First published in 1908, Die Primadonna pulls back the velvet curtain on the life of a celebrated opera singer, Anna. We meet her at the peak of her career, adored by audiences and surrounded by the trappings of success.

The Story

The plot follows Anna through the whirlwind of performances, rehearsals, and the demanding social world of the theater. But the heart of the story beats in the quiet moments between the arias. We see the exhaustion after a show, the isolation of constant travel, and the pressure to always be 'on.' Her relationships—with managers, rivals, admirers, and the few people who might see the real her—are strained by the demands of her persona. The novel asks what it costs to live for your art and for the approval of a faceless crowd.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current Anna's struggles feel. Over a century later, we're still obsessed with celebrity and the gap between a public image and a private self. Wohlbrück writes with a sharp, observant eye. She doesn't judge Anna; she lets us walk in her shoes. You feel the weight of the costumes, the dryness of the throat before a high note, and the hollow echo of an empty theater. It's a masterclass in writing about loneliness in a crowded room.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love character-driven historical fiction or anyone fascinated by the performing arts. If you enjoyed the backstage intensity of novels like The Phantom of the Opera (but from a more grounded, psychological angle) or the exploration of a woman's interior life in books by writers like Willa Cather, you'll find a friend in this book. It's a short, impactful read that stays with you long after the last page.