This book focus of the life of a diva in the industry of songs and music i.e. opera. This lowkey reminded me of The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo but the only difference is that the protagonist is focused on finding her true love who will look at the woman not at the diva known to the world.
The audiobook format was a total bliss due to its melodious sound effects for the background of opera in the book, I love this part of the book. The protagonist was marvelous and even the side characters too.

Wow! Fantastic.
Until the last few years my preferred choice of reading was non-fiction. Over the last few years I have found more and more examples of excellent fiction and non-fiction.
Maria Callas was probably the best soprano that ever lived.
I had no idea about her life outside music.
I know that this is a work of non-fiction, but it is all believable, but I believe that it is mostly true, and maybe, just maybe, all true.
In any case it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This is the best example of fiction based on real life that I have ever read by some margin.

The audio book added an extra layer to the enjoyment, with an excellent recounting and an excellent production , with musical bonuses above that in the printed book.
Thanks to the author for a wonderful book, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Unfortunately I didn’t love this book as much as I thought I would. I think it part it was because I just couldn’t connect with the main character. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t listened to it on audio

I went into this one with minimal knowledge of Maria Callas‘ story. I worried it might hinder my enjoyment but it surprisingly enhanced my engagement with it all.

While the narrative offered an intriguing perspective on her life, delving into her relationship with Onassis, I found myself craving deeper emotional resonance. The dialogue occasionally felt superficial, failing to fully capture the passion and complexity of their forbidden romance. I wished for a more immersive exploration of the tragic aspects of their relationship and the toll time took on Maria's voice.

The audiobook narrator did a really good job at bringing the story to life and made it a very believable listen. I just almost wished there was more depth for her to work with - I think she’d have done an amazing job with it.

The ending felt abrupt, leaving me yearning for further exploration of these themes. Despite this, the audiobook sparked a newfound curiosity in Callas's life, though it ultimately fell short of its full potential.

This book is a fictionalised account of the life of Maria Callas, paying particular attention to her love affair with Aristotle Onassis, the man who went on to marry Jackie Kennedy.

I knew very little about Maria Callas before I started listening to this book but I found Daisy Goodwin’s account fascinating. I really enjoy fiction which is based on real life people and events and I love a story about the troubled life of an icon, so this ticked all the boxes for me!

The audiobook was really well done, easy to follow and I felt the narrator captured the characters perfectly in her delivery. I particularly liked the portrayal of Elsa Maxwell, a gossip columnist who latched herself on to Maria. After I had finished the book I found myself researching the real Elsa to fully appreciate Daisy Goodwin’s presentation of her.

The audiobook also contains excerpts of Maria’s performances which I thought was a brilliant addition and there’s an interview with the author at the end in which she discusses her inspirations for the book, which I always love to hear.

The settings are expertly described, I was able to fully visualise the opulent and luxurious world which Onassis introduces Maria to and the list of celebrities, film stars and royalty who they socialised with, made it all the more fabulous.

Maria Callas is presented as a woman who fought hard for her success and never took her talent for granted but also knew her worth. She was exploited by those close to her and when she did finally meet someone who could see the woman behind the voice, she was left broken hearted.

I thought it was fantastic and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

I was quite excited to listen to this story of Maria Callas - admittedly going in I didn’t really know much about Callas or her story and in this case I think that probably helped hold my attention to this story.

While I enjoyed this take on her life, I think had I been a fan or already knowledgeable I’m not sure this would have held me in the same way - I thought at times much more could have been done to capture the passion and forbidden nature of Callas’ and Onassis’ relationship - at times the dialogue felt surface level. I felt the narrative was relatively straightforward where in this fictional take it could have been far more emotive as it explored the tragedy of their relationship and well as the toll of time on Maria’s voice.

I thought this ended abruptly and more could have been done to explore that aspect of the relationship.

Overall a decent enough listen that did ignite a curiosity in the life of Callas, but one that showed more potential than was felt in reality.

I knew nothing of Maria Callas before listening to this novel, which gives us a possible version of her life and loves. She was loved and revealed for her voice and powerful presence. Yet she lacked the love of her mother and others. When she met and fell in love with Aristotle Onassis her life would change dramatically.

This is a well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook) with snippets of Maria singing. She had a hard start in life, a glittering career, love and sadness. She was so dedicated to her voice and image she deprived herself of what many of us could never do, such as tasty and indulgent foods. The novel gives us an image of the woman behind the Diva and personally inclines me to listen to some of her singing. Enjoy.

Daisy Goodwin's "Maria by La Divina" takes listeners on an enthralling journey into the life of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, offering a richly detailed fictional retelling infused with passion, depth, and meticulous research.

As someone who went into the book blind, with limited knowledge of Maria Callas, I was captivated by Goowdin's ability to bring Callas to life with such vividness and authenticity. The depth of facts woven into the narrative reflects Goowdin's extensive research, immersing readers in the world of opera and the tumultuous life of one of its brightest stars. What sets this portrayal of Callas apart is the intimate exploration of her character beyond the glamorous facade. Goowdin delves into Callas's personal struggles, from her battles with weight to the complexities of her relationships with her parents, husbands, and lovers. Through Goowdin's poignant storytelling, listeners are offered a glimpse into the heart of the woman behind the opera diva persona, making her journey feel personal and relatable.

The focal point of the narrative is Callas's relationship with Aristotle Onassis, a captivating storyline that unfolds against the backdrop of 1950s glamour and celebrity. Goowdin skillfully weaves in notable figures of the era, from Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe, adding depth and richness to the story. The audiobook format enhances the experience with clips of Callas's iconic performances interspersed throughout the narrative, immersing listeners in her unparalleled talent. While the writing style may not be as dynamic as some other works, the wealth of fascinating anecdotes and revelations about Callas's life more than compensates for any shortcomings. From her performances for JFK to her heartbreaking romance with Onassis, each chapter offers a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a true icon. What made the audiobook an even more memorable listening was the interludes between chapters, giving listeners a melodic break between chapters.

As I concluded this audiobook, I found myself not only in awe of Maria Callas's talent and resilience, but also deeply moved by her journey. Daisy Goowdin's portrayal of Callas as a strong, independent woman who defied the odds to pursue her passion serves as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance and the enduring legacy of a true diva.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Head of Zeus Audiobooks, Aria, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #Diva #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

I went into this book blind because I didn't know anything about Maria Callas.

I did enjoy it considering the time it was set in so it was fun to listen about her and especially the well known people she interacted with and the various dynamics she had with them.

I was surprised by how much I loved the audiobook. It made the experience of the plot so much better.

This glorious book starts at the end so to speak as it describes her powerful performance on 20th October 1968 in Paris when she had just found out her previous lover of 9 years, Arisotle Onassis had just married his new love interest, Jackie Kennedy, leaving Maria heartbroken.

Although this is a fictional retelling of Maria Callas, the depth of facts are very apparent and it is clear that Daisy has done extensive research into her life. Daisy's passion for Maria Callas is obvious and it oozes between the pages and transports you, the reader, back so it feels like you are watching the scenes play out in real life. Aside from the fact I love how Daisy has captured so much character for Callas, not just the famous opera singer the world would see portrayed by the media but that of the girl she was at heart which made it very personal and real - her issues regarding her weight and subsequent weight loss and how that accelerated her career, the influence of her parents from a young age in relation to her as a person and her signing career and also how she laid bare her heart to her husbands and lovers, and how she would go above and beyond to please them which would usually be detrimental to her personally. And yet despite all her heartbreak she realised that opera was her true love and after the departure of Onassis, it was the love of her maid and friend Bruna that helped Callas find herself again within opera.
I had such a wonderful time reading and learning so much about Maria Callas. I am in awe of her, and I won't do her the injustice of feeling sorry for her, just that throughout all her hardship she preserved until she got what she wanted and was the epitome of a strong, independent woman.
A wonderful read, beautifully written. I would love there to be a follow up book to continue Maria's story until her unexpected death in 1977 of a heart attack 💔

Interesting biography, pleasant narration.
I knew bits and pieces about Maria Callas, but this offered more.
Me gusta.

Hop into the pages of this story and let it transport you to the glittering world of the diva Maris Callas.

I'd heard of Maria Callas prior to reading this but, beyond being an opera singer, I knew nothing of her life (I thought she was the one who sang Barcelona with Freddie Mercury if im honest 😂) and my only knowledge of opera is my love of the soundtrack to Helena Bonhem Carter version of Room with a View(my absolute all time fave film)..

Her life was certainly fascinating, growing up with a pushy and vile mother, Maria did not have it easy. She became a strong woman who fought for her place in the hall of fame in this world. Her voice was the ultimate power house.

The story is monopolised by her relationship with Aristotle Onassis (I had no idea they dated!) and with the latter comes the hierarchy of 1950s big names.... I loved all the name dropping... From Winston Churchil and Bridget Bardot to Marlene Dietrich and Truman Capote.... So many stunning settings are featured too.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one, with the audiobook not only are there clips of Maria singing in between sections but also there's a great interview with the author at the end. She said diva meant divine one, and she wanted that title to be given back it's original meaning rather than what it means today (ie jlo wanting bowls of Smarties with all the brown 🟤 ones removed)...

The writing style wasn't as stimulating as other books I've read recently however it was fascinating to read about a huge star who I knew so little about.... For example I had no idea she sang for JFK on the same night as Marilyn Monroes famous Happy Birthday 🎂 moment! Or that she was dumped by Onassis for Jackie Kennedy.

I can't actually claim to like Maria Callas very much after reading this but her story was very a fascinating one.

🎧Audio Book Review🎧


Diva
Daisy Goodwin

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Music has been my life - but in all the years that I've played music myself, been to many concerts and shows, I've never been to an opera!
This book has inspired me and made me more determined to attend at least one in my life - and given that my daughter recently moved to Milan, how wonderful it would be to attend one at the La Scala.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book but I was absolutely hooked, fascinated and mesmerised by all that it held.

Recounting the life of Maria Callas - American born, Greek Diva, fashion icon, Goddess and opera soprano extraordinaire - there was just so much within this story that I just couldn't put it down!

I obviously loved all of the musical detail in here.
I know of a lot of the opera names and even some of the music within them due to having played the orchestral or band arrangements - especially overtures - but hearing about their meaning was brilliant.
I loved to hear about the fusion of the acting with the singing that goes into creating such a stunning performance of that character on stage - but also seeing lots of the behind the scenes life of such a dedicated musician.

Alongside this, we're also treated to much of the star's personal and love life starting with her marriage to Giovanni Battista Meneghini and moving through her love affair with Aristotle Onassis.
This read somewhat as a romance novel, but there was so much more to it too!

I have to admit to falling a little in love with Maria's story and the emotions created throughout had me completely captivated.
I loved her on stage persona - the public facing off stage persona and the beautiful real woman behind that mask!
It was fascinating to see how she coped with the pressures she was under and quite scary to see how the public view turned so easily.

I listened to this on audio book and thought the narration was perfect!
The added touches of the musical interludes were absolutely gorgeous too!

Totally inspiring - I absolutely must grab a copy of this book so that I can relive it's beauty!



💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕

I'd heard good things about this book, and was keen to add this to my reads list. So when the opportunity to listen to this on audiobook arose I jumped at it.

Firstly, the audiobook itself. The narration of this was brilliant. I enjoyed the way the narrators portrayed the characters and the pieces of music interwoven throughout. It provided the chance to hear Maria's voice, something I hadn't heard before, and added great depth to the story.

This is definitely a good one to listen to as well as read.

Now the story itself, This is a fictional retelling of the tragic life of Maria Callas, deemed one of the greatest opera singers ever. I say tragic because so much is layered into this story from her childhood, relationships and her love life.

It was interesting to find out so much about the events that shaped Maria's life. Her relationship with her mother who seemed to have tried to live her dreams through Maria and was extremely forceful in getting Maria to sing from a very young age professionally.

Her estrangement from her sister who she was jealous of for having her mothers love, and her marriage where it again seemed her husband was more interested in her voice and the money it could make them, rather than Maria's health and happiness at times.

And finally her relationship with Onassis. And wow listening to this part it was hard not to be angry. Honestly what a narcistic, controlling, manipulative man! I felt great pity and sadness for Maria throughout their relationship and the loneliness of her life.

There is a really interesting author discussion at the end that shows her love of Maria, her voice and thoughts on many aspects of this book.

Overall this was an intriguing account and retelling. A good book to step out of your comfort zone to read.

As familiar as I am with Maria Callas as a singer, I never knew anything about her personal life – up until now!

The supporting cast in Maria’s life, and by extension this book, are quite something to behold. She is in circles with Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, and more icons of the mid-20th Century.

This particular book looks at Maria’s relationship with Aristotle Onassis, from their first meeting to when he marries a widowed Jackie Kennedy. For Maria, this is the first time something (or someone) has mattered more to her than her art. It’s a gripping story, and because we know from the start that it doesn’t have a happy ending, there is a sense of looming dread across the whole book.

Maria is often profoundly unlikeable, but you can’t help but love her. She is dramatic but also earnest, sometimes callous and not particularly self-aware, but with a more than admirable passion for her art. I found the scene when she hears of Marilyn Monroe’s death not just moving but also an insight into her tender side, as she mourns not just the woman but also the potential of a true friend and kindred spirit.

As readers, we get an insight into Onassis’ true colours before Maria does, and yet we can still see what Maria sees in him. Even as she slowly realises more about his true character, it is easy to understand her reasons for staying with him. The author gives us such a great insight into Maria’s emotions, no matter how contradictory they may be.

The book is excellently narrated by Lorelai King, who has mastered a huge range of accents and transports us to mid-20th Century high society. There’s also the lovely addition of some excerpts of Maria Callas herself singing between the sections (or “Acts”) of the book, which are a great finishing touch.

As much as this book will appeal to opera fans, I think it has a much farther reach than that, as its story is in equal parts unique and universal.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Although I started reading the physical copy of this book, I actually ended up listening to it so I could really soak up the atmosphere and I would recommend this to everyone, as it includes several bars of Maria singing, which really immerses you in Maria’s story, and perfectly sets the operatic scene.

Maria was quite a character; from a time when diva meant goddess, there’s no doubt that she lived up to her nickname (in all senses of the word). Goodwin is an excellent writer, managing to create a story that blends fact with fiction, whilst also weaving Maria’s stage presence with her real persona, ensuring that we get a balanced view of who she really was as well as the realities of a stage career. We see the glamorous parties, full of famous names dripping with diamonds, but we also see the love, passion and heartache she faces in her personal life.

Even though she’s not particular likeable, you cannot help sympathising with Maria, especially her journey to get there, considering her childhood and all of the men who tried to control her.

Each time she brushes shoulders with a well-known face, I found myself desperate to find out more about that person during that time; my American history is lacking so I had no idea Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis, so that was a shocking reveal that sent me straight to Google!

Although I liked where the story ends, it did feel a bit of a comedown and perhaps a little further on would have helped readers understand her a bit more, particularly the impact of her voice loss.

A stunning fictionalised account of Maria Callas that will delight opera aficionados and novices alike.

What is not to love about this book? The narrator had an amazing array of voices for the different characters which really helped this story leap ff the pages for me.

I knew nothing about Maria Callas - or opera for that matter - beyond the obvious so this novel was a revelation. I was totally hooked from the very start. The timeline jumps around a little, which I found a little disconcerting, and as I was listening to the book, it meant it was not easy to go back and check whether we have gone back in time if I had missed a chapter introduction.

Since reading this, I have read up on Callas, and think that Goodwin was, perhaps, a little too kind in some of Callas' interactions with people. But, honestly, I would not have it any other way - the book tells you from the start that there will be some poetic licence and I really felt like got to know a version of Callas who the world exploited at many points in her life.

Glorious retell of a life with fabulous detail - especially the outfits and jewellery. I am hungry for more books about Callas and her interesting life now!

I am not sure if I missed it (being as I heard this story) but the baby she almost had with Onassis did not seem to be fully explained. Her relationship breakdowns with her first husband, Elsa Maxwell, and then Onassis' betrayal also seemed to have had a light touch... I wanted more - but maybe I am being greedy?

Fabulous read. Get the audio book - there is a really interesting interview with the author at the end which is not to be missed.

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.

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

Overall, I would rate this 2 stars. It wasn't bad, but I found myself bored halfway through, so I DNFed it there.

The characters were interesting and I was initially engaged with Maria's story, but I got bored of the lack of plot. It felt like the same sequence over and over, which lead to what was an enjoyable read becoming dull and predictable.

The narrator was good, else I probably would have quit sooner, but even good characters and narrator aren't enough to keep me engaged in a plot so lacklustre. Plot isn't my biggest priority, but there has to be some element of intrigue to keep me interested. Sadly, this had none.

I would maybe recommend to big fans of Maria Callas, but as I don't know much about her, I can't decidedly recommend it for this reason.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC.

So interesting to hear more about the life of Maria Callas, Splendidly narrated and love the extra music clips - would love more of those! But great to hear about her struggles. Really enjoyed this!