Review: Diva

Title: Diva

Author: Daisy Goodwin

Publisher: 23rd January 2024 by St. Martin's Press

Pages: 336 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction (Adult) | Romance 

Rating: 4.5 cups

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, 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 Thoughts

Daisy Goodwin is renowned for taking famous women and beautifully combining fact and fiction. I especially refer to (Queen) Victoria which was then made into a delightful TV series.  On this occasion she presents Maria Callas, world famous opera singer and definite diva. Add into her story names such as Aristotle Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Munroe, Princess Grace and this is certainly an all star cast. Shamefully I admit I knew little about Maria so I was thrilled to go on this literary journey. 

“One day, I am sure, you will be a great diva, one of the greatest sopranos the world has ever known, and you will think you are immortal.”

Daisy Goodwin gives readers front row seats to everything from backstage at the opera, to being on Aristotle’s boat, to dinners with Grace Kelly in Monte Carlo to the famous Marilyn Monroe's Happy Birthday performance at President Kennedy’s concert. There is backstory given to her family relationships and Maria’s search for love and acceptance. This was a woman who was dedicated to her profession, respecting her ‘God given’ talent and going to extreme lengths to care for her voice. I gained much respect for her and, despite fame and fortune, felt her life was incomplete in some ways. Being famous for the woman who Onassis discarded to marry Jackie Kennedy, there is much more to Maria’s life story than that. 

‘… the two Golden Greeks were a celestial couple who transcended earthly morality.’

The research Daisy has undertaken throughout must be acknowledged in getting details accurate - everything from opera performances, to fashion,  to celebrity events. Her writing slowly captures readers attention until they are onboard and eager to see how life would play out for the famous Maria Callas - whether it be the many triumphs or the many tragedies throughout her life. 

The fan shrugged. “Whatever happens there will be drama. It is Callas, after all.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.