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A review by weyheyitsrachel
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I want to preface this by saying that I know nothing about Maria Callas, and I'm not sure I know much about her still even after reading this book. That is to say, I'm not sure how accurate most of this book is.
The author starts this book with a note saying that this is NOT a biography but she stuck with the facts as much as possible BUT she took liberties with the dates. Her note also made it sound like she wanted to dramaticize a lot of Maria Callas's story in order to give a story as compelling its subject. (But wouldn't it be honoring her more if you kept the facts without added dramatics?)
With historical fictions that are more biographical, I appreciate accuracy more than anything. I want to learn something. This book felt.... slanderous in a way? Again, I don't have previous knowledge of any of the characters, but I feel like the author painted quite a few of them in a less than ideal way.
So you're probably wondering: "why 3.5 stars if you have such an issue with this book?" Here's why:
Accuracy debacle aside, I did find this story to be compelling. It was emotional and dramatic and I found myself becoming so engrossed in the story that I would lose track of time. I enjoyed the glimpses into the glamorous life of an opera singer. I felt myself becoming angry with Onassis when Maria was angry with him. The emotion the author potrayed was excellent. I do wish there was more of a plot rather than the reader just getting a play-by-play of Maria's daily life.
Overall, this is good book. I'm just iffy on the accuracies of the content since it does include all real people in history. So if you can get past that, this is one to check out.
The author starts this book with a note saying that this is NOT a biography but she stuck with the facts as much as possible BUT she took liberties with the dates. Her note also made it sound like she wanted to dramaticize a lot of Maria Callas's story in order to give a story as compelling its subject. (But wouldn't it be honoring her more if you kept the facts without added dramatics?)
With historical fictions that are more biographical, I appreciate accuracy more than anything. I want to learn something. This book felt.... slanderous in a way? Again, I don't have previous knowledge of any of the characters, but I feel like the author painted quite a few of them in a less than ideal way.
So you're probably wondering: "why 3.5 stars if you have such an issue with this book?" Here's why:
Accuracy debacle aside, I did find this story to be compelling. It was emotional and dramatic and I found myself becoming so engrossed in the story that I would lose track of time. I enjoyed the glimpses into the glamorous life of an opera singer. I felt myself becoming angry with Onassis when Maria was angry with him. The emotion the author potrayed was excellent. I do wish there was more of a plot rather than the reader just getting a play-by-play of Maria's daily life.
Overall, this is good book. I'm just iffy on the accuracies of the content since it does include all real people in history. So if you can get past that, this is one to check out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Miscarriage