Nellie: The Life and Loves of a Diva

Nellie Melba's biography by Robert Wainwright reveals a different portrait of the opera singer, celebrating her musical contributions and personal life despite obstacles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Atlantic Books

In this captivating biography of Nellie Melba, Robert Wainwright delves into the remarkable tale of the girl with an extraordinary voice who, through sheer force of personality and remarkable vocal power, stormed the operatic world and managed to escape from her tumultuous marriage to Ysenda Maxtone Graham. Nellie Melba is often remembered as a statuesque, late middle-aged woman adorned in furs and oversized hats, portraying an imperious Dame whose voice commanded global attention for three decades, inspiring the creation of a delectable dessert known as peach and raspberry. However, her journey to success was not without its challenges. She had to navigate societal expectations and the pervasive misogyny that would have preferred her remain a housewife in outback Queensland rather than grace the stages of the world. She endured the violence of an abusive marriage, faced the heartbreak of being denied true love by the would-be King of France due to scandal, and suffered the devastating loss of her only son, stolen by his enraged and vengeful father.

Despite these formidable obstacles, Nellie Melba persevered and built an extraordinary career as an opera singer and entrepreneur across three continents, becoming one of the pioneering international superstars. Award-winning biographer Robert Wainwright presents a nuanced and multifaceted portrait of this remarkable diva, celebrating not only her musical contributions but also her rich and vibrant personal life. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Wainwright unveils a side of Nellie Melba that has been largely overlooked, shedding light on her complex relationships, her struggles with identity, and her unwavering determination to overcome adversity. This captivating biography offers a fresh perspective on the life and legacy of Nellie Melba, reminding us of the power of music, resilience, and the human spirit to transcend circumstances and achieve greatness.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838955090
Edition number: Main