
Member Reviews

I probably ought not to have chosen this one, as I am not at all interested in celebrities who are famous for being celebrities, nor am I much interested in fiction set during my own lifetime, unless written by someone my own age as they fall down on the tiny details that keep me from immersing. But I was curious to see what someone would do with a complex, talented figure like Maria Callas. I know very little about her life, but I've heard recordings of her singing, and I guess I hoped the author would be imagining what it would be like to create such extraordinary music from the inside. I thought Goodwin did an okay job there, though not enough for me--there was so much less singing than there was her star-struck mother mistreating her. I also really disliked the hopping back and forth in time. Another thing that disturbed me was Goodwin's treatment of Elsa Maxwell, who was an unusual figure--a woman of no looks whose talent was putting together parties. She had to hide her lesbian side her entire life, though otherwise she lived life on her own terms, as did Maria Callas--but here the relationship between the two is superficial, with far too many descriptions of Maxwell's "thick" fingers and other non-attractive aspects. Ick. Though I have zero interest in Aristotle Onassis, I did appreciate the scene in which Godwin has him admit to being a street kid, which perhaps explains (too facilely?) his rapaciousness, otherwise, their relationship left me shrugging my way through the pages in hopes of more singing. But that wasn't the story Godwin wanted to tell. |

I’m so glad I asked to read and review this historical fiction based on the life of Maria Callas. I only knew her as the girlfriend who was scorned in 1968 by Ari Onasis when he suddenly met and married Jackie Kennedy. This was big news back then, a scandal of sorts. The public felt nothing but sympathy for Jackie, so no one acknowledged how Maria must have felt. Maria was so much more than her brief time with Ari. Her talent, determination, and structured lifestyle to support her beautiful soprano voice is detailed in this story, and she was quite the amazing woman. While reading this, I saw an article that they opened a museum in Greece in October of this year, honoring her 100th birthday. It’s a fabulous museum, and her career as one of the most influential opera singers in the 20th century. And you don’t have to be interested in opera to enjoy this. Maria’s history on its own will astound and entertain you. Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is January 23, 2024. |

I loved this book! I was sucked in from the start. Despite it being a fictionalization of Maria Callas' life, it was accurate, compelling, and fully engaging. I loved how Ms. Goodwin took us through the years of the relationship with Ari Onassis, but included La Divina's own personal history and tragedies. I thoroughly enjoyed Diva and look forward to reading whatever Daisy Goodwin puts out next. |

This historical novel about a recent diva was enlightening. I was aware of Maria Callas, the opera singer, and aware that she had the reputation of being difficult, but this book bought her life more into perspective. I really enjoyed this. Well written and well researched. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advance copy of this book. |

Diva derives from Latin for goddess, but usually refers to a temperamental female performer of immense talent. One cannot separate the word diva from Maria Callas - who defined the word by both talent and reputation. Gail Goodwin's novel Diva covers the life of Maria Callas, opera's most celebrated soprano. Diva gives details of Callas's life: her nearsightedness and refusal to publicly wear glasses, her difficult relationship with her mother, and blends them with opinions about Callas' behavior, and Callas' own insecurities. Known for her talent and temper, Callas grew up poor in both New York City and Athens. She began singing opera at a young age and eventually became the definition of the term opera singer. Known for her affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis as much as her talent, she and Onassis were involved until he left her for Jacqueline Kennedy. Goodwin's novel explores the complicated life of a complex woman. Maria Callas will always be considered the goddess of opera and Goodwin's novel makes readers understand why. |

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was such a fascinating story to read, the story of a gracious and elegant opera singer named Maria Callas and her intense affair with one of the richest men at that time. It is a perfect book for any fans of Evelyn Hugo. 4 stars. |

An absolute delight to read! I wished it was longer because I couldn't get enough of Daisy Goodwin's beautiful writing. The way she captured Maria's emotions as her rollercoaster of a relationship with Onasis unfolded was beyond spectacular. I can't recommend this enough. GoodReads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5994414891 |

At once, both a striking and a humanizing account of one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time, Maria Callas. Known as "la divina" because of her golden voice, she was a gem in society, attracting fame, status, and legions of fans around the world. However, despite her extraordinary talent, she had a deep-seeded yearning to be seen as more than just an artistic commodity for those around her to exploit, she wanted to be revered, to be loved as a woman. And it wasn't until she met Aristotle Onassis, embarking on a tumultuous nine-year affair with him, that she finally experienced the opulence and devastation of true connection. I thought this was a fair tribute to Maria Callas. The author succeeded in drawing out her indomitable struggle for love and acceptance, not just as a singer, but as a daughter, singer, and eventual jilted lover. It was a testament to the writing that readers were able to feel the highest highs and lowest lows right alongside her. Engaging all around! Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review. |

Like the other readers, I was looking forward to reading this book. I love what I call semi-fiction (not a biography, but with enough truth to sustain it). But this book really rubbed me the wrong way. I know nothing about Maria Callas since I was a toddler when she was at her peak. I didn't even know anything about her time with Aristotle. However, I did know that he married Jackie Kennedy. Half of the way through this book, I just knew that I was going to have to force myself to finish it. The characters are unlikeable, and I do mean all of them, even Maria. What a diva she was. But I suspect not so unlike any of the female musicians nowadays. Wow, Elsa Maxwell, what a pip! It seems as if she was sabotaging Maria from the start. Nowadays, we do know that she had a major thing for Maria, so who knows? Maybe Elsa really was sabotaging her. The more I read this book, the more disgusted I got with all the characters. However, I must keep reminding myself that this (Maria') generation is totally different from this one and even the Boomer generation. I was disgusted at how easily Maria could give up on her career for a party or a man. You already know how the book is going to end because of the beginning of the book. However, it's interesting to see Onassis try to keep his affairs from Maria, and Maria does have to deal with him just a few months after his marriage. If you don't know anything about opera before you read this book, you sure will be an expert once you finish it. I was fairly bored and annoyed throughout this novel, but I did manage to finish it. *ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley. |

This historical fiction story brings us the famous opera singer and diva, Maria Callas. Maria began singing at a young age. Her longtime affair with Aristotle Onassis is a large focus in this book. Unfortunately, Onassis married another woman, Jackie Kennedy. Unfortunately, I thought the story was rather slow, and it wasn’t one of those stories that I couldn’t put down. All in all, though, it was an interesting read! |

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in 3 days and can’t wait to read more about her life and that of Onassis |

I knew so little about Maria Callas, but while reading this incredible book, I played several of her arias. Her voice was breathtaking and it was easy to see why she's considered the best soprano in history. This book was hard to put down; I wanted to continue reading so much more about her life, which, despite her incredible fame, was so obsessed with Onassis that she suffered greatly from his indiscretions. This was the best book I've read this year. |

Maria Callas was a world-renowned opera singer and actor. She had one of the most unique voices that caused goosebumps in listeners who appreciate opera music. Callas was strikingly beautiful with dark eyes and hair and was elegantly fashioned in beautiful clothing and jewelry. But there is more to Maria Callas than her outward appearance. Callas came from humble beginnings and had a contentious relationship with her mother and sister. She married a much older man, nearly thirty years her senior, who managed her career. Her relationship with Tito was described in the book as more of a professional relationship as opposed to marital. The author added that Tito was only interested in the earnings brought in by his wife. Still, I wish it would have elaborated on how he received her estate after her death, despite their divorce, and how he took advantage of her career. Goodwin also included a little on her early education, but I wish the book had more on her training with Elvira de Hidalgo than mere glimpses at her early life. Most of the book was not about her performances but her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. The book became repetitive with the Callas/Onassis relationship descriptions. There was jealousy, abuse, and heartache riddled throughout Maria's relationship with Aristotle. The conclusion wasn't about Maria's life after Onassis. The book ended with the "end of their romance" when he married Jackie Kennedy. This was a disappointment. Much of Callas' substance abuse was omitted from the novel, which I think would have illustrated how destructive her relationship was with Onassis. Overall, Diva needed to tell me more about Maria Callas's life, not only her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. I read this book for an honest review of Net Galley. |

Diva by Daisy Goodwin is a historical fiction novel about Maria Callas and her life and love story with Aristotle Onassis. It's a very readable story and the author provides insight into what might have been going on in Maria Callas' mind throughout her story. I struggled a bit with her characterization of Jackie Kennedy Onassis but of course the story is written from Maria's viewpoint. The challenge of course is the same as with all historical fiction, how much is history and how much is fiction? If taken as a novel this is a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Diva in exchange for an honest review. |

Diva, by Daisy Goodwin is a fictional account of the famous and infamous soprano, Maria Callus. Set later in her career, this book offers the readers flash backs that help explain details of Maria's life. La Divina's marriage and relationship with her husband helps move the narrative along as we experience the highs and lows of a singer of intense emotion and need for perfection. Although fictional, we do meet many historic figures and are taken along on the tempestuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis. Onassis, at the same time savior and villain, provides the opportunity for the reader to have a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous. Anyone who knows about Maria Callus will not be surprised by the ending, but this is a must-read for any fan of hers or anyone who would like to become a fan. |

I live a novel that fictionalizing real stories, especially if the setting is celebrity focused. This novel brought me all those - drama and romance, crushed hearts, exciting celebrity and gossip l, and overall a behind the scenes view that personalized someone who was just a name that I didn’t know much backstory on. Entertaining |

Historical fiction at its finest. Really enjoyed the story, but too many typos in this version took away from it. Hopefully it will be proofread before publication. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book |

Lovely book, though a bit slow in the middle and the ending was resolved too quickly (a few years are missing in the narrative). |

I did not know much about Maria Callas before reading this book, other than she was a world famous opera star, but I now feel as if I really know her. She did not have a happy childhood. Her mother favored her younger sister until she heard her sing. Even though her singing helped the family during the war as they were in Greece Maria never felt her mother loved her. Maria married Giovanni Meneghini a man several years older who became her manager. This was more a marriage of convenience. Maria discovers that her husband has been funneling her earnings to his family. I thought the sections of the book that told of the hard work that went into each and every performance were very interesting. Maria's whole life changed when she met Aristotle Onassis - falling madly in love with him. Since reading this book I have listened to recordings of her beautiful voice and have learned more about her life. Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book. I really liked the author's style of writing and will definitely be ready other books by Daisy Goodwin |

Diva by Daisy Goodwin is a fictionalised account of the life of singer Maria Callas and her love affair with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis who is probably better known for his relationship with the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. While I had heard of Callas, I had no idea that she had left her husband and embarked on a years long affair with the businessman. As a personality Callas is intriguing, with a complicated family history including a troubled relationship with her mother and a childhood that began in the United States before they moved to Greece where they spent the duration of the second world war . Her voice was discovered while she was a child and she was often pushed to sing in less than ideal conditions in order to help to provide for her family and before long she is being trained and groomed for stardom. The bulk of the story focusses on the second half of her career when she is already a success , called La Divinia and regarded as probably the best female singer in the world. When she meets Onassis, she initially dislikes him , with all of his ostentation and his reputation as a womaniser, but his magnetism soon wins her over and she finds herself drawn to him irresistibly, causing her to end her marriage to her manager and risking destroying her career in the balance. Life with Onassis is not all diamonds and delights however as Callas will find out and what is more of a Greek tragedy than discovering that the love of your life is going to marry someone else. This was a relatively quick read and while I liked it I was not blown away by it. It felt quite passive and somewhat superficial, which made it difficult for me to connect with the characters in the way that I like to when reading. However there is certainly no shortage of drama and it did keep me turning the pages. I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher , all opinions are my own. |