I love historical fiction, but of the genre what I love the most is a fictionalised imagining of a persons life.
Diva focuses on the life of Maria Callas, someone I have to admit that I knew very little about. The bulk of the story centres on her relationship with Aristotle Onassis, interwoven with her career as an established opera singer whose greatest fear is losing her voice. Diva shows Maria as a strong willed yet at times fragile woman. Daisy Goodwin paints a woman who feels real and relatable despite possessing a talent and drive the majority of us could never understand.
I sailed through this book, highly readable and enjoyable - plus its had me lost in a major Wikipedia rabbit hole!

In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas is known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she's the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. Yet her fame has been hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her, Maria learned early in life how to protect herself.

This is a really interesting read. Maria Callas was an icon and true diva of her time. This book explores her life, relationships and attitude to her critics and supporters. It makes, what could be a dry subject, involving and interesting to read. It’s well written and researched. The story gets a little bogged down at times with the detail but it is a great story.

This memoir intricately explores the profound impact of historical events, notably the overshadowing of the operatic diva Maria Callas by Jackie Kennedy during the 20th Century.

The narrative provides a captivating glimpse into the jet-set lifestyle of a bygone era, skillfully depicting the complexities of love and sacrifice. Whether experienced through audiobook or ebook, both mediums showcase the well-written reflection of a time where women often relinquished independence for love.

This fictional account artfully captures the essence of Maria's life and loves, portraying a lively and accurate portrayal of the lady and those in her orbit.

The narration, delivered with superb finesse, paints Maria as a conflicted character who both craved and feared the spotlight, navigating a life marked by being used and abused by those around her. I had the opportunity to read the ebook in tandem with listening to the audiobook, and it was truly superb for an experience!

A compelling exploration of history from multiple perspectives, earning it a commendable 4-star rating from me!

I didn't know much about Maria Callas before reading this book. The book gives a really good insight into her life and career I really enjoyed it.

A fascinating insight into the life of Maria Callas and in a way, the life of most superstars with press and public watching their every move. The pressures were enormous, her talent was phenomenal but there was still a vulnerable girl inside wanting to be loved. Richly detailed and full of famous characters, this is an excellent read.

Genuinely floored by how much I enjoyed rooting for Maria Callas within this story – I knew nothing of La Divina’s life apart from that she was an opera singer, which was quite an exciting way to approach what is a fascinating life. I had previously enjoyed other novels by Goodwin, including Victoria. The glamour, hard working ethos and fierce passion of Callas leaps off the page through the great characterization and is engaging from the start. I can imagine that it has been meticulously researched, however it is the human emotional thread throughout this story that grabbed me so I couldn’t put this down and has left me still thinking about her story, long after the final page.

What a fantastic book. I forgot I was reading about a real person and became engrossed in the story.
From early family life to the heights of opera diva. Relationships, husband and wrangles with theatre directors.
The relationship with Aristotle Onassis and it's humiliating ending.
A wonderful talent, honest female with all her quirkes. I would have loved to meet her and almost feel as if I did reading this book.

We tend to think of Maria Callas as Greek, but she was born to Greek parents in Manhattan, New York, in December 1923 and only moved to Athens when she was thirteen. Her original surname was Kalogeropoulos but her father changed it to 'Callas' to make it more manageable in the States. When she was back in Athens - supposedly so that she could get appropriate training for her voice - she was raised under the Nazi occupation by a mother who mercilessly exploited her and made no secret of her preference for her elder sister, Jackie.

Since my teens, I've been interested in the Kennedy clan. Maria Callas, like Marilyn Monroe, was one of the many people whose lives would not be improved by even a loose association with the Kennedys. Callas, herself, was known as being difficult. She knew what she wanted and needed to sing well and was ruthless about ensuring that her needs were met. In her private life, it was a different matter. She was exploited abused and betrayed by almost everyone she encountered - beginning with her mother. Her most famous relationship was with Aristotle Onassis, the man who professed to love her but who declined to marry her, even when he could have done so. He lavished jewels on her, and bought property for her use - but married Jacqueline Kennedy.

The story is lightly fictionalised. Daisy Goodwin says that she has taken some liberties with dates but, so far as I can see, the history is essentially correct. Callas is brought to life superbly and sympathetically. Her ability to be difficult is perhaps underplayed to some extent: good reasons were always presented for the way that she acted and the character in the book is best described as more sinned against than sinning. But, you're in the hands of a master storyteller here: I imagined reading the book over a week or so, but - in the event - I consumed it over two days, desperate to know what happened next. As if I didn't know - but that's Goodwin's skill. She takes a story you know and delivers it in such a way that you have to know what happens next. Callas is brought to life as not the best singer ever or the most beautiful but as the complete package - something which is hard to beat.

It's not just the celebrities we meet - the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, the leading lights of the opera world - that make the story so compelling. It's the insight into the woman with the brilliant voice and less-than-optimal private life. It's the insight into the world of opera in New York, London, Paris, Rome and Athens for a woman who would probably have been happiest as a Greek housewife. Goodwin's research has been meticulous but it's served up with a light hand and there's never a point where you feel that every bit of information has been ruthlessly shoe-horned in. It's excellent, compelling writing.

I was lucky enough to not only read the book but also to listen to an audio download, narrated by Goodwin herself, Josephine Goddard and Lorelei King. It's superbly done. The range of voices is excellent - I was never in any doubt as to which character I was hearing. I'd be delighted to hear any of the narrators again.

Just loved this book. I had the audiobook from the publisher but there was an issue; two of the chapters were inaccessible, so I requested access to the Kindle version so I read. Loved how the author brought Maria Callas to life. Very well represented and an absorbing listen/read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

A really interesting read.Based on the life of the great Maria Callas it tells the story of her humble beginnings where she lived with her mother and sister but always felt second best to how she finally turns into the famous opera singer. It a story of love,deception and betrayal as Maria falls deeply in love with the powerful Aristotle Onassis but as he mixes with celebrities and royalty can it ever work out.A beautiful insight into the life of a famous opera singer.

Diva is a book of historical fiction based on the life of Maria Callas, in which Daisy Goodwin brilliantly brings to life the woman behind the headlines.
With her legendary voice and striking beauty, Callas appeared to live a golden life. But Goodwin shows us that despite her reputation and diva persona, underneath the outward show was a surprisingly fragile and vulnerable woman.
Despite the wealth and glamour, beneath it all Maria Callas still feels like the chubby teenager whose mother never showed her any love.
She lives her life almost constantly on show and like many performers, no matter how much success she has, Callas needs constant affirmation and approval from her audiences, and her fear of failure is almost crippling.
Goodwin’s Diva is an extraordinarily talented and in many respects a strong woman, sadly let down by the men in her life. Her husband is more of an exploitative business manager than a lover, and although she falls madly in love with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, he is unfaithful and unappreciative of her almost from the start.
Her most reliable relationship is with her maid Bruna, although she’s not mentioned in the publisher’s synopsis of the book, Bruna is a constant support and comfort to Callas, and this is portrayed beautifully and subtly in the novel.
Diva is a really enjoyable, informative and well-researched book that fleshes out the character of one of the greatest opera singers of all time.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

"Diva" by Daisy Goodwin immerses readers in the glittering and fiercely competitive world of opera, where Maria Callas reigns supreme as la divina—the divine one. Goodwin's novel captures the essence of this legendary soprano, renowned for her glorious voice, dramatic flair, and striking beauty.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Maria Callas's tumultuous life, beginning with her challenging upbringing in Nazi-occupied Greece. Goodwin skillfully portrays the young Maria, shaped by a mother who exploited her talents mercilessly. The novel provides a glimpse into the early struggles and the resilient spirit that propelled Maria toward operatic stardom.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Maria encounters Aristotle Onassis, a fabulously wealthy shipping magnate. In Onassis, Maria finds more than just a lover; she believes she has discovered a man who sees beyond the legendary diva to the woman within. The narrative sweeps readers into a world of unimaginable luxury, mingling with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

However, the opulent life takes an abrupt turn when Onassis announces his intention to marry Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady and the most famous woman in the world. Maria is left to grapple with the heartbreak of losing the man she loves.

Goodwin's storytelling paints a vivid portrait of Maria Callas, capturing not only her extraordinary talent and relentless drive but also the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface. The novel explores the price of fame, the complexities of love, and the quest for identity in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.

As readers follow Maria's journey, they witness the highs and lows of a life lived on the grand stage. Goodwin masterfully weaves together historical events, captivating characters, and the emotional depth of Maria Callas's personal struggles. "Diva" is not just a biographical novel; it's a poignant exploration of the woman behind the legend, revealing how heartbreak ultimately led Maria to discover her true voice.

I was aware of Maria Callas but didn’t know much about her and found this book fascinating. I know it’s fiction but is based on her life and shows how the outward face is very different to what goes on behind closed doors, Does make you wonder if some of the things that went on could have done so in the modern world with the technology allows everyone to be a paparazzi!

A great book and now want to read more about her.

Opera singer Maria Callas known as “la divina” with her fabulous voice was born with note only a gift of singing, but also the drama and beauty needed to succeed on the worldwide operatic stages. Sadly, liked a bird in a gilded cage, Maria’s life is lonely, and although surrounded by people and her husband she feels isolated.
When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she's found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
And then, suddenly, it's over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.

This is a fictional account based on true events, think of The Crown on Netflix.

About thirty years ago I went on holiday to Lefkas, and the tour guide was telling us all about the Onassis family and how they owned a small island just across the sea from Nidri called Skorpios. She said that Onassis had an affair with Opera singer Maria Callas and that they had spent time together on the island. For the next two weeks of my holiday, I would gaze across the azure blue sea romantically day dreaming of the glamorous parties which must have happened on that piece of land in the middle of the Ionian sea, and the stories that could be told!

Imagine my delight when 30 years later this book is published! If ever a book was written for a person, then I feel this was written just for me!!!!!! You will be transported to the oppressive heat of Greece, to the world’s most famous opera houses, and to the glitz and glamour of the Onassis lifestyle while all the time, routing for Maria who longs to be loved.
A truly brilliant book and one that I wholeheartedly recommend.

I enjoyed reading this book giving an insight to the life of the oper singer Maria Callas. I only remembered her as the mistress of Ari Onassis so was interested to learn more. The reader can't held but sympathise about how he treated Marie. Would definitely a book to be recommended

Fascinating, captivating, and rich!

Diva is an insightful, immersive tale that sweeps you away to Europe during the mid-1900s and into the life of “La Divina” Maria Callas from her dysfunctional upbringing, her ongoing worries and insecurities, her dispassionate marriage to Giovanni Battista Meneghini, her rise and fame as one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century, to her sordid love affair with the richest man in the world at the time, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are hardworking, dedicated, and passionate. And the plot is an intriguing tale of life, love, friendship, family, glitz, glamour, jealousy, scandals, uncertainty, infidelity, drive, determination, and the ins and outs of operatic performances.

Overall, Diva is a vivid, compelling, absorbing novel by Goodwin that does an exceptional job of highlighting her impressive knowledge and considerable research into this renowned iconic figure whose life, talent, and hard work had an undeniable impact on the world of opera as we know it today.

A very interesting book detailing the life of Maria Callas. Of course, it is not fact but it is based on known information. I really liked her and felt very sorry for her when AO left her for Jackie Kennedy. I will be listening to some of her performances. Very enigmatic lady.

Diva by Daisy Goodwin is a novel about the most celebrated opera singer, Maria Callas and her love affair with one of the most richest men in the world, Onassis.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Maria, a fascinating account capturing her vulnerability through her very ambitious and accomplished life…born with a voice which became her destiny.
It’s a compelling portrayal of her love, sacrifice and survival beautifully written with a rich sense of time and place…I couldn’t put it down.
Big thanks to Daisy Goodwin, Aria and Aries and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

This was a treat, fun, interesting and a genre I don’t normally read but it made a real change.

I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

What a superb read this book Diva is! A factional account of the famed opera singer Maria Callas, this novel takes the reader from her childhood in Greece, to USA, to her worldwide travel as the supreme artist that she was, to her eventual relationship with Aristotle Onassis, another well- renowned Greek, a shipping magnate. The narrative flows beautifully, the descriptions of Maria’s at times tortured life, are riveting. I knew very little of Callas before I read this book, but since finishing it, I’ve read much more about her. She continues to fascinate me.
I was initially interested as I am an amateur singer in a chorus, but I was completely blown away by this story. I’m also blown away by her incredible voice, as I’ve listened to some small excerpts of her singing an opera.
The description of her childhood vocal tutor, that her beautiful voice was like a basket of golden coins, but that there were a finite number, and they would eventually run out, so she must guard her treasure and take care not to squander them, was so wonderful.
My heart ached many times for the vulnerable Maria, when she was worked too hard by her ‘handlers’, exploited by her mother, betrayed by her hangers- on ‘friends’, seduced by Onassis. She was so terribly naive, and not at all worldly wise, sadly.
An amazing story, beautifully told. I was captivated from the first page to the last.
My grateful thanks to the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication. My huge admiration to Daisy Goodwin the author, who brought Maria alive on the pages.