This is my first book by Tiffany L. Warren. It is Tiffany’s first historical fiction novel about the first black prima donna Elizabeth "Eliza" Taylor Greenfield. I especially love historical fiction about real people like "The Black Swan" and their real stories!
The novel occurs after The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and before the Civil War. Unfortunately, the author explained that historical details about Eliza's life, friends, and family were limited. However, there was a lot of information about the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society (PFASS). PFASS was a multi-racial group of women that included Quakers and abolitionists. So the novel uses the PFASS and its members to tell Eliza's story along with her singing.
I am grateful for Black authors like Tiffany who are bringing Black history especially Black women to the forefront as it is American history that we need to learn and know about!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was beautiful. Tiffany writes about Eliza's life descriptively and interestingly while educating about this dreadful time in our country's history. The best part is that this "whitewashed history" is examined truthfully and thoughtfully allowing the reader to think and ponder about our history repeating itself.
Of course, I loved the fascinating and detailed explanations of Eliza's dresses and the other female characters.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Eliza (singer). She is the star of the book and the diva of the stage.
The secondary characters are Charles (accompanist friend), Mary (her "sister" and seamstress friend), and Ruby (church friend).
The tertiary characters are her church friends, fiancee and family, abolitionist and Quaker friends, and friends from the PFASS.
As is true for most historical fiction, many characters are necessary for the detailed storyline.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is about Eliza being freed by her former enslaver who becomes her benefactor in Philadelphia. Eliza's family, once freed, emigrates to Liberia while Eliza stays behind. Eliza is well-educated, lives among Quakers, and is discovered to have an extraordinary musical talent. The benefactor dies and the story really begins to be told.
The main locations were Philadelphia and Buffalo with a good amount of time in London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I was shocked that I had a weak knowledge of Philadelphia's pre-Civil War history including The Fugitive Slave Act.
As someone who loves and adores learning about history, I feel embarrassed that I knew nothing about "The Black Swan" which was Eliza's nickname in the press.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful!!
Book title: 5.0 stars
So appropriate!
STRONG recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
The Unexpected Diva by Tiffany L. Warren
432 pages
William Morrow Paperbacks
Release date of 1/7/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
