Author: Daisy Goodwin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: 2024
Pages: 387
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: 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.
In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas was known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she was the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. But her fame was hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her golden voice, she learned early in life to protect herself from those who would use her for their own ends.
When she met the fabulously rich Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, for the first time in her life, she believed she’d found someone who saw the woman within the legendary soprano. She fell desperately in love. He introduced her to a life of unbelievable luxury, showering her with jewels and sojourns in the most fashionable international watering holes with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
And then suddenly, it was over. The international press announced that Aristotle Onassis would marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.
In this remarkable novel, Diva, 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.
My Review: Maria Callas is one of the world’s most beloved opera singers. She was known for her beautiful voice and superb acting skills. She is also known for her love affair with Aristotle Onassis. Aristotle would abandon her for First Lady Jackie Kennedy. In Diva, Maria Callas is shown as an artist who has a passion for music. However, she also yearns for love. When Maria meets Aristotle, she wonders if she could have both music and love.
Maria Callas is one of my favorite opera singers. I listened to her albums many times. Therefore, I couldn’t wait to read this book! Diva was such a treat for me! I thought Diva portrayed Maria Callas marvelously. Maria was very human and relatable. She was a very vulnerable woman who was disappointed in love and worried about losing her voice. Everyone saw her as a singer with an angelic voice, but she yearned to be loved for who she is as a person. She was a woman who longed for love. Therefore, I empathized with her as she faced disappointments. However, I smiled as she triumphed. Maria Callas is a well-rounded character.
Overall, this book is about art, love, and betrayal. Diva is about a woman who searches for her own identity. I thought all of the characters were also well-developed. I felt a string of emotions towards certain characters. I also loved how Diva is very lyrical, and I loved the opulence of Maria’s daily life. The only thing I did not like about the book was that the pacing felt uneven at times. Nevertheless, Diva was such an enthralling and breathtaking read! I couldn’t put it down! Diva is a must-read for opera fans! I recommend this for fans of Magic Flutes, The Queen of the Night, and The Phantom’s Apprentice! Bravo!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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