s pitch-perfect ear for dialogue, elegant prose, and sound plotting combine to create a sensational and spellbinding package. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"Absolutely delicious! Gill Paul's wonderfully seductive novel vividly captures the triumphs and tragedies of two remarkable and complicated women, whose lives interconnect in surprising and devastating ways. Jackie and Maria is perfect historical fiction. I adored it.” — Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Cottingley Secret and The Girl Who Came Home
“For those of us who thought we knew all about these public and private scandals, and for others just coming to this modern tell-all Greek tragedy, Jackie and Maria is a deep dive into glitz, glamour, and heartbreak. Gill Paul’s emotionally turbulent, amazing novels never disappoint.” — Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Queen's Secret
"Jackie and Maria is an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the rivalry between two of the world's most glamorous women, both of whom snared the attention of Aristotle Onassis, one of the world's richest and most mesmerizing men. Fans of the Kennedys will love this introduction to Maria Callas!" — Stephanie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of And They Called It Camelot
“Gill Paul weaves together the lives of two fascinating and flawed icons... 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.” — Heather Webb, USA Today Bestselling Author
"Glamorous and highly seductive, this compelling story explores the lives of two complex, powerful women complete with all their talents and flaws. Jackie and Maria is not just about their story; this novel also brings the 20th century to life in vivid, colorful detail. I loved it.” — Dinah Jefferies, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author
"Gill Paul weaves together the competing and complementary lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas into a rich tapestry in this absorbing, romantic novel. Impossibly chic and fiercely independent, both women commanded my attention from the first page, and I applauded them both to the last." — Kerri Maher, author of The Girl in White Gloves and The Kennedy Debutante
“Two of the most famous and glamorous women of the mid-20th century fall in love with one of the world’s richest men: the scene is set for a drama of vicious rivalry and broken hearts… a truly compelling story keeping you gripped from (fairly) innocent beginnings to tragic endings…This is the best of historical fiction – leaving you wanting to learn more.” — Liz Trenow, author of The Hidden Thread
"The novel brilliantly evokes the world of the jet-set, rich and famous of the sixties so well I felt I was living it all alongside them." — Kathleen McGurl, author of The Drowned Village and The Stationmaster’s Daughter
"With Jackie and Maria Gill Paul has cleverly tapped into the zeitgeist for reframing women's history...This is beautiful, tender and humane storytelling." — Kate Thompson, author of Secrets of the Homefront Girls and the Stepney Doorstep Society
"Gill Paul is always meticulous in her historical research for novels, and always brings the characters so vividly to life...This novel is simply stunning." — Louise Beech, author of Call Me Star Girl and The Mountain in My Shoe
"I can't rave highly enough about this book...A dazzling yet moving portrait of two very different iconic women, it's brilliantly researched, compellingly told and completely fascinating." — Tracy Rees, author of The House at Silvermoor and Amy Snow
"[A] delectable new novel...about the lives and romantic rivalry of two female icons—such a juicy pageturner!" — Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams
“Gill Paul brings to vivid life two iconic women of the twentieth century and their intertwined destinies. Sumptuous and spellbinding.” — Louisa Treger, author of The Dragon Lady
"I loved Gill's brilliant Jackie and Maria. I was completely enthralled, wholly swept up in the characters, the glamour, and the fascinating story of these iconic women. For me, it was an utter treat from beginning to end..." — Jenny Ashcroft, author of Last Letter to Bombay
“Heartbreaking. Brilliant. Powerful. Its intensity and perception knocked me out. I guarantee that this fascinating love-triangle story will have you enthralled. The passion and pain of two strong female icons of the twentieth century sent shivers through me with every page. Superb storytelling. Gill Paul at her best.” — Kate Furnivall, author of Guardian of Lies and The Betrayal
"I just loved being swept into the lives and loves – and steamy affairs! – of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. A fabulous book. Bravo, Gill!" — Eve Chase, author of The Daughters of Foxcote Manor and Black Rabbit Hall
"A compelling and fascinating story about powerful personalities played out against an intriguingly political and glamorous backdrop." — Rosanna Ley, author of The Lemon Tree Hotel
"Being aboard Onassis’ yacht with a glass of champagne was just what I needed. Addictive and so well-researched." — Kate Riordan, author of The Heatwave
“An intoxicating mix of glamour, scandal and fascinating insight into the lives of the super-rich and a superb character study of two of the 20th century’s most iconic women – and the man they both loved.” — Rachel Rhys, author of Fatal Inheritance and Island of Secrets
"Historical fiction at its most juicy... Socialites and scandal, a most satisfying cocktail for gossip lovers." — E! Online
"An un-put-downable novel perfect for all of us mesmerized by Jackie Kennedy. A story of love, passion, and tragedy as the lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas are intertwined—and they become the ultimate rivals, in love with the same man." — Frolic
"[An] irresistible tale...Paul shines in the small details about her larger-than-life characters... Paul’s pitch-perfect ear for dialogue, elegant prose, and sound plotting combine to create a sensational and spellbinding package." — Publishers Weekly
“This portrait of two fascinating, glamorous women and the man who, arguably, deserved neither of them is emotional and addictive.” — Booklist
"...an instant book club favorite." — Library Journal (starred review)
"Filled to the brim with famous and iconic characters, Jackie and Maria tells the story of two strong and prominent women who find themselves both engaged in a relationship with Aristotle Onassis and highlights the glittering, glamorous world in which they find themselves." — She Reads
"Jackie and Maria is well worth the read. Successfully weaving three lives of this magnitude into one novel is an impressive feat. Gill Paul’s writing is fluid and enjoyable. The pages turn quickly, and the book is always on the move." — Bookreporter.com
"This book is perfect for fans of Stephanie Thornton and Elise Hooper." — Historical Novels Review
Liz Trenow
Two of the most famous and glamorous women of the mid-20th century fall in love with one of the world’s richest men: the scene is set for a drama of vicious rivalry and broken hearts… a truly compelling story keeping you gripped from (fairly) innocent beginnings to tragic endings…This is the best of historical fiction – leaving you wanting to learn more.
Hazel Gaynor
"Absolutely delicious! Gill Paul's wonderfully seductive novel vividly captures the triumphs and tragedies of two remarkable and complicated women, whose lives interconnect in surprising and devastating ways. Jackie and Maria is perfect historical fiction. I adored it.
Louise Beech
"Gill Paul is always meticulous in her historical research for novels, and always brings the characters so vividly to life...This novel is simply stunning."
Kate Thompson
"With Jackie and Maria Gill Paul has cleverly tapped into the zeitgeist for reframing women's history...This is beautiful, tender and humane storytelling."
Kerri Maher
"Gill Paul weaves together the competing and complementary lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas into a rich tapestry in this absorbing, romantic novel. Impossibly chic and fiercely independent, both women commanded my attention from the first page, and I applauded them both to the last."
Karen Harper
For those of us who thought we knew all about these public and private scandals, and for others just coming to this modern tell-all Greek tragedy, Jackie and Maria is a deep dive into glitz, glamour, and heartbreak. Gill Paul’s emotionally turbulent, amazing novels never disappoint.
Kathleen McGurl
"The novel brilliantly evokes the world of the jet-set, rich and famous of the sixties so well I felt I was living it all alongside them."
Dinah Jefferies
"Glamorous and highly seductive, this compelling story explores the lives of two complex, powerful women complete with all their talents and flaws. Jackie and Maria is not just about their story; this novel also brings the 20th century to life in vivid, colorful detail. I loved it.
Stephanie Thornton
"Jackie and Maria is an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the rivalry between two of the world's most glamorous women, both of whom snared the attention of Aristotle Onassis, one of the world's richest and most mesmerizing men. Fans of the Kennedys will love this introduction to Maria Callas!"
Heather Webb
Gill Paul weaves together the lives of two fascinating and flawed icons... 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.
Louisa Treger
Gill Paul brings to vivid life two iconic women of the twentieth century and their intertwined destinies. Sumptuous and spellbinding.
Jenny Ashcroft
"I loved Gill's brilliant Jackie and Maria. I was completely enthralled, wholly swept up in the characters, the glamour, and the fascinating story of these iconic women. For me, it was an utter treat from beginning to end..."
Booklist
This portrait of two fascinating, glamorous women and the man who, arguably, deserved neither of them is emotional and addictive.
Kate Riordan
"Being aboard Onassis’ yacht with a glass of champagne was just what I needed. Addictive and so well-researched."
Kris Waldherr
"[A] delectable new novel...about the lives and romantic rivalry of two female icons—such a juicy pageturner!"
Rachel Rhys
An intoxicating mix of glamour, scandal and fascinating insight into the lives of the super-rich and a superb character study of two of the 20th century’s most iconic women – and the man they both loved.
She Reads
"Filled to the brim with famous and iconic characters, Jackie and Maria tells the story of two strong and prominent women who find themselves both engaged in a relationship with Aristotle Onassis and highlights the glittering, glamorous world in which they find themselves."
E! Online
"Historical fiction at its most juicy... Socialites and scandal, a most satisfying cocktail for gossip lovers."
Eve Chase
"I just loved being swept into the lives and loves – and steamy affairs! – of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. A fabulous book. Bravo, Gill!"
Bookreporter.com
"Jackie and Maria is well worth the read. Successfully weaving three lives of this magnitude into one novel is an impressive feat. Gill Paul’s writing is fluid and enjoyable. The pages turn quickly, and the book is always on the move."
Frolic
"An un-put-downable novel perfect for all of us mesmerized by Jackie Kennedy. A story of love, passion, and tragedy as the lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas are intertwined—and they become the ultimate rivals, in love with the same man."
Kate Furnivall
Heartbreaking. Brilliant. Powerful. Its intensity and perception knocked me out. I guarantee that this fascinating love-triangle story will have you enthralled. The passion and pain of two strong female icons of the twentieth century sent shivers through me with every page. Superb storytelling. Gill Paul at her best.
Rosanna Ley
"A compelling and fascinating story about powerful personalities played out against an intriguingly political and glamorous backdrop."
Historical Novels Review
"This book is perfect for fans of Stephanie Thornton and Elise Hooper."
Tracy Rees
"I can't rave highly enough about this book...A dazzling yet moving portrait of two very different iconic women, it's brilliantly researched, compellingly told and completely fascinating."
Booklist
This portrait of two fascinating, glamorous women and the man who, arguably, deserved neither of them is emotional and addictive.
Natasha Lester
Praise for The Lost Daughter: “A remarkable novel...I loved Maria’s courage in the face of revolution and war, and adored her fierce determination to protect her family. The history is fascinating, the love story passionate and the characters moving.
Library Journal
★ 05/01/2020
This historical fiction novel explores the parallel lives of two women associated with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Alternating between the voices of former first lady Jackie Kennedy and iconic soprano Maria Callas, the story covers the period of 1957 to 1977. Readers accompany Maria through a tempestuous yet passionate nine-year love affair with Onassis and witness Jackie's private relationship with John F. Kennedy before and during his presidency. Later, the complicated love triangle among Maria, Onassis, and Jackie is uncovered. This novel is an addictive pleasure, offering readers a front-row seat to an infamous rivalry and the opportunity to hobnob vicariously with the rich and famous. VERDICT Fans of historical fiction, those obsessed with the Camelot years, or readers who simply delight in a good story should reserve a copy. Despite taking some literary liberties, Paul (The Lost Daughter) presents a mostly accurate portrayal of real events through the fictional voices of Jackie and Maria. The captivating narrative paired with supplemental reading group questions paves the way for an instant book club favorite.—Mary Todd Chesnut, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights
OCTOBER 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Lisa Flanagan portrays the rivalry between former First Lady Jackie Kennedy and opera singer Maria Callas, imitating their voices and those of their famous family members. The two women were connected by their love for billionaire Aristotle Onassis, whose tender-voiced portrayal during dialogue contrasts with his hurtful infidelity. Flanagan displays her range by replicating Jackie’s talent with impressions—a flat Boston accent, a Southern drawl, the perky speech of a California girl. Maria’s voice is deeper and stronger than Jackie’s patrician voice, which Bobby Kennedy criticized as being “too breathy.” (Ironically, it is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s.) Both Jackie and Maria shared a rival in Jackie’s sister, Lee, whose spite is made clear with sharp consonants and hissing “s” sounds during an argument. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
