Welcome to the wonderful world of opera – and in particular Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida, Carmen, La Bohème, Tosca, and Madam Butterfly. You may be familiar with some or all of these eight blockbuster operas by name, but how well do you know the compelling tales they tell?

When Robins Nest brings them vividly to life in an accessible collection of eight short-story adaptations. From beginning to end, the action is unrelenting as it explores age-old themes of life and death, love and lust, loyalty and betrayal, humour and despair, and so much more.

The true rewards of discovering opera lie in attending live performances, where story, singers, acting, and orchestra combine with sets, costumes, lighting, and direction to create thrilling moments of joy and pain, tears and laughter. Taking your first steps into opera may seem daunting, but the stories chosen for this entertaining collection offer a seductive introduction for anyone wishing to dip their toes.