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Diva
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
8 posts | 7 read | 5 to read
New York Times bestselling author Daisy Goodwin returns with a story of the scandalous love affair between the most celebrated opera singer of all time and one of the richest men in the world. In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas was known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she was the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. But her fame was hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her golden voice, she learned early in life to protect herself from those who would use her for their own ends. When she met the fabulously rich Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, for the first time in her life, she believed shed found someone who saw the woman within the legendary soprano. She fell desperately in love. He introduced her to a life of unbelievable luxury, showering her with jewels and sojourns in the most fashionable international watering holes with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. And then suddenly, it was over. The international press announced that Aristotle Onassis would marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces. In this remarkable novel, Daisy Goodwin brings to life a woman whose extraordinary talent, unremitting drive and natural chic made her a legend. But it was only in confronting the heartbreak of losing the man she loved that Maria Callas found her true voice and went on to triumph.
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kezzlou85
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Pickpick

This was an interesting read. I knew of some of the characters but not Maria's role in the story. She led quite the life and this was told thoughtfully through the story but it did seem to drag on a little at times. I think I was expecting a little more drama. I did grow to love Maria and her strength that develops more throughout the story. The ending in particular was so well written.

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marleed
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Pickpick

I‘m fascinated by mid 19th century socialites (Babe Paley being my fav and she gets a shout-out here.) To my chagrin I did not know of Maria Callas and her impact on opera. I didn‘t feel like this book succeeded in making these IRL characters compelling. But I have to at least give it a slow pick because it led me to over 5 fascinating hours of subsequent YouTube and googled interviews and documentaries.

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SilversReviews
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Thank you to @carolkathrynfitzgerald of bookreporter.com and Word of Mouth for the win

@macmillanusa
@stmartinspress
@daisygeorgiatraill

TheBookHippie I got this today as well! Cannot wait to read it! 10mo
SilversReviews @TheBookHippie Did you win it as well? 10mo
TheBookHippie @SilversReviews No I purchased it. I love opera and Maria. 10mo
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Karisa
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Pickpick

Imagine a life of tremendous fame and unparalleled singing talent. Diva shows the life of Maria Callas vividly. Filled with celebrities and abuse, her life was like a soap opera. I went into this book not knowing much about her but feel like I have a better appreciation for her strength. The audiobook is well performed by Lorelei King who took on a challenge bringing so many famous voices to life (Onassis, Monroe. . .).

TheBookHippie I love her and I preordered this. So glad to hear it is good! 11mo
Crazeedi I saw this one and definitely want to read!! 11mo
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Karisa
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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#FactfromFiction
The famous opera singer Maria Callas actually was using a stage last name (real name Kalogeropoulos) and was pregnant at one point with Aristotle Onassis‘ child while he was still married to a lady named Tina. 🫣

Her life seems like a soap opera according to this historical fiction book! @ShyBookOwl

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robinb
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Bailedbailed

I almost never do this (and I am sure that many will enjoy it), but I bailed at 30% on this ARC. From all the hype I‘ve been getting on it I felt sure I would love it and was looking forward to it. It is a “loose” biography spanning roughly 20 years of the famed opera singer Maria Callas‘ life. We have small excerpts of her childhood with a domineering, scheming mother, her amazing career and her obsessive and ultimately heartbreaking 9-year 🔻

robinb affair with Aristotle Onassis. While I did make it to their first couple of meetings, I did not get to the actual affair. So yeah, there‘s a lot I missed, and I‘m not ruling out going back to it at some point. I won‘t go into detail here for those planning to read and won‘t give a rating because of my DNF. I might mention a little more on GR just to keep up with the “whens” and “whys”. I‘ll be interested to see what you all think of this one. 11mo
Librarybelle I struggled with her book about Victoria, though I know others who loved it. Her writing style may not be for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 11mo
robinb @Librarybelle That‘s actually a big thing for me with this, too. I haven‘t read her before so didn‘t really know what to expect. It wasn‘t my whole issue, but definitely one. I‘m actually a little relieved to see that some on GR had the same takeaway as I did. Thanks for sharing! 😊 (edited) 11mo
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