While most are familiar with Marian Anderson, and consider her to be the first black opera singer, there would be no Marian Anderson without Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield.

The Unexpected Diva takes us on a journey through the life of Greenfield. Elizabeth was born into slavery, but her family was freed by their mistress after her divorce. Elizabeth’s family ventured to Liberia, but she was left behind due to illness. Her mistress promised to educate her, and they developed a loving mother/daughter relationship.

Throughout the story, Elizabeth struggles to navigate her desires to become a prima donna, and societal pressures for her to get married and have children. She also deals with issues of colorism, racism, and a constant comparision to white opera singer, Jenny Lind.

Honestly, the constant comparison felt repetitive to me at times. Why would Elizabeth be so concerned with Lind? Elizabeth was the more talented singer. Greenfield sometimes succombed to the comparison and dressed like Lind, styled her hair like hers, and even performed the same songs in concert.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the character development. We see Greenfield’s timid nature grow into her becoming more comfortable speaking out against slavery and advocating for freedom. I recommend this beautifully composed story to history lovers, trained musicians and music enthusiasts in general.

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, known as the “Black Swan,” was a groundbreaking Black opera singer born into slavery and later raised in Philadelphia’s Quaker community. The Personal Librarian by Tiffany L. Warren follows her rise to fame, performing on stages across America and at Buckingham Palace. Despite facing racism and danger, her extraordinary voice and determination made her unforgettable.