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"Some novels just naturally enslave you, and this is one of them...Serious and gripping...[a] brilliant debut novel." -The Washington Post
It is 1903, and Erika von Kessler has struggled for years to become pregnant. Resigned to childlessness, Erika-a talented opera singer and the wife of a prominent Bostonian-secretly plans to move to Italy to pursue her musical career. When the charismatic Doctor Ravell takes Erika on as a patient, he is mesmerized by her. Impetuously, he takes a shocking risk that could ruin them both.
Inspired by the author's family history, the novel moves from snowy Boston to the gilded balconies of Florence in a stunning tale of opera, longing, and the indomitable power of romantic obsession.
Adrienne McDonnell has taught literature and fiction writing at the University of California, Berkeley. She lives near San Francisco.
Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2010
What a great read - such an amazing story. It is so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Redmary
Posted May 20, 2012
I enjoyed the story, but didn't like the ending. I am glad I read it, but the end fizzled for me. Check it out, maybe it was just me!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.9047334
Posted July 15, 2011
Such a beautiful book. Just sucks you in.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BJJNY
Posted September 14, 2010
The author has done extensive research on the places, era and characters in this fascinating tale of her first husband's ancestors. The doctor is renowned for his successful fertility treatments. Determined that they will have a family, the diva's husband seeks the doctors help when it becomes evident that there is a problem.Unforeseen events unfold as a result.Shocking decisions are made. The reader is taken on an emotional and an actual journey as the characters pursue their desires from Boston to Trinidad, Florence and Egypt. This is an engrossing read. Highly recommended for book clubs.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was a great read!
From the very beginning, it pulled you in with a mouth dropping scandal that I shouted out loud as I read it, "OH MY GOD".
The Doctor & the Diva is everything it promises to be, and when you learn of the research that went into it, it pulls you in even more.
The two things that would have made me give a better rating:
-Spicier love scenes. I felt this was a romantic tale, and I wanted to be drawn in more to the fantasy aspect of it.
-At times I felt there were filler scenes that were not necessary, and it dragged on a little.
Over all, it was a great debut book!
Anonymous
Posted July 5, 2012
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Posted June 7, 2011
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Posted August 3, 2010
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Posted October 19, 2011
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Posted January 30, 2011
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Posted August 31, 2010
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Posted December 31, 2010
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Posted August 8, 2010
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Posted March 29, 2011
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Posted May 31, 2011
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Posted October 15, 2010
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Posted June 7, 2011
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Overview
"Some novels just naturally enslave you, and this is one of them...Serious and gripping...[a] brilliant debut novel." -The Washington Post
It is 1903, and Erika von Kessler has struggled for years to become pregnant. Resigned to childlessness, Erika-a talented opera singer and the wife of a prominent Bostonian-secretly plans to move to Italy to pursue her musical career. When the charismatic Doctor Ravell takes Erika on as a patient, he is ...