I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Diva is a compelling story about the iconic opera singer known as Maria Callas (La Divina) and her journey in finding her true voice. I hadn't heard of Maria prior to reading this book and have now since watched some videos of her singing. I love the detail of the work that went into her performances. I found it interesting that she performed at JFK's birthday along side Marilyn Monroe. I enjoyed this book because it explains how her career started, her complicated family relationships and her affair with Aristotle Onassis. I love that despite everything she went through, she maintained her own identity and remained resilient.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own

Book Tagline New York Times bestselling author Daisy Goodwin returns with a story of the scandalous love affair between the most celebrated opera singer of all time and one of the richest men in the world.

This turned out to be the perfect reading choice for an early Saturday morning. A historical fiction about the love affair between Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis. Maria was certainly an alluring and talented woman. Onassis was compelling but there were elements of his character that made me not like him. Whatever the case I was hooked fairly early on.

As the story moves from the 1950's-1960's, readers are treated to flashbacks that give us a window into Maria's upbringing and her strained family relations. Showing that even with all that success, there were elements of her story that any of us can relate to.

If I have one quibble it would be that Daisy Goodwin doesn't have an afterword that tells us more of what she researched and where she might have added some things to the storyline. Did Maria ever reconcile with her sister? Yes, I know that I am free to "Google" and I certainly will because I am very intrigued. Just as a spoiled reader, I crave my author's notes.

Overall, I would highly recommend to readers who also enjoyed Jackie and Maria: A Novel of Jackie Kennedy & Maria Callas by Gil Paul will certainly crave to read this one as well.



Publication date 23/01/24
Goodreads Review 23/02/24

Maria Callas was a beautiful woman with a diving voice who was exploited by her mother from an early age. Her father never protected Maria from her mother's verbal and emotional abuse. It is no surprise that Maria looked for men that were older, would coddle her, give her gifts, and calm her insecurities. While her first marriage was full of companionship, her affair with Aristotle Onassis brought her passion and heartbreak. To Onassis Maria Callas was just another conquest.

The author's writing style makes her a superb storyteller.

I have read one other Daisy Goodwin novel prior to picking up this book. I was unsure if she is an author for me due to how bored I was while reading The American Heiress. I decided to give her another try to see if my opinion changed.

Unfortunately, it did not. While the book is well written from a technical standpoint, I felt absolutely no connection to any of these characters. The long, drawn out descriptions of things actually took me out of the story because I was so bored that my mind would drift.

I don’t think Goodwin is a bad writer by any means. Many readers love her work. I just don’t find that it works for me. I need more of an emotional connection to the story than what Goodwin was able to provide.

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Daisy Goodwin has been on my auto-read list for some time, and rightfully so. This book is nothing short of entertaining and sure to please any reader.

I have previously enjoyed Godwin’s books and her latest about Maria Callas is no exception.
I felt sorry for Callas. She gave her heart to a man who collected things and displayed them on his yacht. I’ve read many books about Onassis and he was an adroit businessman but he was lower than pond scum when it came to his treatment of women.
Callas accepted the scraps because she loved him.
I think the author captures the magnificent voice of the singer to allow her the spotlight for one brief shining moment that was not Camelot bit a Greek tragedy of a love that could never be.

In Goodwin’s Diva, the reader gets an intimate look not only into Maria Callas’ diva stage persona and operatic triumphs, but also into the sensitive soul underneath. We see how Callas’ unhappy childhood resulted in an insecurity and a fear that she would only be loved for her talent, never for herself. And of course, we learn about her years as the lover of Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate, who would also become famous as the second husband of Jackie Kennedy.

I definitely recommend this book to my fellow historical fiction fans.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

This was a bit of a slog for me. I couldnt quite connect to the FMC. I enjoyed learning about the Opera and theater at first but by the end i couldnt read another description of a performance. It was getting really repetitive.

this is a brilliant retelling of Maria Callas’ life. the characters are vivid and the author does an incredible job bringing this diva to life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Bravo, Daisy!

Diva is a historical fiction inspired by the events of Maria Callas' life. The world-famous opera singer who fell in love with Aristotle Onassis shortly before he ultimately left her to marry the widowed Jackie Kennedy. A note at the beginning of the book states the author, Daisy Goodwin, had taken some liberties with her storytelling.

A brief search on the internet confirms the alignment of Daisy's well-researched portrait of Maria's strong-willed and driven characteristics. It is a page-turner and hard to put down. I enjoyed learning Daisy's version of Maria Callas's (and Aristotle's!) turbulent, glamorous, and passionate history.

I highly recommend it to historical fiction and romance fans.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the ARC.

BOOK REVIEW: Diva by Daisy Goodwin
2024 Publication Date: January 23

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

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T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A Soprano's Highs and Lows Beyond the Opera Stage..
In the world of biographical fiction, few books manage to capture the essence of a true historical icon while weaving a narrative that strikes a chord with contemporary readers. Daisy Goodwin's latest novel, Diva, does just that — immersing us in the opulent yet tumultuous life of Maria Callas, the woman who soared to divine heights in the opera world.

In this best biographical novels review, we'll explore the multidimensional portrayal of Callas' spirit, the rich historical context, and how Goodwin masterfully paints the soprano's journey with a blend of fact and fiction...

Plot Analysis and Character Exploration
Diva chronicles the fabled life of Maria Callas, from her early years overshadowed by war and familial exploitation to her ascent as la divina — a term that conveys her otherworldly talent and unmatched presence. However, it is the personal battles and the intimate encounters with Aristotle Onassis that render her story profoundly human.

Goodwin meticulously illustrates Callas' character development, transforming from a vulnerable ingénue under the influence of a domineering mother, into a powerhouse vocalist with an independent streak, facing the spotlight’s merciless scrutiny.

As readers, we witness Callas' internal struggles and ascendancy to artistic reverence. Yet, it's her vulnerability, especially portrayed through her passionate and consuming romance with Onassis, that endearingly etches her persona in our minds.

The ensuing heartbreak, subsequent to Onassis' engagement to Jacqueline Kennedy, is poignantly depicted, revealing a layer of Callas that the grand opera stages rarely exposed.

Standout Features of Diva
• Historical and Literary Context
Daisy Goodwin sets Callas' tale amidst the panorama of mid-20th-century glamour, when opera was the pinnacle of cultural sophistication. And she doesn't shy away from detailing the era's societal constraints and expectations of women, especially those in the public eye.

It is against this backdrop that Callas' story unfolds, granting readers a glimpse into a bygone era that still resonates today due to its themes of fame, identity, and the perpetual search for love.

From her humble beginnings in Greece to the gilded jet-set lifestyle that Onassis epitomized, Diva serves as a historical tour de force that enriches its biographical narrative. Goodwin's deft writing provides a vivid sense of place, whether it’s the rehearsals or on-stage experiences where Callas honed her craft to the glittering social gatherings she graced.

• Author's Writing Style and Audience Appeal
The author's ability to blend historical accuracy with lyrical storytelling makes Diva an alluring read for book lovers of biographical novels and fiction enthusiasts alike. Goodwin writes with a descriptive flair that makes each page come alive — a testament to her extensive research and creative intuition. The prose is as elegant as the arias that Callas mastered.

Moreover, the book appeals to those familiar with operatic lore and novices alike. Fans of biographical fiction will appreciate the authenticity and richness of detail, while newcomers will find the story accessible and engaging, urging them to discover more about the enigmatic diva depicted.

Throughout reading the book, I found myself constantly "stepping aside" to unearth historical footage or video clips of Maria Callas singing the arias referenced in the story... And seeing the details of her clothing, appearance and demeanor come to life in front of my eyes.

• Thematic Elements and Contemporary Relevance
Despite the historical setting, Diva addresses timeless themes such as ambition, love, betrayal, and the pursuit of true selfhood. These elements ground the biographical fiction novel, making it palpably relevant to today's readers who navigate similar emotional landscapes, albeit in different arenas.

Through Callas's circumstances, Goodwin delves into the burdens of talent and the personal sacrifices made at fame's altar — issues any creative individual, past or present, can relate to.

We do not need to have stepped onto a stage and faced thousands of fans waiting for whether they would hear a divine performance or "see the great one fall"... But simply be a person who understands what it means to be motivated by the desire to be your best and never disappoint those we hold dear.

The thematic exploration into what it means to maintain one's identity amid public scrutiny feels particularly contemporary, as it mirrors the experiences of modern figures in the arts and beyond.

By doing so, Goodwin connects Callas' legacy to an ongoing conversation about celebrity and integrity.

• Balancing Critique and Praise
Like any work of biographical historical fiction, Diva requires a delicate balance of fact and creative license. Goodwin navigates this with expertise, though purists might yearn for more biographical fidelity.

At times, I must admit my personal illusions of certain historical icons can be challenging to imagine as individuals who are much more likely to embody equal parts of a moral spectrum.

But I remind myself, and you as a reader, that a biographical fiction book is a work of historical fiction. It is not meant to be nonfiction or a straight biography. It is simply a "what if" approach to imagine "what might have been" based on the limited knowledge the public ever has or can have about another person's entire experience.

Nonetheless, the novel's lush narrative and emotional depth offer a dimensional homage to Maria Callas' legacy, while providing a riveting story. It's a reminder that the lives of even the most legendary figures are composed of the same heartaches and joys that define our own.

EPILOGUE
Diva by Daisy Goodwin is no ordinary biographical fiction — It is an ode to one of the most powerful voices in the history of opera, a voice that resonated far beyond the theater walls.

Readers seeking more than just a surface skim of historical events will find Diva a book that resonates with the soul and leads to rich introspection. It's a journey through the vicissitudes of a star's life, an examination of the price of greatness, and, ultimately, a universal story of finding one's voice amidst the cacophony of life's opera.

Whether you're drawn to the intricate stories behind the music or simply captivated by tales of passion and resilience, Diva is undoubtedly one of the best biographical fiction books of the year to add to your reading list... And makes my list of favorite biographical novels not to be missed.

Join Maria Callas as she navigates fame's labyrinth and emerges, timelessly, as la divina...✨😎✨

Pages: 336
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sub-Genre: Biographical Fiction | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶🌶 (Medium Spicy)
Time Period: Primarily 1950s - 60s
Location: Greece (with additional multiple locations worldwide)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Signature Of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Callas

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the high-stakes world of 20th-century opera, nobody shone brighter than Maria Callas. Known as la divina, or "the divine one," her voice transcended the globe, and her stage presence captured hearts... Daisy Goodwin's new novel unveils the turbid love story between Callas, the voice of a century, and Aristotle Onassis, a magnate with wealth as vast as the seas he mastered...

Raised under the shadow of war in Greece, Maria learned the cruel game of survival, dictated by a demanding mother who saw her daughter's voice as a ticket to prosperity. It was in these early trials that Maria crafted an armor against a world eager to exploit her.

Her heart found respite, fleetingly, when she encountered Aristotle Onassis — a man who sought the woman behind the persona. Wrapped in a whirlwind romance of luxury and glamour, rubbing elbows with the era's dignitaries, Maria dared to believe in the fairy tale.

Yet, her fairy tale crumbled to dust. In a twist that riveted the world, Onassis would discard her to marry Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria with a shattered heart but not a defeated spirit.

Goodwin's novel is a tribute to a legendary soprano who, despite facing the cruelest of public betrayals, found within herself the strength to rise. And in her loss, Callas discovered a voice more powerful than ever, affirming her place as an icon whose triumphs resonated far beyond the velvet curtains of the opera.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The theme of maintaining one's identity amidst public scrutiny... In today's age of social media, it can be easy to lose sight of who we truly are as we try to meet the expectations and standards set by others.
• The idea of finding one's voice amidst the chaos and noise of life is a powerful message... It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, our voice and identity are still our own.
• The exploration of the cost of fame and greatness is a cautionary tale... It serves as a reminder that success and recognition often come at a personal cost, and it's important to prioritize our well-being over societal expectations.

BOOK QUOTE:
"Her voice was fading, but she had done so much more with what she had left. It might not be perfection, but it was truthful..." — Diva by Daisy Goodwin

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I'm a huge fan of Daisy Goodwin and I was so excited to be offered a chance to read an advanced copy of this book. This one certainly did not disappoint! I had never heard of Maria Callas before reading this, and I was completely fascinated by Goodwin's version of her. Overall, excellent story with wonderfully presented characters.

Thank you to NetGally and St. Martin's Press for providing an eArc in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 stars

I’m so glad I asked to read and review this historical fiction based on the life of Maria Callas. I only knew her as the girlfriend who was scorned in 1968 by Ari Onasis when he suddenly met and married Jackie Kennedy. This was big news back then, a scandal of sorts. The public felt nothing but sympathy for Jackie, so no one acknowledged how Maria must have felt.
Maria was so much more than her brief time with Ari. Her talent, determination, and structured lifestyle to support her beautiful soprano voice is detailed ‌in this story, and she was quite the amazing woman. While reading this, I saw an article that they opened a museum in Greece in October of this year, honoring her 100th birthday. It’s a fabulous museum, as is her career as one of the most influential opera singers in the 20th century. And you don’t have to be interested in opera to enjoy this. Maria’s history on its own will astound and entertain you.
Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is January 23, 2024.

I got about 40% in and had to DNF. Looking up trigger warnings beforehand would have been helpful, I have found there is some sexual violence that I am sensitive to so I will not be finishing it. From what I have read, the book is interesting though.

Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read this book!

Initially, Daisy Goodwin’s Diva is hard to get into as it reads like a romance novel, and not in a good way. Fortunately, however, Goodwin ultimately goes far deeper to get to the essence of Maria Callas, who spent a lifetime seeking someone who loved her for herself and not just for her voice. As a child, Maria was forced by her mother to sing for soldiers in WWII Greece for money. Later, Maria’s husband/manager overworked her voice by overbooking her for performances in order to make as much money as possible. Enter Aristotle Onassis, who appears to love Maria the woman. But he too comes to take Maria for granted by being a serial cheat, a cruel man, and a first-rate gaslighter. It is interesting to watch Maria ultimately grow beyond these relationships to learn how to love herself. I especially recommend reading the book while listening to the album that accompanies the book, as there is nothing like listening to La Divina’s magnificent voice. 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary ARC of this book.

DNF at 12% I just can't seem to get into this currently. I do like the writing style, but it's not really a genre I seem to be picking up right now.

I will be giving my feedback on the audio book. Thank you for the review copy. I appreciate your time.

In this remarkable novel, Daisy Goodwin brings to life a woman whose extraordinary talent, unremitting drive, and natural chic made her a legend. But it was only in confronting the heartbreak of losing the man she loved that Maria Callas found her true voice and went on to triumph.