“Diva: A Novel” reviewed by Rebecca Rosenberg.
“Diva” by Daisy Goodwin is a remarkable novel that tells the story of Maria Callas, one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time. Goodwin does an excellent job of bringing Callas to life, capturing her passion for music, her determination to succeed, and her vulnerability. The novel also explores Callas’s complex relationship with Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate who was one of the richest men in the world.
Goodwin’s writing is vivid and engrossing, and she does a masterful job of weaving together fact and fiction. The novel is full of fascinating details about Callas’s life, including her childhood in Nazi-occupied Greece, her rise to fame, and her love affair with Onassis. Goodwin also does a good job of capturing the atmosphere of the time, from the glamour of the opera world to the scandal of Callas’s relationship with Onassis.
Diva is a well-researched and well-written novel that is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction and biographies. It is also a moving and insightful portrait of a complex and fascinating woman.
Some of the things that I liked about the novel:
Goodwin’s research is evident throughout the novel. She has clearly done a lot of work to get the details right, from the historical events to the music to the fashion.
Goodwin’s writing is engaging and evocative. She brings Callas to life in a way that makes the reader feel like they are right there with her, experiencing her triumphs and her tragedies.
The novel is well-paced and suspenseful. I was eager to find out what would happen next.
The novel is thought-provoking. It made me think about the nature of fame, love, and loss.
I recommend Diva to anyone who is interested in Maria Callas, opera, or historical fiction. It is a beautifully written and moving novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Reviewer Rebecca Rosenberg is a champagne geek, lavender farmer, and author of books about glorious women of our past.
