She recalls her beloved Italian grandmother, the pain of growing up with an alcoholic mother, and her adoring but troubled relationship with her father. Crespin describes her rise from a teenager with "a pretty little voice" to dramatic soprano, and provides delightful anecdotes about her performances at Bayreuth, the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and other major opera houses and concert halls throughout the world. She openly discusses an abortion, her battles with breast cancer, intimate details of her love life, and contemplates the art of singing as well as the burdens of stardom. Crespin's exasperation with the lack of recognition from her own country is also revealed.