I didn’t finish this book. I enjoy historical fiction yet this one just wouldn’t hold my interest. The writing didn’t leave me wanting more.

This was an excellent book, very well written, and had a good pace. I love learning something when I read and learning of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was a amazing thing. What she was able to accomplish was astounding considering the time period it took place in. I'm glad I got the chance to read this and would recommend it to others.

The Unexpected Diva is one of the best historical fiction novels I've read in a while. Tiffany L Warren took what little information was available on Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield and wove a story that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Once I started I could not put this book down. The writing was such that it's hard to belive that not all of the information shared was factual. As I was reading I just knew majority of what I was reading was true. That's the sign of a well written believable story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

"The Unexpected Diva" was an interesting read, but also a bit depressing. It was wonderful to know that there was a black female singer that was the equal of Jenny Lind, though I'm inclined to believe Elizabeth was better. And the fact she got the opportunity to showcase her gift is extraordinary for the time period in which she lived. What seemed a bit depressing was how her personal relationships seemed to suffer in some way because of that talent. She gets taken advantage of; she's exposed to violent racism; she's tasked with somehow not just being an extremely gifted singer but also the physical embodiment of all black people.

That last one really bothers me, because at some point, black people as a whole must come to the realization that no matter how good we are, no matter how successful, we will always be viewed overall as second class and substandard. That is not to say we shouldn't bother to excel, but we should excel for ourselves....not to attain approval that is always be a shiny object just out of reach.

Some of the supporting characters I did not like, but I did respect the way Elizabeth learned to stand her ground with regard to what she wanted her life to be. Author Tiffany L. Warren does a great service in providing an afterword that gives the actual history behind the story. That provides a clarity for the reader that is much needed. I can't call this a slamdunk of a read, but it is worth exploring, if only to enlighten yourself that there were American black operatic-leaning singers prior to the 20th century.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Before the Civil War, Black opera singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield reigned supreme on Northern stages—even performing at Buckingham Palace. Novelist Tiffany L Warren brings this remarkable but forgotten diva’s remarkable story to life for modern readers.

Born into slavery on a Mississippi plantation, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield has been raised in the safety of Philadelphia’s Quaker community by a wealthy adoptive mother. Sheltered and educated, Eliza’s happy childhood always included music lessons to nurture her unique gift: a glorious three octave singing voice that leaves listeners in awe. But on the eve of her twenty-fourth birthday, young Eliza’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her mother dies.

Eliza’s inheritance is contested by her mother’s white cousins, leaving her few options. She can marry her longtime beau, Lucien, though she has no desire to be a wife and mother. Or she can work as a tutor for rich families. Her mother’s dying wish was for Eliza to pursue her talent and become a professional singer, but that grand vision now seems out of reach.

When a chance performance on a steamboat to Buffalo, New York, leads to a surprising opportunity, fearless Eliza seizes her moment. Within a year she is touring America, singing to packed houses, and igniting controversy wherever she goes. In a country captivated by “the Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind, Eliza is billed by tour promoters as “the Black Swan.” An unlikely diva, Eliza is tall, dark-skinned, and robust of figure compared to the petite European prima donna, but even the harshest critics can’t deny Eliza’s extraordinary gift. Menaced by racist crowds, threatened by slave-catchers who kidnap free Black people, Eliza lives a public life full of risk, but one which also holds the promise of great riches, and the freedoms those buy.

From the churches of Philadelphia to Queen Victoria’s salon in Buckingham Palace, Eliza Greenfield will blaze her own path—with a voice that no listener will ever forget.

My Take:
Often when I read novels on Black historical figures, I find myself asking: who is this book for? Further, why is your imagination of this person's world so dark? This is especially true when reading about historical Black women. If it has not been recorded that her life has been marked with such darkness, why is it imagined on her? That type of projection takes me out of the story of this person. That said, thankfully, Warren did not do this to Ms. Eliza Taylor Greenfield. Warren imagined Taylor Greenfield as a nuanced woman who was of the time and ahead of her time. I appreciated the journey of what transformed her to "The Black Swan" without ever disconnecting her from community. I highly recommend this book for book club discussions.

This was such an awesome read! I had never heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield but I am so glad to know of her now. The author did a great job pulling together the historical facts and creating a timeline with the limited information she has available. She filled in the gaps so creatively. If she hasn’t told us in the notes her process, I would have thought the entire novel was factual. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone.

I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS NOVEL! It was such an awesome ride and I’m so happy I read it!

I had a lot of fun reading this! I used to shy away from historical fiction but then I read stories like these that just draw me in. My favorite thing about this is the character development of Eliza. Her growing into her confidence was a beautiful thing to read, and I am glad that she navigated her life on her own terms. Once she finally made the decision to step out and take a leap of faith, it truly took off from there. Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Elizabeth, so i am glad to have had a glimpse into her life. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Book Review: "Eliza Greenfield: The Black Swan" by Tiffany L. Warren
Before the Civil War, the extraordinary journey of Black opera singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield unfolds in Tiffany L. Warren's captivating novel, "Eliza Greenfield: The Black Swan." Warren resurrects the remarkable story of this talented diva, whose incredible performances graced Northern stages and even reached the illustrious halls of Buckingham Palace.
Born into the harsh realities of slavery on a Mississippi plantation, Elizabeth’s life takes a transformative turn when she is adopted by a wealthy family in Philadelphia’s Quaker community. This nurturing environment allows her to flourish, as she receives an education and music lessons that cultivate her extraordinary three-octave singing voice. However, the tragic loss of her adoptive mother just before her twenty-fourth birthday presents Eliza with daunting challenges.
Faced with the contestation of her inheritance, Eliza grapples with limited options. She could marry her devoted partner, Lucien, or take on the role of a tutor for affluent families. Yet, her mother’s dream for her to shine as a professional singer seems increasingly distant.
In a twist of fate, a chance performance on a steamboat to Buffalo, New York, leads Eliza to embrace a life-changing opportunity. Fearless and determined, she embarks on a whirlwind tour across America, captivating audiences and stirring controversy. Amidst a nation enamored with the talents of “the Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind, Eliza proudly claims her identity as “the Black Swan.”
Despite facing racism and threats, including those from slave catchers seeking to undermine her freedom, Eliza's resilience shines through. Her story is one of courage and triumph, as she navigates a public life filled with risks while pursuing her passion. From the churches of Philadelphia to the grandeur of Queen Victoria’s salon, Eliza Greenfield carves her own path with an unforgettable voice that resonates with all who have the privilege to hear it.
Warren’s novel not only highlights the remarkable achievements of a forgotten diva but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of talent and determination. "Eliza Greenfield: The Black Swan" is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of history, music, and the indomitable spirit of Black women who have paved the way for future generations. #netgalley

I enjoyed this book. This is the author debut historical fiction about a prima donna in the making. I have never heard about Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield until I read this book. I need to research more on Elizabeth, because the way the author describes her voice makes her sound beautiful. The only part of the book I didn't enjoy was the character Charles. I didn't like how he became a manager without someone asking him.

I had never heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield prior to reading this book. The author shares in her notes that she hadn't known of her either until stumbling upon her name while doing research for a different project. Like me, while reading The Unexpected Diva, Warren was fascinated by this extraordinarily talented Black woman in pre-Civil War America. I am grateful she chose Eliza as the focus of her first historical fiction novel.

Warren took the actual facts known about Eliza's life and filled in the spaces to immerse readers into 1850's America and what the life of a Black woman such as Eliza might have been. It would have taken incredible determination to achieve what she did. Warren breathed life into both real people and fictional characters to weave a compelling story I found hard to put down. In fact, her characters were all so vividly portrayed and seamlessly intertwined that I had to read the author's notes at the end of the book to determine who was actually real and who was fictional. Well, except for Harriet Beecher Stowe and Queen Victoria.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Unexpected Diva and learning about Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for her and her accomplishments. They deserve to be known and celebrated.

I'm eager to discover what Warren has planned next. I hope it's another historical fiction novel. I love being educated while also being entertained. Warren clearly has the knack for it.

4.5 Stars
ARC received from William Morrow via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

“ 𝑰 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆.”

Standing ovation for this masterpiece! Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield “been that girl, still that girl, and will forever be that girl!” was the definition of a true diva. I enjoyed every moment of her journey. I live for a good headstrong female main character and Eliza did not disappoint. She was adamant about what she wanted in life and while she knew it may not be an easy ride to get there, she did not allow anyone or anything to stop of her from living out her dreams. She was the furthest thing from a “traditional” woman and I respected the heck out of her choices!

Honestly, I had never heard of The Black Swan prior to this book, so it was refreshing to hear a new story about someone who existed in Black History. Shout out to the author for including an historical note about Ms. Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, it gave me more insight on this historical figure.

If you’re looking for a remarkable story about a Black woman kicking open closed doors during a time period when she wouldn’t have been allowed on the property if she wasn’t in the fields look no further!

With me being such a fan of historical fiction, especially when it involves black and brown authors and subjects, I knew going in I would probably enjoy the story, I just didn't know how much until I was finished with it. Starting off, there were characters that irritated me to the point where I was physically yelling at them and calling them all types of names. This book was rich in history and emotions. I was captivated by the story right up until the very end. I have been reading her books since the beginning of her career, and this book shows the tremendous growth of her writing. This year has just started, but this is going down as one of my favorites and best books of 2025

This story moves a little slow but I enjoyed learning about The Black Swan. At times Elizabeth was exhausting. Her gift, her voice, was the only thing she owned and she knew how to use it and was determined to sing on stages and go to Europe. From being manumitted to singing for Queen Victoria Eliza’s journey is one of determination , fear, and faith. If you love historical fictions and opera I recommend this book.

For all of my Historical Fiction lovers this one is for you!

This story brings to life the remarkable journey of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, a pioneering Black opera singer in pre-Civil War America. Born into slavery in Mississippi, Eliza is raised in Philadelphia’s Quaker community by a wealthy adoptive mother who nurtures her extraordinary three-octave singing voice. After her mother’s death, Eliza faces challenges to her inheritance and societal expectations but chooses to pursue a career in music, leading her to perform across America and even at Buckingham Palace for Queen Victoria!

As a black woman during this time period, Eliza was fearless and head strong, determined to achieve her goals. At times I agreed with other characters within the story that she was a Black woman not white, and that she was speaking way too freely, but if it had not been for her determination she wouldn’t have made it nearly as far. I hated how individuals she trusted with her rising career treated her but was so glad that she overcame gracefully. And I loved the reunion at the end

love a historical fiction book that enlightens me about Black people in history, which you don't learn about in school or get a lot of attention. The author gives Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield (Eliza)- The Black Swan, her due.

It is clear the author did the research and weaves facts with fiction to give the reader an incredible story about Black opera singer The Black Swan. The story of Eliza, a woman born a slave, is granted her freedom and raised by the woman who granted her freedom. Eliza has a gift, she has a beautiful voice for singing opera. We follow her journey to use her gift, when Black women, and women, in general, have no voice, and limited freedom. What is clear, is that the issues facing Black women in this time setting (late 1800;s) are still prevalent today. The author weaves themes of misogyny, racism, women's autonomy, wealth, and expectations society places on women throughout the book. There is some romance, and a little spice (just the right amount for this book).
The book is well paced. The book has moments that are funny, romantic, and others that make you angry or sad. And there are a few heart racing moments.
The story is an enjoyable ride.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC.

I enjoy reading historical fiction because while doing something I love, which is being transported away while reading a book, I am also learning about an aspect of history that is often new to me. I especially enjoy learning little-known historical facts about black people in history. While I was scanning the books in Net Galley to find one to request, I noticed the cover of this book with a full-figured black woman in a gown on a stage and had to click to find out what it was about. I had completed a book with my book club called ‘Sing Her Name’ by Rosalyn Story. This, too, was a historical fiction about the real-life Sissieretta Jones, who was a soprano singer from 1887 to 1915. In ‘The Unexpected Diva’ by Tiffany L. Warren, the author also took some historical information about the real-life, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield (Eliza) popularly known as “The Black Swan”, who was a predecessor of Sissieretta, who was born into slavery in 1817. Her family was manumitted by Elizabeth H. Greenfield, the widow of a former plantation owner, upon his death. Elizabeth H. paid for young Elizabeth’s family to travel to Liberia. Young Eliza stayed in America with Elizabeth, and they travelled to Philadelphia to live in a Quaker community where Eliza was educated and her gift of singing was encouraged and the expenses of private training were paid for by an adopted guardian.
The author beautifully crafted a story around the remaining documents supporting the existence of Eliza, such as playbills and articles. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story from her younger days into late adulthood. I looked forward to dipping back into the story each night before I went to bed to discover more about Eliza and her journey to become a prima donna. Not only that, but I really appreciated the way Ms. Warren integrated historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Harriet Beecher Stowe into the story it helped to ground the story in time and help the reader settle into the time period.
I also felt the character development of the main and secondary characters of the story were done well, and they added to the ‘adventure’ of the story. Readers will be able to empathize with Eliza’s plight via the struggles presented for her as a single female in a time in which marriage and child-rearing was the preferred route rather than pursuing a career outside the home. And the realities of being a black person in a time when the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 allowed any black person free or enslaved to be captured and sold into slavery. This had to severely hinder things that seem so basic, such as movement around town for fear of capture. The author did a great job of keeping that in the forefront of the readers’ mind without detracting to the story in any way.
When I graduated from college and was working one of my first jobs, I first heard of Marian Anderson, a black American contralto opera singer who performed concerts throughout the U.S. and Europe between 1925 and 1965. I quickly purchased one of her albums and began listening to her. That was my first experience listening to a black operatic singer, and I was so proud. Little did I know that there was another ‘Hidden Figure’ that sang classical music and performed in both the US and Europe many decades prior. For this and many other reasons, I am grateful that Ms. Warren wrote this book and created such an engaging story to bring this person to light. I highly recommend people read this story. Even though it is a historical fiction, readers will have a hard time not going online to read more about this amazing woman.

Believe In Yourself

Many years ago, in college I took a Music Appreciation class at 21 I neglected to pay close attention. After reading The Unexpected Diva by Tiffan Warren, I would go back to that class and absorb every detail. I was mesmerized by the story from start to finish. Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield did what was best for her. A well written story, had I not known it was historical fiction you could feel the realness in the words as you turned the pages.
Tiffany, you did us proud. I hope to attend a book discussion with you.

My sincere thanks to Tiffany Warren, Net Galley, and William Morrow Publishers for the ARC o THE UNEXPECTED DIVA. Above is my honest review.

I was totally captivated by this compelling historical fiction story of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, a real life black opera singer in the 1800s who was born into slavery in the U.S. and rose to the top of her art with her magnificent voice, support of a wealthy adoptive mother, and her own unflagging determination. I had not heard of this brave and talented woman before, and highly recommend this beautifully written account of her life to fans of historical fiction focusing on exceptional women. Brava!

Thanks to William Morrow for my copy of The Unexpected Diva by Tiffany Warren.

I was so intrigued by the story of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield and I was excited to read this book to learn more about this amazing woman that more people should know about! She was a black opera singer in the 1850s and even sang for Queen Victoria!

I wanted to like this book more, but I'm glad it introduced me to this amazing woman. I struggle with biographical fiction, especially when it's a person where there isn't as much about their life and the author is creating a story around the big events. I did think the historical aspect of the 1850s and the struggles that Elizabeth faced as a free black around racism and the fear of slavecatchers was done well. It was a little repetitive and could have been a little shorter.

If you're looking for a fictional story about an amazing women you'll enjoy this.

I am loving the historical fiction that focuses on Black folks in the arts! As a used-to-be-wannabe prima donna, I devoured these pages!

In The Unexpected Diva, we meet Elizabeth, affectionately known as Eliza, an opera singer in training who happens to have been born on a plantation in Mississippi before being manumitted and adopted to live in Philadelphia. She is everything society says she shouldn’t be— a plump, dark, rich woman who is disinterested in marriage and has dreams of grandeur.

After the death of her benefactor, Elizabeth seeks to make good on a promise to use her gift, but she is not met with support. From her entangled inheritance, to her fraught betrothal, to the weight of doubt from even her loved ones, Eliza is forced to exhibit a great amount of faith and belief that her gift will make room for her.

I was pleased to read this story and to learn about how it all unfolded.

I am much obliged to #NetGalley for this ARC of #TheUnexpectedDiva! Thank you 100 times over.