Diva is a well-researched and engaging read, particularly recommended for those with an interest in opera or the lives of iconic figures. It's a story of love, loss, and the price of fame, perfect for fans of historical fiction with a touch of romantic drama. However, those seeking a more comprehensive examination of Callas's musical legacy might want to look elsewhere.

Love love love love love, caused me to go on the biggest dive to learn more about this story! I knew a little from the Jackie O stories but dang this woman lived - was such a good book I love these kind of books similar feel to the frank and ava one, I love old Hollywood stories! Definitely recommend

Daisy Goodwin's "Diva" is a captivating masterpiece that deserves a place on any opera lover's bookshelf, or frankly, anyone who enjoys a powerful biographical fiction. Goodwin weaves a spellbinding tale of Maria Callas, the legendary soprano known as "La Divina," the divine one. This wasn't just a story about a singer, though Goodwin beautifully captures the passion and dedication Callas poured into her art. It's a story about a woman, complex and strong, who fought for her voice and her place in a world that often tried to diminish her.

Goodwin doesn't shy away from the complexities of Callas' life. We see the young girl struggling to find her footing, the demanding mentor who shaped her talent, and the passionate but ultimately devastating love affair that colored much of her life. I found myself completely invested in Callas' journey, both on stage and off. Goodwin's prose is rich and evocative, transporting me to the grand opera houses of Europe and the bustling streets of New York City.

"Diva" wasn't just entertaining, it was deeply educational. Goodwin's portrayal of Callas' dedication to her craft made me want to learn more about this legendary singer. I found myself down a rabbit hole on YouTube, listening to Callas' most famous recordings, mesmerized by the raw power and emotion in her voice.

Whether you're an opera aficionado or simply someone who enjoys a well-told story about a remarkable woman, "Diva" is a must-read. Goodwin's masterful storytelling brings Callas to life, flaws and all, making her a character you can't help but root for. This is a 5-star biography that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Marin's Press for the opportunity to read and review

I never expected to read a book about an opera singer, but Diva by Daisy Goodwin kept me enthralled until the last page. The book covers a period of time in the life of Maria Callas, arguably one of the most famous and talented opera singers. She performed at presidential events and was referred to as la divina, the divine one, for her singing prowess. One of the central plotlines of the book focuses on her ultimately doomed relationship with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis.

Throughout this book, you will think that you're reading about fictional characters because this book is so rich in detail from the preparations that Maria takes before she performs to the decadent and glamorous parties and get-togethers where she finds herself. The jewelry and clothing she wears come alive on the pages. The scenery, whether on stage or on the sea when she's sailing in Onassis's yacht, Christina, brighten up the pages. And the romance between Maria and Ari makes you swoon until you realize that she may not be the only one in Onassis's sights.

A little bit of Maria's start as an opera singer and her relationships with her family receive some attention. Allegedly, her mother roped her into singing at first and favored her older sister. She married a man who prized her for her voice and relied upon it to make them money. With her famous voice, she was given entry into places reserved for the rich, famous, and royalty, yet she didn't feel truly loved by anyone until she met Onassis.

I liked how the story and trying and traumatic times she experienced mirrored many of the operas that she starred in and the many arias she sang. Her life sadly reflected the tragic stories she sang about, which literally fed her fire for singing them with an incredible range of emotions. It's hard to believe that these events, while fictionalized to a degree, really happened. The only reason I gave it five stars was because it only covers this period in her life and quickly dashes through her childhood.

During the book, you also learn of her very real fears of losing the voice that took her many places and contributed to her livelihood. When would her voice finally falter? Would she ever be able to sustain a career that relied solely on how well she could reach different notes? And would she ever find true love and not feel like a part in one of the operas she participated in or was she doomed the moment she became Maria Callas?

Even if you're not interested in opera, I love the time period that this takes place in and the whirlwind romance that sweeps Maria off her feet. The story is solid and captivating. I enjoyed all the cameos from real people who at one time were at the height of fame. The conversations and moments between Maria and celebrities ranging from actors and actresses, gossip columnists, royalty, and more appear and make this book priceless. If that's what you're looking for in a book, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Could not put this down. I went into this knowing nothing about Maria Callas, or opera. This was an engaging portrait of a complex woman who lived an incredible life. Great book club title

Diva is tawdry, juicy, and brazen, which is fine. The issue is that it's a fictionalized version of real people from recent history. which seems a little bit brazen itself.

While I've heard Maria Callas' recordings, I knew little about her personal life until I read Diva: A Novel by Daisy Goodwin. Although this novel is a work of historical fiction and the author admits some liberties were taken, it doesn't change the fact that it's an intriguing story about an extraordinary woman.

The narrative is filled with pain, fear, insecurity, humiliation, determination, tenacity, strength, and talent. It's a captivating roller coaster ride. Add a complex family dynamic, including a toxic stage mom, an absent father, and a golden child sibling, and you get a compelling story about a formidable woman.

The Aristotle Onassis and Jackie O. affair adds another layer of intrigue, especially when Jackie O.'s sister is factored in. The situation doesn't paint anyone in a positive light.

I love historical fiction, especially if it revolves around real people--Diva, by Daisy Goodwin, did not disappoint! I know very little about opera, and nothing about Maria Callas, and this book had me very interested, and running to Google people, images, and stories about Maria several times throughout the course of the book. I have read a couple of Daisy's books and have loved them, so she is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me!

I was so curious about Maria Callas, and this book was fantastic! It gave such insight to her person, not her persona, and it really made you consider who she was behind the voice and the tabloid stories of the day. I loved this book!

3 stars

This story is about Maria Callas and her relationship with Ari Onassis. This book is a historical romance sorta. It talks about what happened during WWII and the civil war in Greece and learning more about her and Ari's lives.

I found that the writing was a little simple which is good for most because it makes it easier to pick up and continue reading. For me the book kind of fell short on expectations I read a lot of historical fiction and this didn't have much depth and the plot was a little loose. Over all still an enjoyable read for a one time thing.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. A deeply moving and un-put-downable novel that reads like a real life drama. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advance copy.

Historical fiction has always been a style that I have enjoyed reading, and learning about historical figures I have never heard of I truly find fascinating. This was another book where I was looking up pictures and information about the people involved in the book. As usual I didn't picture anyone to look as they actually did!
This is a novel that follows some of the life of Maria Callas, one of the best opera singers of her time. It goes over the time with her husband, as well as her time as Aristotle Onassis's mistress. There was also a small touch on her childhood and relationship with her family.
Before this novel I hadn't heard of her before that I can remember. I definitely heard of her love interest because of Jackie Kennedy, but other than that I didn't know anything about him. To think about how this all must have unfolded back at the time that it happened is insane to think about, as it was to think that Marilyn Monroe sang to Kennedy openly as she did in front of the world like she did as if it's not a big deal.
Overall, I felt terrible for Maria and all that she went through as she loved Aristotle so very much. It was clear from the book that he was a woman "collector." He wanted to conquer every woman he could, and he felt he could buy anyone and anything. I don't know whether he was truly this much of a jerk, for lack of a better word, or if the artistic liberties of the author got carried away, but he was not the most agreeable character. Definitely a great book for anyone interested in the life of Maria Callas.

Thank you NetGalley, Author and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
I am a fan of Daisy Goodwin and Maria Callas individually. Goodwin definitely revitalized the interest in Queen Victoria with the show Victoria. She is very good at using historical events to interest the public of today. Maria Callas, while somewhat known by opera fans, is not very known today by younger generations. I was intrigued to see what Goodwin would do with the subject.
This novel is definitely a work of fiction but if you go into it understanding that then you should enjoy the rhythm and plot lines that Goodwin chose to highlight. First off women of today should appreciate Maria Callas for many things one of which for her determination and passion for her 'diva' status as the leading soprano of her time. We the reader also get a glimpse of the vulnerable woman underneath who still longed to be loved for herself and not just her voice.
Well done to Goodwin for an enjoyable read!

3.5 stars rounded up.

god do i love a story about a talented 20th century diva. this book was dishy in a guilty treat sort of way, and i ate it right up.

i know zilch about opera and honestly wasn't too familiar with maria callas aside from her name. while i'm sure this fictionalized account of her life took some liberties, it painted a clear picture of what maria might have been like. she was a difficult woman, and i was invested in the complex person she was behind the diva facade.

the story did have a few lulls and repetitive beats which kept it from being a full five stars for me, but otherwise super enjoyable.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review Diva on NetGalley.

Published: 01/23/24

Stars: 2.5

Didn't meet my expectations.

Diva is centered around a real life opera singer with Aristotle Onassis playing a secondary role in her life, and as well as Jacqueline Kennedy as an outlier.

When I choose a book I want to be dropped into a story. Diva stayed in early book format, never coming close to storytelling. This reads like a cheap romance novel. Years ago they were called Harlequin Romance (vintage in my case). My knowledge of Onassis is limited to wealthy shipping tycoon who married Jackie Kennedy. Goodwin doesn't develop Onassis and if I didn't know a little bit about him, I could easily assume he was made up and Jackie fit the narrative. Herein lies my problem with historical fiction.

Callas did not have a Disney life. Her life was troubled. The book repeats itself in each phase of her life. Late in the book Goodwin adds profanity, had to get a couple Fs in.

This was a miss.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

This is a good story about an opera singer Maria Callas. Although I can honestly say I do not like opera at all, I decided to still continue and read on. I found it interesting to read. Marie Callas was a complicated women . She was so dedicated with the opera and that is probablly why she had a hard time finding love. I think the author Daisy Goodwin did a nice job helping you relate to the character and feel all the emotions.

Going into the book, I was very familiar with Maria Calla's musical career but not so much her personal life. I found it fascinating that the book is basically written chronologically backward and forward, showing the reader glimpses of Callas performing, traveling, meeting famous people, and embarking on an affair that would ultimately break her heart. At times the writing felt a little dramatic and a bit like a soap opera, but she was an opera star afterall. The book was also set up so richly against Maria's Greek heritage and the backdrop of WWII through the 50's and 60's. I just loved reading all about the life and loves of an opera star. As a singer myself, this was absolutely my cup of tea. Brava!

I really enjoyed this bold, glamourous novel "Diva" by Daisy Goodwin! The rise to fame, ambition, discipline, and highly dedicated life of Maria Callas to her art and career was fascinating and memorable. Loved reading about her strength, the events of her interesting life as well as her love and heartbreak. Very well written, gripping and enthralling. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

World renowned Opera singer- Maria Callas seems to have it all, but her life is tossed upside down when she meets Aristotle Onassis, the famous shipping magnate.
She falls hopelessly in love with him … and we all know what happens next.
Onassis goes on to marry the most famous widow in the world, the beautiful Jacqueline Kennedy.

A world wind love affair, the story of Maria and Onassis kept me gripped.
I knew who Onassis was, only because he was married to Jackie O, and when I started this book I thought it was a touch odd that the author would use real people in this story.

It sounds so ignorant, but I had no idea that Maria Callas was a real person, that this was a story based on real people and real events until about half way through the book.
And then I was obsessed. Looking at every picture I could find, searching for the performances talked about in the book, reading articles about her, and trying to find as many interviews as I could.
I am completely fascinated by her.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book very much. I found it to be rather boring and powered through it despite the temptation to DNF.