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Book Review by
Mary Kay
Aida
Buy
This Book
Told by Leotyne Price
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Leontyne Price, perhaps best known for her career as an
opera performer, also reveals her talents as storyteller and
writer through this beautiful retelling of Guiseppe Verdi’s
opera, AIDA. Having sung the role of the tragic Ethiopian
Princess Aida on many occasions, Ms. Price’s love for the
story as well as the character of Aida is obvious. In her
storyteller’s notes at the end of the slim volume, Ms.
Price comments that,
"Aida has given me great inspiration onstage and
off. Her deep devotion and love for her country and her
people – her nobility, strength, and courage – are
all qualities I aspire to as a human being. I will never
forget her."
 The story of
the opera Aida centers around the political conflict between
Ethiopia and its warring neighbor, Egypt, as well as the
personal conflict between the princesses of both countries.
Princess Aida of Ethiopia, through the carelessness of
youth, becomes enslaved by the Egyptians and serves as
handmaiden to the Egyptian Princess Amneris. Many of Aida’s
captors are fascinated by her charm and grace however, as
the daughter of a king, Aida has enough wisdom to keep her
true identity a secret. As the plot is revealed, Aida and
Amneris are both found to be in love with the handsome,
strong Egyptian Army captain, Radames. Radames
unfortunately, reveals his love for Aida, much to the dismay
of the Egyptian princess. Further conflict results within
Aida when she realizes that she has unwittingly chosen the
death of her Ethiopian loved ones over that of Radames.
The story of Aida closes in the manner of a classic
Shakespearean tragedy, with the lovers as victims of
conflict between countries.
The illustrations by the Dillons give this work a majesty
all its own, with their bold colors and over-sized page
format.
This book would be a great gift for anyone who is
interested in the opera Aida or in Egypt. The 10" x
11" format makes it suitable for young readers as well
as the young-at-heart. And if you or anyone you know will be
making the pilgrimage to the Giza Plateau to see a live
performance of AIDA this year, this book would be a welcome
going away present or remembrance of that special event!
AIDA
As told by Leotyne Price
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Based on the opera by Guiseppe Verdi
Voyager Books edition 1997
Harcourt Brace & Company
San Diego New York London
Cover Price $7.00
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